Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on August 19, 2020, 02:42:43 PM
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As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the T&T vs Guyana preliminary 2022 World Cup qualifying game in Dominican Republic on the 25th of March 2021 will be posted here, this way, we can maintain the message board and not make it look too scrappy with un-necessary or related headlines and postings on game day.
For the internet users, you can follow the game at:
To be updated.
Possible Online Streams.
To be updated.
Possible TV Station.
To be updated.
Trinidad & Tobago Squad
Goalkeepers:
Marvin Phillip (Unattached), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Denzil Smith (W Connection), Nicklas Frenderup (Stjørdals-Blink);
Defenders:
Noah Powder (Real Salt Lake), Leland Archer (Charleston Battery), Justin Garcia (Defence Force FC), Sheldon Bateau (KV Mechelen), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Unattached), Robert Roberts (Bengaluru United), Joevin Jones (Inter Miami CF);
Midfielders:
Michel Poon-Angeron (Club Atlético Banfield), Andre Boucaud (Maidstone United), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven FC), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Daniel Phillips (Watford FC), Judah Garcia (Neroca FC), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin FC), Levi Garcia (AEK Athens), Sean Bonval (Central FC);
Forwards:
Brent Sam (Defence Force FC), Ryan Telfer (York United FC), Willis Plaza (Mohammedan SC), Jabari Mitchell (Police FC), Marcus Joseph (Unattached).
Coach - Terry Fenwick (ENG).
Guyana Squad
Goalkeepers
Akel Clarke (Mount Pleasant Academy), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Cambridge United), Shawn Adonis (Guyana Police Force FC).
Defenders
Matthew Briggs (Vejle Boldklub), Miguel Scarlett (Unattached), Kadell Daniel (Margate FC), Jeremy Garrett (Guyana Defence Force FC), Nicolai Andrews (Santos FC), Bayli Spencer-Adams (Watford FC), Terence Vancooten (Stevenage FC).
Midfielders
Nathan Moriah-Welsh (Bournemouth FC), Sam Cox (capt) (Hampton & Richmond FC), Daniel Wilson (Guyana Police Force FC), Jobe Caesar (Guyana Defence Force FC), Ryan Hackett (Guyana Defence Force FC), Pernel Schultz (Guyana Police Force FC).
Forwards
Callum Harriott (Colchester United), Keanu Marsh-Brown (Newport County AFC), Omari Glasgow (Fruta Conquerors FC), Kelsey Benjamin (Guyana Defence Force FC), Nicolas McArthur (Fruta Conquerors FC), Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt Warriors FC), Emery Welshman (Hapoel Ra'anana AFC).
Coach - Márcio Máximo Barcellos (BRA).
Updates to follow as we get more info, so keep checking back.
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Wah! nice man! glad we might get to see a lil terry fenwick brand b4 he get fired.
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Wah! nice man! glad we might get to see a lil terry fenwick brand b4 he get fired.
Well-played. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
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Soca vs ginga: T&T to face Guyana's Brazilian style.
By Stephon Nicholas (T&T Newsday).
A clash of styles is anticipated when the Soca Warriors and Guyana Jaguars clash on March 25 in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The T&T team is coached by Englishman Terry Fenwick, 61, while Brazil's Marcio Maximo, 58, is in charge of the Guyanese.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde told Newsday on Thursday, the team is revamping his style to play more like the five-time World Cup winners. Brazil is known for its "ginga" style of play. Ginga is a rhythmic style of free-flowing, attacking football with roots in capoeira.
Maximo, a former Brazil U-20 coach, got the nod for the Guyana head job in late 2019. He is assisted on the bench by compatriot Wilson Toledo and Guyana's Charles Pollard. The latter has been capped 80 times and played over a decade in the Pro League including at Jabloteh under Fenwick.
Forde said, "Guyana is trying to bring our style closer to a South American style.
"We are the only English-speaking country in the South America as you know. We have a Brazilian coach. We've always been attracted to the Brazilian, Argentine style. We're trying to develop that as our brand but with a European discipline."
Although keen on seeing a South American style of play, Forde said a sound structure is needed on and off the field to achieve success.
"Our technical director (Ian Greenwood) is from the UK.
"So one brings structure and discipline and one brings an organic philosophy for football."
Asked what he anticipates from a Fenwick-led team, Forde said he knew little about his coaching.
