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1

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Neveal Hackshaw

« on: Today at 11:03:15 AM »

New Mexico united vs Oakland Roots (May 11, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/AIRGWzNVDQc?start=184" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/AIRGWzNVDQc?start=184</a>

2

Football / Re: Neveal Hackshaw Thread

« on: Today at 11:02:21 AM »

Oakland Roots captain Neveal Hackshaw's deflected shot trickles into the New Mexico goal to level the game at 1-1 against New Mexico United.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/AIRGWzNVDQc?start=184" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/AIRGWzNVDQc?start=184</a>

3

Football / Re: The Legends are coming.

« on: Today at 06:58:07 AM »

Inspiration for Generation Now
By Garth Wattley (T&T Express)

IT had been a long time since the Hasely Crawford Stadium had been turned into a red sea. On Friday it came close to that.

It took Kaka, Rivaldo, Cafu, Edmilson, Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy and their colleagues from the Legends and T&T All-Stars teams to bring the people out to watch football.

By all accounts, a good time was had by all. The fans got ten goals to watch and saw Kaka and Anthony Wolfe score share six of those ten between them.

It was striking to me that so many people would still be interested in paying good money to see players well into retirement and past their athletic best kick the football around.

Jamaal Shabazz, currently the national coach of Guyana had a reasonable theory about the turnout.

“It easy to say that people came out to see the Brazilians,” he said but added, “I think it (also) shows how much the people of Trinidad and Tobago appreciate the likes of Russell Latapy and Dwight Yorke, and those guys of that era.”

Most definitely, there would have been an element of nostalgia surrounding the charity match. People still remember the football the 1989 “Strike Squad” played. And 2006 was less than 20 years ago, when Strike Squad graduates Latapy and Yorke went to Germany as part of the first T&T team to have qualified for a World Cup Finals. Since then, there has not been a national side that has achieved anything as significant as that squad fashioned by Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, so Friday’s affair was a chance for the public to relive their most recent best memories, so to speak. That, in itself, says something.

Why, in the 18 years since Yorke led a team that also included Carlos Edwards, Kenwyne Jones, Shaka Hislop, Densill Theobald and Aurtis Whitley to a World Cup, have T&T not produced a crop of players of similar calibre?

That is a question the new Trinidad and Tobago Football Association president Kieron Edwards and his executive must get a definitive answer to, and find solutions for.

Youngsters, like my nephew, who were seeing those stars of yesteryear for the first time, need to form attachments to players of their era. The pre-teens who play the game now, need more than “oldies” like Yorke and Latapy to inspire them. They need to see “live” examples of how a professional footballer today should play the game and carry his or her self.

As Shabazz said: “New stars much emerge. I will like to see that support transferred to the Trinidad and Tobago national team presently, at all different levels, whether it be women, youth or senior men. I will like to see a culture of support every time a Trinidad and Tobago team takes the field.”

What events like Friday can do, is fire the imagination of Generation Now. But the football fraternity must find creative ways to use the rich history of T&T football to encourage greater awareness among the current generation of what went before and what they should be aspiring to.

The TTFA now has a Home of Football. In this age of advanced technology, could not video footage be acquired from the period 1989 to 2006, just to be conservative, and used as a kind of museum exhibit that people can visit? Could arrangements not be made so that something similar can happen at the Ato Boldon, Hasely Crawford, Manny Ramjohn, Larry Gomes and Dwight Yorke Stadiums? And why stop at football? Is it not possible for some of the feats of Ato Boldon, Richard Thompson, Jereem Richards and the medal-winning 4x100 and 4x400 relay squads of the last 18 years to be displayed at these venues also?

Such an innovation will not guarantee future stars, but it will at least ensure that the past is not forgotten and that those playing in the present have targets to aim at, set by ones like themselves.

4

Football / Re: Republic Bank National Youth Football League Thread.

« on: Today at 06:53:42 AM »

Pro Series stake claim for two Republic Cup titles
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

ON May 25, Pro Series will go in search of two titles in the Trinidad leg of the 2024 Republic Cup competition when they contest the boys’ under-16 final and the girls’ under-20 final respectively.

Last year, Pro Series copped the boys’ under-15 and under-17 crowns in the Trinidad leg of the competition. On Saturday, Pro Series got a right battle from Trendsetter Hawks in their under-16 semifinal at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field, Mucurapo, but a goal in first-half stoppage-time by Daquan Johnson gave them a pivotal 1-0 win and secured their spot in the final.

The other under-16 semi was also decided by the solitary goal, as Chad Nicholas scored in the 26th minute to secure Beatnix’s victory against FC Ginga at Frederick Settlement, Caroni. In the second game of a semifinal doubleheader at the University of TT, O’Meara campus, Pro Series’ under-20 girls team booked their spot in the final when they came from a goal down to beat the high-scoring Pleasantville FC team by a 3-1 margin.

Pleasantville took the lead in the 18th minute through TT youth star Nikita Gosine, but her national youth teammate Rasheda Archer stole the show as she scored a double to help Pro Series to the precious comeback victory.

In the other girls’ semi, MIC Matura ReUnited did their damage early as they got first-half goals from Eva Nicholas and Jessica Harrigan as they blanked Trincity Nationals by a 2-0 margin.

Also in O’Meara, Central outfit Evolution FC kept rampant national under-20 attacker Malachi Webb in check as they got a 2-0 win over Premier SC to advance to the boys’ under-20 final in style.

In the quarterfinals, the bustling Webb scored a beaver-trick as he fired Premier SC past Pro Series by a 4-3 margin. However, Webb’s threat was kept in check by the centre back pairing of Miqel Samuel and St Benedict’s College captain Joshua Demas. At the other end, Evolution critically did their business in the second half, and they took the lead in the 69th minute when Kermannuel Christopher banged in from close range after a well-worked free kick.

In stoppage time, Evolution got the knockout blow when Kirziah Mayers scored directly from a right-side corner after the goalkeeper made a meal of his left-footed delivery.

In the other boys’ under-20 semifinal in Mucurapo, Athletic International Academy (AIA) conceded a late first-half goal to City FC, but Dalon Sankar scored a second-half double to grant his team a 2-1 comeback victory.

In the boys’ under-14 semis, Samuel Balfour went on a rampage for Union Hall United as he scored three of his four goals in the second half to steer his team to a thrilling 6-3 victory against their South rivals Cox Coaching School.

In the other under-14 semi, Jeremai Nanton scored a brace in the second half as City FC cruised to a 3-0 victory against Cardinals FA. After the Trinidad finals are decided on May 25, the national champions will be crowned on June 1 when the varying Trinidad winners tackle the Tobago champions.

5

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guyana Games (13 & 15 of May-2024)

« on: Yesterday at 08:18:02 PM »

'Disappointed' Eve calls on young Soca Warriors to step up
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

SOCA Warriors head coach Angus Eve has called on his younger players to step up to the plate following Trinidad and Tobago's 2-1 friendly win over Guyana at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on May 13.

In the first of two friendly matches between the two teams in the build-up to Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifying next month, the hosts stormed out to a 2-0 lead at the halfway mark after a pair of well-taken goals by debutants Ezekiel Kesar and Kevon "Showtime" Woodley, the 2023/24 T&T Premier Football League's (TTPFL) leading goal scorer.

The home team's intensity and control diminished in the second half, though, and the Guyanese came on strong in the second period after grabbing a 47th-minute goal from their tricky winger Kelsey Benjamin. The 25-year-old Benjamin was highlighted as one of the standout players by coach Jamaal Shabazz, who felt the visitors gave a good account of themselves in the "useful exercise."

Eve was pleased with his team's execution of their game plan in the first half, and he said T&T should have capitalised on their positive spells to put the game beyond the "Golden Jaguars" in the first 45. In the second half, though, with the Soca Warriors coach making a handful of substitutions and granting debuts to the midfield quartet of Simeon Bailey, Adriel George, Josiah Wilson and San Juan North Secondary star Lindell Sween, Eve noted a drop in his team's standard.

"I was disappointed. To be fair, I thought it was a game of two halves," Eve told the media after the match. "I thought in the first half we really did what we wanted to do and what we practised. Basically, the ball (retention) was really good in the first half. We moved the ball around and we changed sides. We penetrated and we created opportunities.

"In the second half, that just went to pieces. I know we made some changes and we did play some younger kids but I was disappointed with their quality on the ball."

Kesar and the Caledonia forward Woodley, who has netted 16 goals in the TTPFL this season, were both taken off in the 67th minute as Wilson and the 17-year-old Sween entered the fray. Meanwhile, the central midfield pair of Bailey and George came on in the 76th minute as Matthew Woo-Ling and Daniel David, another debutant, made way.

Operating on the left and right wings respectively, Wilson and Sween looked anxious and hurried in possession, while the latter spurned T&T's best second-half chance after being played through on goal in stoppage time. Known for his sturdy midfield play and tough tackling, the lanky Bailey also wasted a presentable chance when he shot wildly over bar in the 82nd minute after the opposition failed to deal with a Wilson corner.

"I know it's a lot of young kids that we put on, but I expect bigger things from them. Josiah Wilson and young (Lindell) Sween have been playing at national level for a while and they have been playing at senior (club) level for a while, so I expected a little bit more from them today."

Eve said he was initially surprised by Guyana's 5-3-2 shape, which saw their centre-backs and central midfielders getting ample time to stroke the ball around as they looked for gaps in the T&T defence.

Eve felt his team read Guyana's intentions well enough, though, as he said the Warriors limited the clear-cut chances created by the visitors. Eve was pleased with the output of the midfield trio of David, Woo-Ling and Defence Force ball-winner Kevon Goddard, and he said his plan to play two "number tens" alongside the workmanlike Goddard proved effective.

He said there is still room for improvement, particularly as it relates to the fitness of the players.

"I think making the jump up is always going to be difficult," he said. "We have to play more games of this intensity for the guys to really hit their full potential."

Eve also commended the play of flankers Isaiah Lee and Kesar, who gave the T&T attack variety with their contrasting styles. The speedy Lee worked well in tandem with Ross Russell Jr down the left flank to get in behind the defence, while Kesar often drifted inside and found pockets of space outside the area – leading to his goal and a subsequent assist for Woodley.

On the 37-year-old Woodley, Eve said the striker's performance was "fantastic" as he played the number nine role to a T.

"He was a little bit leggy after 55 or 60 minutes, but what he did in the first 45 to 55 minutes is exactly what we expected of him," Eve said.

"He held up the ball, he linked the play well and he got his goal. And his runs off the ball probably deserved a little bit more."

From 7 pm on May 15, Showtime, Kesar and the new band of Soca Warriors players will have another chance to stake their claim for a spot in next month's World Cup qualifying squad.

6

Football / Re: Sheldon Bateau Thread

« on: May 13, 2024, 11:19:32 AM »

Bateau’s World Cup Dream inspires Warriors return
By Gyasi Merrique (T&T Guardian)

T&T footballer Sheldon Bateau is set to end a 10-month absence with the T&T men’s senior football team when the Soca Warriors meet Guyana in two friendly internationals this week at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain.

The Belgium-based defender who has been capped 54 times with the T&T senior men’s team says that after “a positive discussion” with head coach Angus Eve he has agreed to play at least one of the two meetings between the Warriors and Golden Jaguars on May 13 and 15, respectively.

He aims to reposition himself as a mainstay in Eve’s plans with FIFA World Cup qualification and CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) campaigns on the horizon.

Back in T&T on holiday from another season with SK Beveren in Belgium’s Challenger Pro League, the second-highest division in that country’s professional league system, Bateau spoke exclusively to Guardian Media Sports on Thursday at his home in East Trinidad.

“It was always a goal of mine and of my generation, to get to a senior World Cup. We’ve been to two youth World Cups before and the bigger picture is getting to the next World Cup and we can only do that with the best players being available,” he said.

“I think we still have enough quality to get to that World Cup and with my level of exposure and experience I would love to be a part of it and help lead the team.”

He added that it was also hard to ignore that the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in CONCACAF by Mexico, USA and Canada will also be expanded to 48 teams from 32.

It means that with the three co-hosts already guaranteed automatic spots at the showpiece event, this confederation will be afforded another three spots from the qualification process and a possible two more via the inter-confederation play-off.

“It is actually one of the best chances that we would have and for me, I like to live my life without regrets. At the end of the day, the coach would pick his squad and that’s up to him but I want to put myself into a position where I have no regrets, I would have given my all like always for my country, and at the end of the day I could live with that.”

Bateau, 33, has not featured in national colours since T&T’s embarrassing exit from the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA last July, which included being hammered 6-0 by the hosts on July 2 to mark the end of a forgettable campaign. T&T had started the competition on June 25 with an encouraging 3-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis but three days later were blown away 4-1 by Jamaica who at one point led 3-0 after just 30 minutes.

Although Bateau played every minute of each of the three matches, T&T’s final group match against the USA was the last time he represented the senior team. During that stretch of nine matches out of the team T&T beat Curacao 1-0 and lost 5-3 to the same opponents and recorded identical 3-2 wins against El Salvador and Guatemala in the CNL League A group stage. The performances were rewarded with a quarterfinal showdown in the competition against the USA where T&T was again beaten 3-0 in the first leg in Austin Texas before achieving a stirring 2-1 win in front of a home crowd at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Subsequently, however, the Warriors would also come out on the wrong end of a 2-0 result in CONMEBOL’s Copa America CONCACAF Play-off against Canada for a spot in this summer’s competition.

Finally willing to lift the lid on his absence from the senior team picture during the period Bateau said, “For me, it's all about giving a hundred percent and after speaking with the coach I felt like I wouldn’t be able to do that. I shared that with him and we had a mutual agreement more or less.”

He added, “There would have been other personal issues I would think on both ends probably but, in the end, I would say there was a mutual agreement.

“It is no secret, when you play at a certain level some things as a professional you don’t agree with. Not only myself, other players would have shared their sentiments but for me, the main thing was just the mental factor. Especially after the Gold Cup it was really difficult functioning under the circumstances at a high standard.”

The failed 2023 Gold Cup campaign did not take its toll on Bateau alone. Months later, team captain Kevin Molino suddenly peeled back the veil on the national team and more so the management of head coach Angus Eve.

Days after Eve named Molino in a provisional 40-man squad for the September 2023 international window for CONCACAF Nations League matches, the then Minnesota United playmaker launched a tirade as reported by Wired868.com.

“I don’t want to be a part of this mess,” Molino reportedly told Wired868. “I don’t want to be part of a set-up where the national coach is using the national team for his own benefit. I don’t want to be part of that. For me, he lost the locker room. One hundred percent, he lost the locker room.”

Speaking on Thursday, Bateau, a close friend of Molino dating back to their time with several youth national and club teams, rubbished any idea that his own time away from the national team was a result of being blacklisted.

“It definitely wasn’t connected to the stance that Molino took. That was a personal choice that he made. Of course, we spoke about it and there are things that I agreed with (that he said). It's no secret to anybody who would have been watching T&T for the past few years.”

During his time away, Bateau has thrived at the club level. Initially signed to SK Beveren on loan from Turkish club Samsunspor, Bateau penned a two-year permanent deal at the start of the just-concluded 2023-24 season and was also named club captain.

Following a solid 32 appearances last season, the former Fatima College defender made 28 appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist. This coupled with the fact that another FIFA World Cup campaign is about to begin, Bateau says is the ideal time to resume his international career.

He said, “I feel quite good. To me, age is just a number and to be honest with my experience I think with all those factors I can be an asset to the national team.”

Hopeful for new energy from new executive

Bateau has been capped at Under-17, U-20, and U-23 level for T&T and made his senior team debut in 2013. During his 10-year stint as a senior Soca Warrior, he has played under five different managers.

He has also seen his fair share of TTFA presidents come and go. In April’s TTFA election, Kieron Edwards came into the helm replacing the Normalisation Committee headed by Robert Hadad.

T&T also has continuous top-flight, competitive football being played via the T&T Premier Football League.

All encouraging signs for the country's footballing future, said Bateau.

“Trinidad football has always had potential, it's just for us sometimes to put ego aside and work together at all levels.

“With the league being down for a while, it's really good to have a league up and running, being able to have access to it online is really a good feeling to be able to see some of my peers, some of the youths because I am also looking at younger players to help them to get outside as well, is really positive.

“I think we can work together a bit more at all levels because with these things going on and with the new federation taking over hopefully things can continue to go in a positive direction.”

7

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guyana Games (13 & 15 of May-2024)

« on: May 13, 2024, 11:09:57 AM »

Soca Warriors, Jaguars renew rivalry...first of two-match series tonight at Hasely Crawford Stadium
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

LOCALLY-based footballers will get an opportunity to vie for selection ahead of the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign in just over two weeks, when the Trinidad and Tobago men’s national team plays the first of a pair of friendly internationals against Guyana today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 7 p.m.

The Soca Warriors and Guyana Jaguars will renew their rivalry, having not met since a 1-1 draw in Port of Spain in March 2022. Three of the last five meetings have ended in 1-1 draws, with T&T winning the other two by 3-0 margins.

T&T head coach Angus Eve thinks the two-match Guyana series gives him a rare chance to develop young players, and also allows deserving ones a chance to vie for selection to his World Cup squad.

“It’s extremely important,” declared Eve. “Every time we play in a (FIFA match) window, it is always a competition match,” he lamented. “So we don’t have opportunities to expose people inside of a window.”

He continued: “So when we get these opportunities, (it is) valuable for us to continue to widen the pool and give young players the opportunity (for selection), which we are doing in this match.”