"I have absolutely no idea what Fenwick brings as a coach, but I did research and he played at the highest level and must be respected."
Fenwick, who was named T&T coach in December 2019, has yet to see his team in an official game.
However, training among local players has started and Fenwick made it clear they must follow his instructions or else.
He said, "It’s going to be very disciplined. They’ve got to play the game how I want. Otherwise they’re out."
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender reiterated the importance of playing T&T’s own brand of football and moving away from copying the styles of other nations. He believes T&T need to play the “style that suits us”.
He added, "It’s not about individual stars. We need to be competing as a team, in a well-structured manner."
Forde said the T&T vs Guyana rivalry has always been intense and he expects another exciting contest.
"Guyana versus Trinidad is always competitive, in any sport. Guyanese love our Trini counterparts but ever so often we suspend our diplomatic relations for 90 minutes.
"Guyanese don't like to lose to Trinidad and Trinis don't like to lose to Guyanese, but we will come to make a statement. It's going to be an interesting game.
Fenwick has little time to get ready as 2020 was lost entirely owing to covid19 and a FIFA suspension which almost cost T&T its World Cup qualifying spot.
Guyana was also inactive for most of 2020 but resumed full training earlier this month at the National Training Centre in Georgetown.
"We played no football in 2020 except for a novelty two-day tournament featuring national players and fringe players (December 29 and January 1)."
Forde said similarly to their T&T counterparts, the team had to get approval from its health officials to train.
"Clearance from the national covid19 task force is for the Golden Jaguars only.
"The approval is contingent on protocol and plans as part of our bounce-back effort. We have oversight from health authorities."
Asked whether any player has tested positive since training resumed he said, "We haven't had any issues since going into training camp last Sunday."
He said domestic football and all competitive sports in Guyana remain on pause.
The Guyana domestic football season usually kicks off mid-February but Forde does not anticipate it to get under way.
He said covid19 precautions are ramped up because of the threat of the new covid19 strain.
Does he expect this to hamper Guyana in the World Cup campaign?
"We started preparation essentially late. That is troubling, but life is more important than football," he said.
Guyana is expected to play two friendlies this month as its campaign begins to take shape.
Asked whether the oil boom in Guyana has made funding for the World Cup campaign easy to come by, Forde said, "Success at the national level doesn't always translate to success in sport. We have budgeted for our campaign but still trying to secure sponsorship to make our journey easier. 2021 will be a busy year."
Addressing the composition of the team," Forde claimed it would be "balanced" between local players and foreign-based.
Fenwick told Newsday that it was important to put together a squad of players who have been playing consistent, competitive football.
"I'm gonna have to put a side together that's experienced and been around the block. There is no Pro League, there is no Super League. There is gonna be just four to five days (training) before my first (competitive) game."
T&T is ranked 103 by FIFA while Guyana is 167.
Forde said despite the disparity, Guyana plays more like a top 100 team.
"I believe the team is playing really well but we don't know how covid19 break will affect (performance)."
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It will be tight, but T&T should have enough to scrape a victory - Guyana's national team leans heavily on domestic and lower-league England, the latter of which are at least playing but have had a lot of disruption.
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Unless I am mistaken, I think Marvin Andrews played for Guyana's coach. That should be an interesting perspective to get.
Forde is a very professional federation president. Left an impression. Stood out positively among his peers. Unassuming.
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It will be tight, but Guyana should have enough to scrape a victory - TnT national team leans heavily on domestic and lower-league European , USA, and India England, the latter of which are at least playing but have had a lot of disruption.
Not much difference- Use to be a time TnT drove fear in the opposition and one could have some conviction when facing teams like Guyana- check the recent records against Guyana it is not overwhelmingly convincing-
As of today Anguilla led by " Burris" aks Stern JOHN may kick we arse. 20K USA per month will not ensure miraculous transformation input approach- team selection - and competitive preparation.
Let's not put this all on the TTFA debacle- let's look at what's been done locally to build fromthe inside out rather than to drink ah rum run some pansy sessions and then wait on foreign based players and hope for success- Stop rhe bs.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CKO6w5zlHPB/?igshid=17lml1dp0pnme training squad for today an upcoming friendly would be announced soon
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
Boy we in trouble ....
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CKO6w5zlHPB/?igshid=17lml1dp0pnme training squad for today an upcoming friendly would be announced soon
this is the young squad U23 TF bumping his gum about for the past few weeks ....