Likewise, Jamaal Shabazz, the Guyana coach, also cherishes the chance to see his local players in a competitive environment.

“We (now) get to see the locally-based players that actually play in Guyana, “ Shabazz said. “Part of the development process is widening the pool by exposing more players to international football. So this match provides a tremendous opportunity for these guys to get some international minutes,” he added.

Eve will be having a first look at players such as Tobago’s Adriel George, Under-20 player Lindell Sween and rolific Point Fortin Civic goal-scorer Ezekiel Kesar at international level, along with some regulars and other experienced players.

“We have Ezekiel Kesar. Young (Lindell) Sween has been doing well. We exposed Michael Chaves the last time, so we want to continue to give some of these Under-20 players an opportunity to play with the senior team.”

Eve has also recalled Belgium-based defender Sheldon Bateau, whose season recently ended, and also gave a late call-up to veteran striker Kevon “Showtime” Woodley, the top-scorer in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier League at age 38. “We also have some senior guys that (we) haven’t had around for a bit, so we want to give them the opportunity to address us again, seeing that they are available. Ezekiel Kesar has been scoring a lot of goals in the League (TTPFL) and Woodley also has an opportunity. He has been scoring a lot of goals in the League and I think that he deserves an opportunity with the locally-based players.”

Like Eve, Trinidadian Shabazz is using the pair of matches against T&T to have a look at players ahead of the second round of CONCACAF Zone qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. T&T host Grenada on June 5, and Bahamas on June 8, while Guyana begin with a tough away match to Panama on June 7, before hosting Belize on June 12.

“The full squad supposed to get together next week, and from this process in Trinidad, we will select who are the local-based players that are going to be in that squad.”

Meanwhile, players screened this week might take note of the area where Eve hopes to have most improvement for the World Cup team. He said that he is happy at the goalkeeping positions, wide backs, and also believes he has goal-scorers.

“Defence has always been an area that we want to strengthen, especially in the centre-back position, and (in the) midfield we want to be a little more faster; we want to be a little bit more expansive. Those two areas, the spine of the team, are places we really want to strengthen,” said Eve.

UPCOMING MATCHES:

Today

7 p.m. - T&T vs Guyana, Hasely Crawford Stadium

Wednesday

7 p.m. - T& T vs Guyana, Hasely Crawford Stadium

Tickets $50 (Covered Section); only available at venue on match day

T&T SQUAD:

Denzil Smith (Club Sando FC), Christopher Biggette (D/Force), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Aaron Enill (Prison FC). Ross RussellJr (LaHorquettaRangers), AdrielGeorge (1976 Phoenix FC), Robert Primus (Police FC), Andre Raymond, Brent Sam (D/Force), Daniel David (La Horquetta Rangers), Duane Muckette (AC PoS), Ezekiel Kezar (Point Fortin Civic Centre), Isaiah Lee (La Horquetta Rangers), Shervhonez Hamilton (Club Sando), Simeon Bailey (Police FC), Kevon Goddard (D/Force), Jamal Jack (Club Sando), Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay Utd), Josiah Wilson (Police FC), Alvin Jones (Police FC), Justin Garcia (D/Force), Liam Burns (AC PoS), Lindell Sween (Caledonia AIA), Matthew Woo Ling (D/Force), Michel Poon Angeron (AC PoS), Sheldon Bateau (SK Bever), Kevon Woodley (Morvant Caledonia).

8

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 13, 2024, 10:56:27 AM »

San Fernando Giants slay both Tier 2 leaders
T&T Express

San Fernando Giants followed up a 2-1 win over Harlem Strikers on April 28, by slaying another of the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) Tier Two leaders on Saturday, when defeating Guaya United 1-0 .

Victory was secured via a late goal from soon-to-be 40 year-old Andrei Pacheco, the hard-kicking former W Connection and Trinidad and Tobago national team midfielder, who scored two minutes into second half added-on time.

The win stopped Guaya from taking a clear lead in Tier Two. They are still joint leaders with Harlem Strikers, both on 25 points, with Guaya having played a match less. Giants, one of the traditional long-standing clubs in T&T, moved up from seventh to fifth spot.

Meanwhile, Shem Clauzel scored a hat-trick, including a penalty, as Defence Force II moved up to third spot (24 points) after whipping Police 11 by a 5-0 margin in midweek.

TTPFL RESULTS:

(Tier 2)

Saturday

S’Do Giants 1 (Andrei Pacheco 90th+2) Guaya United 0

(Wednesday)

Defence Force (Shem Clauzel 12th, 25th, 58th (pen), Darius Olliviera 55th, Isaiah Farrell 87th) Police 0

(Tier 1)

Saturday

AC Port of Spain 3 Club Sando 0

TIER 2 STANDINGS:

Team MP W D L GF GA Gd PTS

Harlem Strikers 14 7 4 3 42 17 +25 25

Guaya United 13 8 1 4 21 15 +6 25

Defence Force II 13 7 3 3 39 9 +30 24

Matura Reunited 11 7 3 1 27 14 +13 24

S’Do Giants 13 7 2 4 21 20 +1 23

Queen’s Park 12 7 0 5 27 12 +15 21

P. Valley D… 13 6 3 4 22 18 +4 21

CSW 13 5 5 3 15 16 -1 20

Eagles II 12 4 3 5 19 23 -4 15

Police II 12 4 2 6 12 18 -6 14

UTT 12 4 1 7 25 29 -4 13

Laventille Utd 13 3 2 8 21 39 -18 11

Bethel United 9 2 2 5 12 19 -7 8

Club Sando II 12 2 2 8 16 45 -29 8

RSSR FA 12 2 1 9 12 37 -25 7

9

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 12, 2024, 12:34:02 PM »

AC Port Spain edge ahead...TTPFL Tier I title race going down to the wire
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

THE “Capital Boys”, AC Port of Spain, will again enter the final day of the local professional football league with the lead and destiny in their own hands.

But will they blow it on the final day, as they did last season, when beaten by Defence Force and losing both the lead and the 2023 title?

Yesterday, the “Capital Boys” took pole position as they leapfrogged previous leaders Police FC, following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Tiger Tanks Club Sando.

Club Sando will end the 2024 season in fourth spot, one place lower than a year ago, despite losing two national players, Real Gill going overseas and Alvin Jones moving to Police FC.

AC Port of Spain now sit in the lead on 41 points—from 19 matches—with one match left, away to Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic. Former leaders Miscellaneous Police FC (39 points) are second, with a final match against winless Central FC, while champions Defence Force (37 points) are third and face Cunupia Eagles on the final match day.

AC Port of Spain, Police and Defence Force have now qualified to represent Trinidad and Tobago in Caribbean competition.

Yesterday, a tight first half saw no goals, either team creating just one scoring chance apiece. But it was a different story in the second period, when former national winger Nathan Lewis came on as a substitute and strongly influenced the flow of the match.

Jamal Charles, the striker who is likely to run out for Grenada against Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup qualifying next month, netted twice—in the 48th and 56th minutes. And another substitute, Che Benny, put the icing on the cake three minutes into added-on time, spotting goalkeeper Denzil Smith off his line and beating him with a long-range “dipper”.

AC PoS still have to navigate a dangerous final match day next Sunday, when they travel to Mahaica Oval for a difficult meeting against Civic, a side with in-form Ezekiel Kesar and veteran Marvin Joseph, both proven goal-scorers.

Yesterday, there was an early scare for AC Port of Spain when Shervonez Hamilton’s powerful strike struck the post, his low shot beating keeper Marvin Phillip at the near post, but coming off the woodwork.

Club Sando generally went the direct route of finding point man Shaquille Henry with the long ball, and while AC PoS dominated possession, they hardly looked like scoring until first-half injury time, when a diving goalie Denzil Smith turned away a low, cross-goal shot from Charles, which was headed to the far corner.

The “Capital Boys” came out explosive and were ahead when Charles headed in John-Paul Rochford’s free kick. Then when Lewis entered the game he had the Club Sando defenders dancing in all directions, and delivered a cross, which Charles put in after running free between defenders.

Having had little work in the first half, custodian Smith was suddenly under siege, and having to fend off Duane Muckette’s powerful shot, before Lewis also struck the upright with a low shot, having eluded both his marker and the goalkeeper’s low dive. But there was nothing Smith could have done as Benny’s rocket sailed over his head and into the top of the net.

10

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 12, 2024, 12:22:19 PM »

Army within two points of TTPFL leaders
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

REIGNING T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) champions Defence Force (37 points) moved within two points of leaders Miscellaneous Police FC (39 points) after getting a 2-1 win over the cellar-placed Central FC on Thursday night.

Playing in the first game of a double-header, Defence Force got second-half goals from Shaquille Bertrand and mid-season signing Isaiah Leacock as they kept their slim title hopes alive.