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
Boy we in trouble ....
We was in trouble once they made T Fenwick the coach.
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We done lorse ahready wit dah squad.
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
How allyuh does come up with these viewpoints? What is it based on?
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
How allyuh does come up with these viewpoints? What is it based on?
doh really be around much, but ah have to agree with tallman there has been little in the form of recent evidence to support this optimism.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CKO6w5zlHPB/?igshid=17lml1dp0pnme training squad for today an upcoming friendly would be announced soon
this is the young squad U23 TF bumping his gum about for the past few weeks ....
Wonder if these players U-23?.... ;D
Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette, Alvin Jones, Jelani Peters, Jabari Mitchell, Jamal Jack, Duane Muckette, Shackiel Henry, Marcus Joseph, Shannon Gomez, Hashim Arcia, Daniel Cyrus and Triston Hodge.
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
How allyuh does come up with these viewpoints? What is it based on?
Based on my technical expertise
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
How allyuh does come up with these viewpoints? What is it based on?
Based on my technical expertise
To bad a player that good is stuck in trinidad eh ffisback
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CKO6w5zlHPB/?igshid=17lml1dp0pnme training squad for today an upcoming friendly would be announced soon
this is the young squad U23 TF bumping his gum about for the past few weeks ....
Wonder if these players U-23?.... ;D
Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette, Alvin Jones, Jelani Peters, Jabari Mitchell, Jamal Jack, Duane Muckette, Shackiel Henry, Marcus Joseph, Shannon Gomez, Hashim Arcia, Daniel Cyrus and Triston Hodge.
No la horquetta rangers players i noticed trained under fenwick ..... ballpest akim andrews isiah lee etc
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
How allyuh does come up with these viewpoints? What is it based on?
Based on my technical expertise
To bad a player that good is stuck in trinidad eh ffisback
In 1989 R Latapy was a local player to and look at what he was able to do M W Ling just need to be half as good as he was and we good to go.
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No la horquetta rangers players i noticed trained under fenwick ..... ballpest akim andrews isiah lee etc
Good point.
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Gary Griffith JR should make the starting 11 for this game easily .....
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Matthew Woo Ling is going to be the key to this team TT finally have a technically good midfielder on the team that could pull the strings TT could now play K Molino higher up the field were he can score more goals.
How allyuh does come up with these viewpoints? What is it based on?
Based on my technical expertise
To bad a player that good is stuck in trinidad eh ffisback
In 1989 R Latapy was a local player to and look at what he was able to do M W Ling just need to be half as good as he was and we good to go.
In 1989, Latapy was 21, was already on the senior team, was a fixture on national youth teams before, and was dominant wherever he played. Woo Ling is 24 and has never established himself anywhere. Not in the SSFL (apart from maybe one season), not in our Pro League, not at national youth level, not at community college, not in Malta where his team got relegated. He had trials in USA and Belgium, and was attached to the football academy run by Leon Bailey's adoptive father. As a youth he was invited to trials at the academies of Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as a one week training stint at Sunderland.
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Apart from a bit of trickery, I didn't see his game develop sadly. I had him on my "to watch" list for years.
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Game might be in jeopardy due to COVID restrictions. TTFA might be forced to concede home advantage.
Terrence Deyalsingh said: “We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants… So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
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Game might be in jeopardy due to COVID restrictions. TTFA might be forced to concede home advantage.
Terrence Deyalsingh said: “We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants… So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
The new FIFA policy is equally concerning, if not the bigger worry.
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Th!is is a fine mess
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Foreign-based Soca Warriors may miss World Cup qualifier.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
HEAD coach of the T&T men’s senior football team Terry Fenwick may have to field a team without many of its foreign-based senior players for the Concacaf 2022 World Cup qualifier against Guyana on March 25. FIFA allows clubs to prevent their players from travelling for national duty where quarantine is required for five days or more.
People entering T&T must quarantine between seven and 14 days. With the FIFA rule, special arrangements will have to be made for the T&T players trying to return home to represent the national team.
A FIFA release, on February 5, said, “In the context of the challenges that remain in place for both international and domestic football due to the covid19 pandemic, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to provide additional flexibility regarding the release of players for national team duty and the registration of players with clubs in competitions that remain disrupted by the pandemic.”
The release added that the “Bureau has decided to extend the amendments to the regulations on the status and transfer of players governing the release of players for national team duty until the end of April 2021.
“The rules relating to the release of players to association teams apply as normal except where there is a mandatory period of quarantine or self-isolation of at least five days upon arrival in the location of the club which has an obligation to release the player to an association team or the location where a representative team match is scheduled to take place.”
On Thursday, during a covid19 media conference, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh was asked if any exemption will be given for the T&T footballers when returning to Trinidad for the World Cup qualifier.
“The Chief Medical Officer (Dr Roshan Parasram) is in contact and in discussions with the football fraternity to deal with that issue,” Deyalsingh said.
He added that he does not want more cases of the new covid19 variant entering T&T. “We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants. Whether it is the South African variant, whether it is the UK variant or other variants. The decision will be made in the best interest of protecting the health and safety of our population.”
T&T suffered a 7-0 defeat against USA in an international friendly on January 31. T&T’s starting XI included a team mainly with inexperienced players based in the US and Canada, before opting to introduce locally-based players in the second half. T&T showed improvement in the second half after the changes were made as the US scored its last goal in the 62nd minute.
Fenwick said that the situation is not in his hands. “I speak to the normalisation committee and then they go ahead and speak to their people.”
Acting general secretary of the normalisation committee Amiel Mohammed told Newsday that “discussions (are) still ongoing” between the normalisation committee and Dr Parasram.
The 2021 Major League Soccer season kicks off on April 3, which will also spoil Fenwick’s plans in fielding the strongest possible team. MLS preseason starts on February 22 and teams may be unwilling to release their players for the March 25 Concacaf qualifiers. T&T footballers play in MLS including Kevin Molino, who recently left Minnesota United and joined Columbus Crew.
“MLS games start at the end of March (early April), same time (as the qualifier) so most of these players are in preseason from the end of this month, so with travel restrictions both ways (it is tough) and obviously it is not just playing the game it is quarantine pre and post-match. That will put clubs off (their training).”
Fenwick said that he may have to field mainly locally-based players. “If we have to then I am assuming that Guyana will have to as well (and) Puerto Rico following that.”
T&T will play Puerto Rico on March 28 in the second match of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
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TTFA still to get clearance to stage Guyana qualifier.
T&T Express Reports.
World Cup peril
Trinidad and Tobago’s 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifying football campaign may get off to a false start.
With one official indicating CONCACAF had set a deadline of today to indicate this country’s ability to host its opening Group F match against Guyana, the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee headed by Robert Hadad is still awaiting clearance from the Chief Medical Officer(CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram and Ministry of Health (MoH) officials to be able to stage the March 25 game.
Asked if they had received clearance to date, senior team manager Adrian Romain stated:”No. We are awaiting that approval. This is pending the revision of the 14-day quarantine period. As is, that length of time is (a) considerable inconvenience for international play.”
Romain added that today is the deadline for a decision, although Amiel Mohammed, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) interim general secretary said he wouldn’t like to venture into confirming deadlines as yet.
“But it is a very pressing matter,” Mohammed emphasised. “All I could confirm is that it is an extremely, extremely pressing matter for T&T to get the necessary clearance.”
Mohammed added that the normalisation committee is still in discussions with the CMO regarding the qualifier, and with the game fast approaching, clearance would be important “sooner rather than later to facilitate preparations.”
“At the moment, the Ministry of Health’s overarching position regarding the regulations has remained the same for all bodies,” Mohammed said. “We are just petitioning to see what accommodations can be made for this crucial WCQ.”
The country’s borders remain closed for everyone except nationals. They must seek exemptions from the Ministry of National Security, with a mandatory 14-day quarantine period required, to be split evenly between a State-approved facility and the national’s home.
One of the proposals being put forward by the normalisation committee and TTFA officials is creating a bio-secure, confined environment.
“We have even mentioned to do a bubble where the teams will come in and be tested. Everyone will be tested during their stay and we will have our doctors monitor it with the assistance of the Ministry of Health. So that’s the plan but we haven’t gotten any word as yet,” said Romain.
Asked what would be the result if CONCACAF withdraws the game, Romain said:” We will have to give up home advantage and (end up) losing the game by default.”