Both Police and the third-placed Defence Force have one game left this season against Central and Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) respectively. The TTPFL title is arguably AC Port of Spain’s to lose, though, as the “Capital Boys” are second on the 11-team table with 38 points and still have two league games left. On Saturday, AC PoS will play the fourth-placed Tiger Tanks Club Sando (32 points) from 4 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar as they look to take a pivotal lead in the title race. AC PoS will conclude their season on May 19 when they face the seventh-placed Heritage Petroleum Pt Fortin Civic.

At the Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation grounds, Defence Force kept the pressure on the top two in their duel with Central, who are still to win a league game after 19 matches.

After a goalless first half, the Army/Coast Guard combination opened the scoring just after the interval when Bertrand found the back of the net in the 47th minute. Central, who have made it to the semifinals of the First Citizens Knockout Cup, held their own for most of the contest.

In the 89th minute, though, Defence Force opened up a 2-0 lead when former AC PoS forward Leacock scored his ninth goal of the season.

Defence Force did have a nervous end to the game, as flanker Miguel Williams scored in stoppage-time to salvage a consolation for Central.

In the second game of the double-header, hosts Terminix La Horquetta Rangers got back to winning ways when they defeated Prisons FC by a 2-1 margin.

Striker Isaiah Lee opened the scoring for Rangers in the 19th minute, while lanky attacker Leonardo Da Costa doubled the home team’s advantage with his 53rd-minute goal. The 24-year-old Lee, who featured for the Soca Warriors at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, has been included in a 25-man squad for TT’s two friendlies against Guyana at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo next week.

Prisons got on the scoresheet just after the hour mark through flanker Brendan Figuera, but Rangers held on to get their eighth victory of the season.

Rangers (28 points) consolidated fifth spot on the table, while Prisons are ninth.

11

Football / Re: The Legends are coming.

« on: May 12, 2024, 12:10:22 PM »

Legends vs All-Stars score big time
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

BRAZILIAN Kaka and local striker Anthony Wolfe both scored hat-tricks in an entertaining 5-5 draw featuring the Brazilian Legends against a Trinidad and Tobago All-Stars squad in a “fete match” charity event on Friday night, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Promoters I95FM certainly scored, drawing an almost full capacity. Despite the princely price of admission--as much as $450 for the covered section of the HCS--local fans were willing to pay for the entertainment and a lime.

The draw was Kaka, Cafu, Rivaldo and Edmílson, a quartet of 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning stars, lining up with and against some of T&T best-ever footballers, and a couple of Caribbean stars.

Making a return to local football was the “Mexican Wave”, one dedicated to popular recently deceased nuts vendor “Jumbo”. Just like in past times, the wave never seemed to want to stop.

Brazilians Kaka and Cafu appeared to be still full of enthusiasm for the beautiful game; the disappointment would have been Rivaldo, who it seems has lost a lot of his touches, and was a peripheral figure on the field.

Apparently is not only England’s Peter Crouch who likes to pull on dreadlocks, but apparently Cafu as well. Has Cafu evolved into a “nasty” player defensively, or is it that we never noticed it before?

Either way, Collin Samuel did not like it a bit when the Brazilian tugged at his dreads, halting the 2006 T&T winger running to goal. Whenever left behind, Cafu made sure that his opponent’s run ended abruptly, getting a couple of crossed looks-- but none serious enough to evolve into anything more.

Still-active Police FC striker Anthony Wolfe, a member of T&T’s 2006 World Cup squad, threatened to take the spotlight away from the Brazilian visitors, firing in an early hat-trick, giving the All-Stars a 3-1 lead at the end of the first of three, 30-minute periods.

That could not be allowed. And when Wolfe threatened to score a fourth, he was immediately pulled off, only to return in the final of the three “thirds”, with the team balanced at 3-3.

It was Kaka who would draw the Legends level at 1-1, combining with Cafu before scoring and cancelling out Wolfe’s opening goal, a diving, low header sending the ball past Kelvin Jack, another member of the 2006 WC squad.

Kaka and Cafu were ever present. Kaka blew past both Cyd Gray and Clayton Ince up the flank, finding Kafu, whose blistering drive was kept out by Clayton Ince, who showed that he is no back number.

Our own “greatest ever”, midfield magician Russell Latapy, showed some touches, and also tried an audacious chip over Jack, which at Latapy’s best, might have dropped in, instead of over the bar.

Kaka and Cafu both netted as the Legends dominated the second period with two goals, levelling the score at 3-3, and leaving all to be decided in the final half-hour period. By then, most were walking rather than running. Nobody was defending much. Well, except for a now bulked-up former national captain Khaleem Hyland, who dropped his pounds on a few opponents, including a shoulder to the face of the still pencil-thin Kendall “Jaggy” Jagdeosingh.

Kaka would go on to complete his hat-trick when scoring from the penalty spot, but not to be outdone his former Orlando City teammate Kevin Molino would start and finish the move which ended in the final goal for the Legends.

If nothing else, Friday night’s event showed Trinidadians love entertainment and Brazilians. But do they love football? That well be tested on June 5, when the real thing begin with the start of the 2006 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifying against Grenada. Let’s see how many show up at the same venue, when no Brazilians will be present.

LEGENDS TEAM:

Kelvin Jack (GK), Cafu, Earl Jean, Russell Latapy, Kevin Molino, Rivaldo, Carlos Edwards, Kaka, Khaleem Hyland, Kenwyne Jones, Ansil Elcock, Kern Cupid, Kendall Velox, Elijah Joseph, Lyndon Andrews

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

ALL-STARS TEAM:

Clayton Morris, Aurtis Whitley, Clint Marcelle, Cyd Gray, Hutson Charles, Devorn Jorsling, Arnold Dwarika, Leonson Lewis, Collin Samuel, Cornell Glen, Curtis Gonzales, Densill Theobald, Keon Daniel, Carlyle Mitchell, Anthony Wolfe, Ataulla Guerra, Hayden Tinto, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Marvin Faustin, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Marvin Phillip (GK)

Coach: Angus Eve

12

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guyana Games (13 & 15 of May-2024)

« on: May 10, 2024, 06:52:05 PM »

Schoolboy Sween gets maiden Soca Warriors call-up
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

T&T men's football coach Angus Eve has named a 25-man squad for his team's two friendlies against Guyana at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on May 13 and 15 respectively.

Similar to a pair of friendlies against Jamaica two months ago, the Soca Warriors coach has chosen a squad largely comprising locally based players, with Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) standout Lindell Sween among the players called up on Friday.

Eve initially picked a 26-man squad, but Tiger Tanks Club Sando defender Jamal Jack was a late scratch due to injury.

Earlier this week, Eve said next week's matches will provide an opportunity to expose new players to the international scene as T&T look ahead to their first Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifier against Grenada at the Hasely Crawford venue on June 5. On June 8, the Warriors will face Bahamas on the road in their second qualifier.

"We see these games as very important cogs in the wheel of our preparations going into the World Cup campaign for 2026," Eve said, via a May 7 T&T Football Association (TTFA) release. "It's an ongoing programme that we have started since I have come on board where we get some international games to get the locally based players up to speed."

The 17-year-old Sween, who can be utilised as an attacking midfielder or a striker, represented T&T at the Concacaf under-17 championship last year, and he was also a member of the T&T squad which contested the Concacaf under-20 championship on home soil in February. Sween was hampered by a leg injury in the latter tournament, though, and he was substituted just before halftime in the first game, before featuring in T&T's last game of the campaign against Canada.

Last month, the San Juan North Secondary student, who also plays with Caledonia in the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL), was named as one of the SSFL's top five players for the 2023 season.

The T&T squad includes veteran Belgian-based defender Sheldon Bateau, regulars Alvin Jones, Duane Muckette, Ross Russell Jr and Defence Force centre back Justin Garcia, who was named as the TTPFL Player of the Year last season.

The goalkeeping trio of Christopher Biggette, Adrian Foncette and Denzil Smith have also been retained by Eve, while Prisons FC goalie Aaron Enill has been selected on the back of fine form between the sticks in the TTPFL. The former Defence Force goalkeeper has been key in Prisons' run to the First Citizens Knockout Cup semis, helping them to penalty shootout wins against Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic and MIC Matura ReUnited respectively.

There are first time call-ups for seven players, with central midfielders Simeon Bailey, Daniel David and 1976 FC Phoenix's Adriel George all in line for their debuts. Flankers Ezekiel Kesar and Josiah Wilson have also been rewarded for their good form in the TTPFL for Point Fortin Civic and league leaders Miscellaneous Police FC, respectively.

On Wednesday night, Kesar, a former Naparima College player, scored his tenth goal of the TTPFL campaign when Civic were hammered 6-1 by Caledonia at the Arima Velodrome.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm on both days, with tickets being sold at the venue on game day. The covered section is priced at $75, with $50 for the uncovered section.

Soca Warriors squad:

Goalkeepers: Christopher Biggette (Defence Force), Aaron Enill (Prisons FC), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Denzil Smith (Club Sando).

Defenders: Sheldon Bateau (SK Beveren), Liam Burns (AC PoS), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Alvin Jones, Robert Primus (Police FC), Andre Raymond (Unattached), Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers), Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay United).

Midfielders: Simeon Bailey, Josiah Wilson (Police FC), Daniel David (La Horquetta Rangers), Adriel George (1976 FC Phoenix), Kevon Goddard, Matthew Woo Ling (Defence Force), Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron (AC PoS), Lindell Sween (Caledonia).

Forwards: Ezekiel Kesar (Point Fortin Civic), Isaiah Lee (La Horquetta Rangers), Brent Sam (Defence Force).

13

Football / Re: Gavin Hoyte Thread

« on: May 09, 2024, 07:18:49 PM »

Gavin Hoyte on leaving Maidstone United after five years at the Gallagher Stadium
By Craig Tucker (KentOnline)

Club captain Gavin Hoyte had a feeling his time at Maidstone United was coming to an end.

Hoyte, 33, received a guard of honour from team-mates before the Stones’ play-off eliminator against Aveley after it was announced he would be leaving.

It was a special moment for the former Arsenal defender after five years at the Gallagher Stadium, with his family in on the surprise as they followed him on to the pitch.

Hoyte’s final appearance came as a late substitute during Maidstone’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Coventry at the end of February.

Even back then he felt he was approaching the end of the road with the Stones.

“I got a bit emotional at the end of that game,” said Hoyte, who joined from Dagenham in the summer of 2019.

“I hadn’t been told at the time but it felt like it was all coming to an end.

“Sometimes you get that feeling as a player that the club is going to start to move on.

“I’m getting older and I need to start looking at other things, another job and things like that.

“I didn’t feel that was going to be my last game but it felt like it would be my last season.”

Hoyte’s departure was confirmed in a meeting with manager George Elokobi, assistant boss Craig Fagan, head of recruitment Zach Foster-Crouch and director of football Bill Williams.

“The gaffer said he wasn’t going to offer me a new contract for next season,” added Hoyte, who intends to play on elsewhere.

“I respected everything he said.

“He said thank you for everything you’ve done for the club but we’re going to go in a new direction.

“I knew myself it was coming so I wasn’t too upset.

“Obviously it was still emotional to hear you’re not going to stay on but I knew myself I probably couldn’t carry on at Maidstone.”

Out of respect for his captain, Elokobi informed Hoyte of his decision before the end of the season.

He wanted fans to be able to show their appreciation for a player who’s given everything.

There was a surprise guard of honour and presentation before the Aveley match, with Hoyte also unaware his wife, children and dad were there.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Hoyte.

“I walked out and saw the players lining up and then Sol (Wanjau-Smith) and Lucas (Covolan) were saying look behind you and my family were there.

“To do all that, it just shows what type of club it is. You don’t get that at non-league clubs.

“It was a very, very emotional time and to hear the fans sing my name was amazing.”

Hoyte rediscovered his love for the game at Maidstone after an unhappy spell with Dagenham.

He’d considered giving up before Hakan Hayrettin, then head coach under John Still, picked up the phone.

The right-back quickly became a crowd favourite at the Gallagher as Maidstone’s Mr Consistent.

He captained the side for much of their National League South title-winning campaign of 2022 and also led them on their history-making FA Cup run this season.

“I look back on my time at Maidstone and straight away I smile,” said Hoyte. “It’s been an unbelievable journey.

“The year before, when I was at Dagenham, I didn’t play much and I was thinking whether I still wanted to play.

“I was really down that season but then I got the call from Hak to come to Maidstone.

“That first year I felt like I did really well and I went from strength to strength.

“I always gave my all and the fans knew that.

“They always supported me.

“I went from being at a club where I didn’t feel part of it to feeling loved and being so together with everybody.”

Hoyte took the armband during the title season after Elokobi, then still a player at the Gallagher, was sidelined for months by a groin injury.

The pair lifted the league trophy together and Hoyte was made permanent captain following Elokobi’s retirement.

He leaves with great memories of a championship success and a glorious FA Cup run, including a 2-1 fourth-round win at Premier League new boys Ipswich.

“I always said I wanted to win a league and I managed to achieve that,” he said.

“Everything about that season, the togetherness of the team, I really enjoyed it, but I think getting to the fifth round of the FA Cup has topped it.

“It has to because I don’t think that’s going to be achieved in who knows how many years?

“To play at grounds like Ipswich and Coventry and those scenes against Barrow and Stevenage at home, you can’t beat that.

“When you’re leading out a non-league side at a Championship ground, it’s incredible.

“I’d played at Portman Road with Watford but that was nowhere near the same as going there with Maidstone.

“It was just where we’d worked so hard to get there, there was all the build-up and you’re seeing fans who you’ve got to know watching their team at a big ground like Ipswich.”

14

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 09, 2024, 12:52:14 PM »

AC POS survive scare vs Phoenix to move within a point of TTPFL leaders Police
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) title hopefuls AC PoS (38 points) moved within a point of leaders Miscellaneous Police FC (39 points) when they got an exciting 3-2 win over 1976 FC Phoenix at the Arima Velodrome on May 8.

AC PoS, who finished an agonising second in the inaugural TTPFL season last year, have a game in hand on their rivals Police and similar to last season, they will have their fate in their own hands once more.

AC PoS have two games left against the fourth-placed Tiger Tanks Club Sando (32 points) and sixth-placed Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic (23 points) on May 11 and 19 respectively. Meanwhile, in what promises to be an intriguing final day of the season on May 19, Police will play the cellar-placed Central FC.

With maximum points from their last two games, the “Capital Boys” will be crowned champions on 44 points. Any slip up from coach Walt Noriega’s team, and the lawmen will be well positioned to pip them on the line.

Fresh from their gripping 3-3 draw with Police on May 5, Phoenix started the game full of confidence and they should have taken the lead in the 18th minute when their top marksman Mickaeel “Jem” Gordon was provided with a glorious one-on-one chance. Five minutes later, Gordon drew a fine low save from veteran AC PoS goalkeeper Marvin Phillip after a probing run from midfielder Adriel George.

Phoenix’s wasted chances were AC PoS’s gain, though, and the title chasers struck twice in the space of three minutes to get some daylight. In the 28th minute, midfielder John-Paul Rochford scored with a right-footed shot after receiving a cut back from defender Liam Burns. Attacker Sedale McLean then rolled into an empty net on the half hour mark to make it 2-0 after Phoenix goalie Duvaughn Daniel collided with his burly centre back Jeremiah Bristol as they pursued a loose ball.

In the 56th minute, Phoenix finally made good on their early promise and hard running when Gordon swept home from close range after a lovely counter-attack involving George and centre forward Che Richards to grab his 11th goal of the season. Gordon made the AC PoS defenders uncomfortable with his darting runs in behind, and he spurned a presentable chance just after the hour mark after rounding Phillip and sending a tame effort toward goal.

Similar to the first half, the visiting Tobago outfit were swiftly punished by AC PoS when Grenadian attacker Saydrel Lewis tapped in at the back stick in the 63rd minute after a lovely square from Rochford. Lewis could have doubled his tally four minutes later, but Daniel saved smartly at the first post to stop a firm right-footed shot.

The visitors ensured AC PoS had a shaky final few minutes in Arima, as Phoenix substitute Jahiem Harry scored with a powerful shot from outside the area after getting a layoff from George.

Phoenix got stoppage-time heroics in their last outing to salvage a draw versus Police, but they just fell short in their attempts to take a point off the Capital Boys.

15

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Justin Araujo-Wilson

« on: May 09, 2024, 08:00:54 AM »

FC Vysočina Jihlava vs MFK Cherubim (August 25, 2023)
https://twitter.com/socawarriors/status/1695253224503067118

FC Vysočina Jihlava vs FK Varnsdorf (May 3, 2024)
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1786746500816519368

MFK Vyškov vs FC Vysočina Jihlava (May 8, 2024)
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1788336686750990473

16

Football / Re: Justin Araujo-Wilson

« on: May 09, 2024, 07:56:20 AM »

Justin Araujo-Wilson opens the scoring with a brilliant strike from just outside the penalty area during FC Vysočina Jihlava's 3-3 draw against FK Varnsdorf.
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1786746500816519368

Justin Araujo-Wilson pounces on a loose ball in the penalty area and blasts it into the back of the net to score the game-winner in FC Vysočina Jihlava's 1-0 win over MFK Vyškov.
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1788336686750990473

17

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Aubrey David

« on: May 08, 2024, 09:52:04 PM »

CS Cartaginés vs Sporting San José (May 8, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182</a>

18

Football / Re: Aubrey David Thread

« on: May 08, 2024, 09:51:23 PM »

Aubrey David scores with a looping header from 12 yards out to earn CS Cartaginés a 1-1 draw with Sporting San José.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182</a>

19

Football / Thread for T&T vs Guyana Games (13 & 15 of May-2024)

« on: May 08, 2024, 04:14:53 PM »

Soca Warriors to play Guyana in two friendlies on May 13 and 15
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago's men's football team will play Guyana in a pair of friendly internationals at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on May 13 and 15.