The manager added that forfeiting the match would be a massive blow for the team that lost 0-7 to a second-string USA team on January 31,
“The Guyana game for us is like a final, not that we are writing off the other teams but the Guyana game is a big game for us, so we really want to get ourselves in order and get the approval by the Ministry to assist us at this stage during this WCQ round,” said Romain.
Ministry of Health corporate communications manager Candace Alcantara referred to Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh’s response at the Wednesday Covid-19 briefing.
Deyalsingh was reported to have said:”We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants...So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
WhatsApp questions about clearance for the Guyana game sent to CMO Pararam went unanswered yesterday.
RELATED NEWS
T&T may lose home advantage in W/Cup qualifier.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
THE T&T men’s senior footballers are in a race against the clock. They must get a response from the Ministry of Health by Friday to get back to Concacaf outlining the country’s covid19 protocols for T&T’s World Cup qualifier against Guyana on March 25 in Trinidad.
The road to the World Cup qualifier has been less than ideal over the past year due to covid19. Several national players have not been playing competitively as local leagues, including the TT Pro League, have been inactive.
FIFA also banned the TT Football Association for two months last year because of a court battle.
FIFA appointed a normalisation committee to run local football which made the United TTFA’s responsibility to oversee local football null and void. The United TTFA eventually decided to drop all court matters against FIFA.
On January 31, head coach Terry Fenwick decided to gamble and play mostly foreign players, some he had never seen play because of the closed T&T borders, in an international friendly against the US. T&T suffered a 7-0 defeat, but showed more quality in the second half when players training with Fenwick in Trinidad were introduced.
In an interview with Newsday, on Thursday, Fenwick said he understands we are still living in a pandemic, but said the protocols are affecting their preparations and is asking for some leeway.
“They are putting limits on what we can do, how we can do it and the possible cancellation of the game in Trinidad at the Hasely Crawford Stadium for our national team in World Cup qualifiers (on) the 25 of March,” Fenwick said.
T&T football team manager Adrian Romain, who thanked the Health Ministry for its support, said they are pleading for further support concerning the upcoming match. Explaining further why the qualifier may be in jeopardy, Romain said, “Tomorrow (Friday) is the deadline to respond to this letter.
We need to show where we are playing our home game, the protocols are in place (and) are they lifting the protocols just to assist us in our World Cup dream? That question is unanswered at the moment.”
Romain said it is a possibility that the T&T-Guyana may have to be played at a neutral venue, which will take away T&T’s home advantage.
One of FIFA’s latest rules may also prevent T&T from including some of its foreign-based players for the qualifier.
FIFA allows clubs to prevent their players from travelling for national duty where quarantine is required for five days or more.
People entering T&T must quarantine between seven and 14 days, therefore special arrangements will have to be made for the T&T players trying to return home to represent the national team.
The T&T players who returned from the US following the friendly on January 31 are still in quarantine and are unable to train. Fenwick said this is affecting team preparation.
“I am looking for a little bit of support to recognize how important this game is. “Even if I have to use the guys on the ground here in Trinidad I need to have that time on the training ground to prepare properly so we could put up a fight and do our stuff.”
Fenwick is hopeful that the players will be allowed to train from next Monday.
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Concede the home game people ..... This CMO aint reasonable ...
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Concede the home game people ..... This CMO aint reasonable ...
Shouldn't matter where we play Guyana, if our aspirations is in the next rounds to beat the big 5 (hex) on away games. We should win all these first round games even under non-perfect circumstances, if we're to have any dream of moving on. Health of all ppl should be priority at the moment.
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When last we beat Guyana? because I am sure we did not beat them last time we met at the Gold Cup
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When last we beat Guyana? because I am sure we did not beat them last time we met at the Gold Cup
Haven't played them much recently, but de last time we beat dem was in 2011 after dey had already knock we out of World Cup qualifying.
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Look Breds, The authorities in Aussie has just mandated that the rest of the Aussie Open tennis would be played without fans. FIFA and the money people behind them really (******* **) causing all the confusion.
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SOS to Dr Rowley! CMO accused of ‘sabotage’, as Warriors unable to train or book warm-up games
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
The Soca Warriors’ Qatar 2022 World Cup dreams are being stymied by the Trinidad and Tobago government’s Covid-19 rules and, according to football insiders, the Ministry of Health’s apparent reluctance to relax them for the Men’s National Senior Team.