Coach Angus Eve says the games present the local-based players with a chance to stake their claim ahead of the Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifiers which commence against Grenada on June 5, as well as the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A cycle which begins in September.

Eve said a handful of new players will be given the opportunity in the two matches owing to their good form in the ongoing 2023/24 T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) season. Defenders Sheldon Bateau, Josiah Trimmingham and Andre Raymond, who became a regular fixture at left back toward the backend of the Soca Warriors' 2023/24 Nations League campaign, have completed their respective club seasons and are expected to be involved in the friendlies.

Eve also said players such as Daniel David, Ezekiel Kesar, Isaiah Lee, Matthew Woo-Ling and the Miscellaneous Police FC pair of Simeon Bailey and Josiah Wilson will be in the mix.

"We see these games as a very important cog in the wheel of our preparations going into the World Cup campaign for 2026," Eve said, via a T&T Football Association release.

"It's an ongoing programme that we have started since I have come on board where we get some international games to get the locally based players up to speed (to) see how they perform against international opposition."

Guyana, who are coached by former T&T coach Jamaal Shabazz, gained promotion for the upcoming Nations League A campaign after topping their Nations League B group which included Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

"Guyana is also in the League A of the Nations League so it's not slouches we will be playing. It gives the local players a final opportunity to be seen outside of their league against international opposition so that we can pick the final squad. That is what these exercises are about."

In March, T&T played Jamaica in a pair of friendlies ahead of their Copa America 2024 play-in with Canada. Eve utilised a heavy local contingent in those outings and gave debuts to several players. T&T lost the first friendly 1-0, before playing to a goalless draw in the second match.

Eve says next week's venture will be similar.

Eve said meetings with TTFA president Kieron Edwards, who assumed office on April 13, have been fruitful.

"The TTFA president has been in the media saying how positive the meetings were and we think they were also positive from our end. He and his new board are committed to helping us and the country to qualify for another World Cup."

Shabazz, who hailed the Soca Warriors as "formidable opponents," praised the TTFA and the Guyana Football Federation for their huge investments with the staging of the friendly matches.

"Of course, whether it is football, cricket, hockey or rugby, when Guyana plays T&T we want to win so it's also going to be a title fight."

Kick-off will be 7 pm on both days, with tickets priced at $75 (covered section) and $50 (uncovered section).

20

Football / FIFA Football for Schools Thread

« on: May 08, 2024, 02:52:07 PM »

TTFA launches Fifa Football for Schools project
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

After three days of coaching workshops and practical activities involving primary school students at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo and Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, the T&T Football Association (TTFA) launched the Fifa Football for Schools programme at the Malabar venue on Tuesday.

Geared toward introducing the game to young boys and girls in otherwise untapped rural communities and schools, the Football for Schools programme is expected to kickstart on May 13 in primary schools across Trinidad. Over 40 coaches will be involved in the programme, with 56 Trinidad schools being invited to participate in the project, to go along with eight Tobago schools.

Fifa Football for Schools manager Antonio Buenano Sanchez will oversee the programme, and he guided the coaches through their paces on Tuesday as they conducted varying drills with eager students.

Approximately 40 students went through different drills and played friendly scrimmages, with schools such as Arima Presbyterian, Avocat Vedic School, Bonne Aventure Presbyterian, Carapichaima RC and Tunapuna Government Primary School being represented. Roughly 20 coaches guided the players through the sessions, with youth coaches such as Sharaz Ali and Cedric Hazelwood among those giving their instructions from the sidelines. Former national players Kern Cupid, Dexter Cyrus and Afiya Matthias were also involved in the coaching sessions.

Rajesh Latchoo, head of coach education and the TTFA’s director of youth football, said the aim of the programme is to grow the game at the grassroots level, which can lead to the unearthing of hidden gems.

Starting with the two-month long Football for Schools programme, Latchoo said the goal is to have children from four to 14 playing the game on a consistent basis for a seven-month period. Latchoo said due to the primary school syllabus and the timing of the launch, the first cycle of the programme targeted children who completed their Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams this year.

Latchoo is also one of the project leads on the national steering group, which includes members of the TTFA, the Ministry of Education, Sport Company of T&T (SporTT), Ministry of Sports and Community Development and the National Primary School League.

“As members, our job was to bring football to communities that may not have had football, or schools that may not have had football. It’s about growing the game and teaching the kids technical skills and life skills,” Latchoo said.

“The programme is heavy on life skills and we use football as the vessel to introduce or reinforce that because the Ministry also has value, as well as the TTFA, in what will be enforced in the schools.”

Latchoo said the programme will help feed into the TTFA’s high performance programme, and he believes the momentum will be taken into the Generation Amazing programme and the Primary Schools league.

Earmarked for the July-August period, Latchoo said the Generation Amazing programme will be similar to the Football for Schools programme, but will be geared specifically for communities.

Latchoo said the programmes will aid coach education and “benefit all different departments of the TTFA.”

“There’s an app Fifa has (Football for Schools) which allows the coaches access to the different types of sessions. The TTFA will help govern the syllabus and then the app will help them get content.

“This will give us an opportunity to see some of our young coaches who would have just recently completed their C club licence.”

The confirmed listing of schools in the Fifa Football for Schools programme will be finalised on Friday.

21

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 07, 2024, 05:06:29 PM »

TTPFL title race blown open, Police draw 3-3 with Phoenix
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

The title race for the 2023/24 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) took another interesting twist on Sunday evening, when leaders Miscellaneous Police FC (39 points) were held to an exciting 3-3 draw by 1976 FC Phoenix at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago.

The result took Police four points clear of second-placed AC PoS (35 points) at the TTPFL's summit. However, with the solitary game left against cellar-placed Central FC, Police will have to depend on AC PoS to drop points in their remaining matches to secure the top spot.

AC PoS have three games left in the season, including a meeting against Phoenix on Wednesday.

The Tobago outfit certainly played the role of spoiler in their clash with Police, and they led twice in the six-goal thriller in Bacolet before scoring dramatically in stoppage time to grab a point.

Phoenix took the lead in the fourth minute when their talisman Mickaeel "Jem" Gordon scored his tenth goal of the season after receiving a lovely pass from midfielder Adriel George. Xavier Rajpaul equalised for Police in the 17th minute, but Phoenix restored their lead just past the half-hour mark when Che Richards finished off another move involving the busy George.

The teams went into the halftime interval level at two apiece as Police flanker Kadeem Hutchinson headed in a left-side cross from Josiah Wilson in the 41st minute.

In the 65th minute, the lively Wilson turned from provider to scorer when he gave the lawmen the lead with a rasping shot from outside the area to make it 3-2.

Police seemed to be heading for the precious three points to take them six points clear of AC PoS, but they were denied by late friendly fire when substitute Anthony Wolfe inadvertently headed a set piece past Police goalkeeper Adrian Foncette in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage-time to level the scores at 3-3.

Phoenix consolidated seventh spot on the table with the draw, and they will do their best to further impact the title run-in on Wednesday when they meet title challengers AC PoS.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

1.Police FC*19*11*6*2*42*20*22*39

2.AC PoS*17*10*5*2*40*19*21*35

3.Defence Force FC*18*10*4*4*33*18*15*34

4.Club Sando*18*9*5*4*30*21*9*32

5.La Horquetta Rangers*18*7*4*7*36*33*3*25

6.Point Fortin Civic*18*6*5*7*25*20*5*23

7.1976 FC Phoenix*17*7*2*8*27*32*-5*23

8.Prisons FC*19*7*1*11*24*35*-11*22

9.Caledonia*18*5*6*7*26*25*1*21

10.Eagles FC*18*5*4*9*21*28*-7*19

11.Central FC*18*0*2*16*12*65*-53*2

22

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: May 07, 2024, 04:53:01 PM »

Biggette stars in shootout as Army advance to First Citizens Cup semis
T&T Newsday

DEFENCE Force goalkeeper Christopher Biggette won the battle of the Soca Warriors custodians on Sunday evening, as he made two saves in a penalty shootout versus Tiger Tanks Club Sando to send the Army through to the First Citizens Knockout Cup semifinals.

In the second match of a quarterfinal doubleheader at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds, Defence Force scored late in regulation time to tie the game at 2-2, before holding their nerves in the penalty shootout to get a 4-1 triumph.

Club Sando forward Shackiel Henry continued his stellar form in the knockout tournament, and he opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Army defender Justin Garcia scored in the 20th minute to bring the defending champions on level terms.

Henry scored again in the 77th minute to give Sando a 2-1 lead as he grabbed his fifth goal in the FCB Cup. Having defeated T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) leaders Miscellaneous Police FC in the round of 16, Sando looked destined to land another major scalp in form of last season’s League and Cup winners.

However, attacker Shaquille Bertrand scored the vital equaliser in the 82nd minute – paving the way for Biggette’s heroics from the spot.

Kicking first, Defence Force were perfect from the spot as Garcia, Jelani Felix, Dylon King and Matthew Woo Ling all fired past Soca Warriors custodian Denzil Smith. Biggette upstaged his TT teammate as he saved the first two spot kicks from Shervohnzez Hamilton and Henry to help seal Army’s passage to the semis.

In the other quarterfinal in La Horquetta, cellar-placed TTPFL tier one team Central FC showed off their superiority when they blanked tier two outfit San Fernando Giants by a 4-0 margin.

Man-of-the-Match Kyle Bartholomew scored in either half, while Levin Caballero and Miguel Williams scored the other goals to send Central through to the semis.

23

Football / Re: Men's U-17 Thread

« on: May 06, 2024, 04:56:38 PM »

Cooper content with drawn series...T&T U-17s lose 2nd Jamaica friendly
T&T Express

HEAD coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s national Under-17 team Shawn Cooper said his team will leave Jamaica with their heads high despite losing 2-1 in the second of two friendly internationals against the young Reggae Boyz at the JFF Technical Centre on the UWI Mona campus, yesterday.

Having won the first game 1-0 last week, Cooper said his players had the same approach yesterday, however, the scoreline went in favour of the hosts.

T&T went ahead in the 15th minute through Salim Soanes before Orel Miller brought the scores level in the 38th. Jahmari Nolan hit the winning goal in the 61st for Jamaica. T&T won the first of the two friendly internationals 1-0 on Friday, with former St Benedict’s College flanker Akel Vesprey scoring in the 90th minute.

Both teams are preparing for their 2025 CONCACAF Men’s Under 17 World Cup qualifying matches. After the match, Cooper said: “Coming out here with a 1-1 in the series is very good for us. For this group to get this sort of result...it wasn’t just a 2-1 victory, it was a hard-fought 2-1 result...We think we came out on top here today,” the T&T coach said.

Reflecting on the game, Cooper said two errors at the back cost his side. Cooper explained that they had to make do with a “makeshift” back-line and that “the communication wasn’t there.” “They went through with a run and this is what they were trying to do all game but when we had the first-choice back five, they dealt with it,” he said

“Most of our boys were playing on Astro Turf for the first time and playing at nine o’clock is difficult and telling on your legs and we picked up a couple of injuries but the game was played at a terrific pace, so it would have had a toll on the boys,” Cooper continued.

“They wanted to win to level the series. For me, leaving here one-all in the series, I think I am on top. We took the first rubber. They had to come hard to equalise, so we are leaving Jamaica with our heads held high,” the T&T coach said added.

In terms of the importance of the series, Cooper said: “It is always beneficial in playing Jamaica. “This game was played like a proper international game and not like a training game or a friendly. Some of our guys saw what it takes to play at the international level and it is all well for their development.”

The T&T coach added: “We are hoping to go foreign and see what guys we have that can fill in. We have a number of guys at Inter Miami who played against Olympic Lyon last night, so we have about three of them. We are looking to broaden our horizons so that when we go back to Trinidad, with the exposure these guys have, it will only do well for us in going forward.”

24

Football / Re: Republic Bank National Youth Football League Thread.

« on: May 06, 2024, 04:41:31 PM »

City FC in hunt for Republic Cup titles
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

City FC stayed in contention for two 2024 Republic Cup National Youth Football League crowns after registering quarterfinal wins in both the under-14 and under-20 divisions on April 28.

City FC recorded the biggest win of all the boys' quarterfinal matches when they hammered Creek SCC by a 5-0 margin at the Republic Bank Sports Club, Barataria in the under-14 age group.

Cardinals defeated Ultimate Unisons by a 2-1 margin in their under-14 quarterfinal, while Union Hall United blanked World Class Soccer Clinic 2-0.

Cox Coaching School, the losing finalists in the Trinidad leg of last year's under-13 competition, got a handsome 4-0 win over Arima Araucans.

In the under-20 division, City FC emerged with a 2-1 win against Central outfit Crown Trace FC at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar. Chaguanas North Secondary standout Justin Lewis gave Crown Trace a 26th-minute lead, but second-half goals from Aydon Caruth and 2023 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division winner Caden Trestrail gave City FC the comeback result.

Evolution FC edged HVC FC 3-2 in their under-20 quarterfinal as Josiah Hypolite scored a second-half penalty to settle the affair. Athletic International Academy edged San Juan Jabloteh 5-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate in their under-20 quarterfinal.

In the other under-20 quarterfinal, national under-20 forward Malachi Webb put the Premier SC team on his back when he scored a beaver trick in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Pro Series, last year's under-15 and under-17 winners in the Trinidad leg of the tourney.

In the under-16 age group, Pro Series stayed alive as they scored twice in a four-minute span in the second half to beat Point Fortin Youth Academy 2-0 at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.

A Gershom Chase brace helped Trendsetter Hawks to a 2-1 win over Gasparillo Youths, while Beatnix and FC Ginga booked their respective under-16 semis spots with wins over World Class and Cox Coaching School.

In the girls' under-20 division, MIC Matura ReUnited and Trincity Nationals advanced to the semis with contrasting wins against Crown Trace and Talent and Energy. Pleasantville FC and Pro Series won their quarterfinal matches by default.

25

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: May 06, 2024, 03:40:00 PM »

AC Port of Spain, Prisons FC in First Citizens Cup semis
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Prisons FC and TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) title hopefuls AC PoS advanced to the semifinals of the First Citizens Knockout Cup on May 5, with victories over MIC Matura ReUnited and Eagles FC respectively.

AC PoS, who are currently in second spot behind leaders Miscellaneous Police FC in the TTPFL tier one, held off a plucky Eagles FC outfit by a 2-1 margin at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.

Soca Warriors playmaker and AC PoS captain Duane Muckette was the standout figure for the "Capital Boys," and he scored a first-half double to give his team a 2-0 lead at the halfway stage. Eagles' Haitian winger Exilus Angelo scored via the penalty mark in the 49th minute. However, AC PoS held on for the result to keep their hopes of a TTPFL double alive.

At the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Prisons continued their resurgence as they got a hard-fought 5-4 penalty shootout victory over TTPFL tier-two outfit Matura after playing to a 1-1 stalemate through regulation time in their quarterfinal.

Prisons, who held AC PoS to a 1-1 draw in the TTPFL on Thursday, took a 78th-minute lead through flanker Brendan Figuera. Matura then got an equaliser from Omari Lezama in the 89th minute to force the match into the dreaded shootout.

Similar to their tense round of 16 penalty shootout win over Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic FC, Prisons held their own from the spot to stay in contention for the Cup.

After press time, tier-two outfit San Fernando Giants took on tier-one strugglers Central FC, while defending champions Defence Force played Tiger Tanks Club Sando in a heavyweight tier-one clash.

26

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Reon Moore

« on: May 02, 2024, 09:36:14 AM »

Pacific FC vs TSS Rovers (May 1, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240</a>

27

Football / Re: Reon Moore Thread

« on: May 02, 2024, 09:35:05 AM »

Reon Moore scored in the dying seconds to earn Pacific FC a 1-1 draw with TSS Rovers in regulation time. Pacific FC eventually triumphed 5-4 on penalties, to earn a spot in the quarter-finals the of Canadian Championship.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240</a>

28

Football / Re: Men's U-17 Thread

« on: April 30, 2024, 09:43:32 AM »

T&T U-17s for Jamaica camp, friendlies
T&T Express

This country’s Men’s Under-17 national football team will travel to Jamaica from May 1-8, for a residential training camp inclusive of three friendly matches versus Jamaica’s U-17s and a club side.

The current T&T U-17 selection features several players who have graduated from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association High Performance Programme and competed at the CONCACAF Boys Under-15 Championship in the Dominican Republic last August, recording memorable wins against Costa Rica and Qatar.

The team, which has been under the guidance of Shawn Cooper since 2023, was initially undergoing preparations for the CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Qualifiers, first slated to be held in August 2024. However, on April 18, CONCACAF issued a circular advising that the Qualifying matches for the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup was now moved from 2024 to 2025.

This therefore meant that there would be additional time for preparations for the CONCACAF U-17 Championship.

A release yesterday stated that the TTFA felt it would be best to provide opportunities for the national team to face international opposition and further dates for camps and talent identification are continuing to be identified for the rest of 2024 ahead of the qualifiers in 2025.

While in Jamaica, the U-17 boys will play Jamaica on Friday and Sunday before concluding their trip with a friendly versus a club team next week Tuesday.

This initiative is in line with the TTFA’s application to the FIFA Talent Development Scheme which aims to provide additional resources to member associations for the elite youth national teams.

TTFA President Kieron Edwards insisted that there will be continuous efforts to provide opportunities for exposure and match preparation for the various national teams.

“In keeping with the executive’s mantra to strengthen partnerships and our relationship with our brothers in CFU, we are pleased to be embarking on this journey to Jamaica,” said Edwards.

“Despite the challenges, the commitment to the continued development of our high-performance programme shines through. This trip marks a pivotal step towards our U-17 team’s quest to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2025. It’s a testament to the dedication of all involved, securing this opportunity mere days after the new executive’s installation.”

T&T U-17 Squad

Goalkeepers: Mikhail Clement (Naparima College), Necose Moore (Chaguanas North Secondary)

Defenders: Jimally Renne (Presentation College, San Fernando), Jaydon Caprietta, Jeremiah Daniel, Antonio Hills (all Naparima College), Dimitre Jones, Keston Richards (both Arima North Secondary), Salim Soanes (St Benedict’s College)

Midfielders: Antuan Louison, Seth Hadeed (both Fatima College), Alejandro Harper, Eran Mc Leod (both St Mary’s College), Nikosi Foncette, Kyron Baptiste (both Presentation College, San Fernando), Jasai Theophilus, Jayden Christophe (both Queen’s Royal College), Riquelme Phillips (Speyside High), Adasa Richardson (Naparima College)

Forwards: Jonathan Mason (Fatima College), Josiah Simmons (Presentation College, San Fernando)

29

Football / Re: Point Fortin Civic FC Thread.

« on: April 30, 2024, 09:14:28 AM »

Point Fortin mourns youth football coach Neville 'Coachie' Frederick
By Narissa Fraser (T&T Newsday)

THE borough of Point Fortin is mourning veteran youth football coach Neville “Coachie” Frederick, who died over the weekend at 66.

Frederick coached hundreds of youngsters at the Point Fortin Civic Centre FC, including the likes of senior men’s national team assistant coach Reynold Carrington, national defender Aubrey David and former national players Avery John and Nkosi Blackman.

Many took to social media to pay tribute to the Mahaica native, who was responsible for many falling in love with football, and guiding young boys along the right path.

Frederick was coached by Point Fortin football legend Leroy DeLeon, and began coaching in 1980.

Speaking to Newsday, Carrington said Frederick was a coach, mentor and a father figure to him. He began training with Frederick around age ten.

“He represented the true meanings of those things…

“We were there as youngsters, not knowing where funding was coming from, not knowing where uniform coming from, but he just used to make it happen. We just fell in love with the sport through him.”

He recalled one of Frederick’s most common phrases during training: Keep my football simple.

“He would always say he don’t want any starboy thing and say, ‘Understand and get my message clear.’

“He was humble, cool, disciplined, and was really able to transform us as players.

“He pushed us to be the best we could be.”

Point Fortin MP Kennedy Richards Jr told Newsday Frederick gave “yeoman service” to Point Fortin and that his death is “awful news for the community.”

Frederick had been ailing, and in 2021, Richards Jr paid for him to have heart surgery.

“Coachie was responsible for training so many youths. He did what he had to do.”

Richards added that Frederick had been attending different events for the ongoing Borough Day celebrations in Point Fortin.

“He was always coming out and supporting.”

Point Fortin Borough Corporation alderman Bryana Fortune-John posted on Facebook that Frederick was a “beautiful soul” who did “excellent work which will never be forgotten.

“Your contribution to Point Fortin is so huge. The lives and families you have impacted are countless and you did everything with great passion and great humility…Point Fortin has lost one of its greats.”

The funeral is tentatively planned for May 7.

30

Football / Re: TTFA Presidency Polls; The countdown to election begins.

« on: April 28, 2024, 06:45:03 PM »

Different governance style, new ‘movement’
By Selby Browne (T&T Express)

Congratulations to Kieron Edwards, new president of the Tri­nidad and Tobago Football Association after a landslide victory, 38 votes to 19 against the opponent, Colin Wharfe.

This win was testimony to the successful outcome of the meeting convened between then candidates Dennis Latiff, Edwards and myself, held on March 26. That meeting, I insisted was in fact the election, and not April 13, to ensure the outright victory for president Edwards, once the necessary compromise was agreed to have the election conducted between two slates only.

The resultant victory has ushered in the next generation of the TTFA with the youth—president Edwards, vice-president Jameson Rigues—and another important contributor, Rene John Williams, who was unfortunately a member of the opposing slate, all having the responsibility to restructure, develop and move football upward and onward to achieve excellence, based on the call of president Edwards to all members to participate in the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago football.

The TTFA election was a perfect example of the proper conduct of the Elective Congress, with the participation of all delegates who ensured all allocated votes were cast in the presence of representatives from the Caribbean Football Union, CONCACAF and FIFA as has been done for past elections in 2015 and 2019.

Other national bodies will be well advised to emulate the example of the TTFA membership in how it conducted its business.

The unified TTFA membership, in support of new president Edwards, shall be guided by his vision and initiatives as outlined in his Team Progressive manifesto. And in keeping with his undertaking, all can provide their input and contri­bute to the further development of the new TTFA strategic plan, 2024 and beyond, thereby embracing the commitment to build from the ground up.

The new TTFA will have the benefit of the full support from the world governing body FIFA and regional organisations CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union as all members within the Caribbean and CONCACAF enjoy.

New governance of the TTFA

The plan for an open-door policy, along with a cutting-edge ivory league team of professionals, all of whom are masters in their own disciplines, is highly recommended and will prove extremely important.

With the amended TTFA constitution providing for certain committees to be headed by members of the executive, there would most certainly be room to include professional personnel on committees to ensure proper governance.

There is the need to attract nationals with sport business administration skills. They must be sourced whether they are based nationally or internationally.

Opportunities

The revenue generation assets of the TTFA, which include the national senior men’s team—the pro­duct by which the TTFA would be judged—must be considered a top priority for urgent and immediate attention. That unit must receive any required technical and professional support, along with strategic international marketing.

The strong TTFA must also make use of the football expertise within its ranks. Also, maximum benefit must be gained from earning revenue from the Home of Football, in addition to sourcing other invest­ment opportunities. There must be a return on investment.

There is also huge potential for the restructured TTFA to directly strengthen the zones. The conduct of competitive zonal football through community leagues, with primary schools, secondary schools and adult clubs competing, could prove to be an important initiative if undertaken. This will have the effect of an immediate reduction on tra­vel costs to teams and supporters, in addition to re-engineering the community socio-structurally, creating much-needed job opportunities and positive activity. The youths in these communities would be kept busy training, playing and striving for excellence. Gang warfare would become football warfare. You see where this is going? Up and up, better, and better, best and best. So, yes, all our citizens and the Government would benefit from the TTFA’s work.

The strengthening of the zones to embrace all football, from primary schools through college age, could go a long way in raising the level of entertainment to the standard we have long been famous for.

The TTFA has the benefit to work with Government to establish “football schools”. The vision must be to dominate world football in very much the same way that Jamaica dominates the Olympics and World Championships on the athlet­ics tracks, and the Brazilians have done so on the football field.

Financing and the Caribbean on the global stage in sport, entertainment

In addition to securing international financing and investment in the football, it is my view that the recognised power of football, and sports in general, will trigger the need to restructure the socio­e­conomic construct of our society. Government should impose a levy (2.5%) based on gross revenue on corporations. The sums should be placed in a fund for direct investment in football, sport in general, and the entertainment sector as a whole.

These sectors should no longer be dependent on the benevolence of the corporate sector, with token sponsorships being largely forthcoming. They must have direct investment opportunities. The entertainment sector, of which sport is an integral part, is second only to the energy sector in the region.

The Government and all Caribbean governments must take the lead for this “new world order”. All are welcome to join the new world order revolution.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to call on the Government, all national institutions, political parties, the trade union movement, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and Jane and Joe Public to take this last train and join in this “movement of change” to have football, all sports disciplines and the entertainment sector take their rightful place of influence in society. The 2.5% gross revenue corporate tax must become a reality.

This model can be replicated throughout the Caribbean, Africa and worldwide for the new world order.

This TTFA election can be the launch of this “movement” throughout the region.

And now that the Caricom Regional Conference on West Indies Cricket is concluded, there is no better opportunity for Caribbean governments to collectively implement the 2.5% policy to provide the funding required for the restructuring and development of the West Indies cricket product, and thus facilitate a return to global excellence.

—Selby Browne is president of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) and was at one time in the running to contest the TTFA election 2024.