There have been 107 million cases of infection worldwide since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic, with 2.36 million deaths. However, the twin island republic has been widely praised for its response to the virus.
As of yesterday evening, the Ministry of Health reported 181 active cases of Covid-19 in Trinidad and Tobago, with 14 positives over the last 24 hours. The total number of infections here since last March is 7,631 with 136 deaths.
However, at least two persons closely involved with the national football team accused chief medical officer Dr Roshan Parasram of being too inflexible with the Soca Warriors. Both spoke on condition of anonymity.
The football team was granted a government exemption to play the United States in an exhibition match in Orlando on 31 January, which they lost 7-0—a joint national record.
Trinidad and Tobago head coach Terry Fenwick hoped to continue his team preparations with training sessions during their subsequent seven day quarantine at the TTFA Home of Football Wellness Centre in Couva. And the Englishman wanted St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica to fly in to face the Warriors in warm-up matches, as all three nations were quarantined there.
It turned out to be wishful thinking.
The Ato Boldon Stadium is a stone’s throw from the Home of Football. However, the Ministry of Health snubbed their request to train there and instead allegedly suggested they practice at a small field within the HoF facility.
Even then, there was a catch. The training was to be restricted to groups of five players; and, if they agreed, they would also have to spend an additional seven days at the quarantine facility.
“It is a cow field with old metal and pipe on it,” said the football insider, “and four feet of grass.”
“The field is not fit to train,” said a team member, who was part of the quarantine party.
The Home of Football, a controversial facility constructed under the guidance of ex-Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams, does not have a functioning gym. As a result, the players spent the last week largely confined to their rooms.
The national players who quarantined at the Home of Football were: Adrian Foncette, Josiah Trimmingham, Justin Garcia, Jamal Jack, Alvin Jones, Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron, Sean Bonval, Matthew Woo Ling, Jabari Mitchell, Marvin Phillip, Brent Sam, Jesse Williams, Hashim Arcia, and Gary Griffith III.
The quarantined staff members were: Derek King (assistant coach), Adrian Romain (manager), Captain Basil Thompson (logistics/safety and compliance manager), Dr Akash Dhanai (team doctor), Cassius Humphrey (fitness coach), Sion Cane (massage therapist/physiotherapist), Michael Williams (kit manager), Shaun Fuentes (head of media/communications), and Fenwick.
The mood within the camp worsened considerably when the players and staff members left quarantine on Tuesday, only to be warned that they could face prosecution if they left their homes over the next seven days—and training sessions are out of the question.
The players and staff, according to the team source, have tested six times in the past two weeks and every result was negative. Why then, they ask, are they still being stopped from getting on with the football programme?
“Basically, we feel we are under a big attack,” said the team source. “From the time we arrived in Orlando, we were in a bubble; and when we returned to Trinidad we were in quarantine. But now when we are looking forward to resume training, the [Office of the] CMOH is calling players and staff members and threatening them, saying they will visit their homes to ensure they are there.
“[…] I asked if I could send a breakdown of our negative results since we left to go to Orlando. They said ‘no’ and they are just following the rules.
“Basically they are saying this is their protocols and we have to abide by it.”
If any national player or staff member is found to be in breach of the Quarantine Act, the penalty is a fine of TT$6,000 and six months imprisonment.
“This is totally different from how the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) players were dealt with,” said a football insider. “Those players were allowed to train and move about the Hilton Hotel after just three days of quarantine!”
It is not a perfect analogy. During the four week CPL competition, the cricketers remained within the ‘bubble’ of the Hilton Hotel throughout. In contrast, the Warriors head home to their families after each session.
Still, the national footballers already have special dispensation to practice. Is it worth stopping them now—after their negative tests—but allowing them to train in a week’s time in virtually the same conditions?
And that’s to say nothing of the illegal training sessions and pick-up matches that occur almost daily around the country.
Neither Dr Parasram nor Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh responded to Wired868’s request for comment on the complaints.
But then a big part of the problem, according to the insider, remains the perceived aloofness of the Ministry of Health’s senior officials.
The Fifa-appointed normalisation committee, which replaced the TTFA Board in 2020, requested clearance from the Ministry of Health to host Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines for a three-nation tournament later this month. And, last week, they also sought approval to host Guyana for Trinidad and Tobago’s opening World Cup qualifier on 25 March.
In each case, they claimed that no response was given to the local football body.
At a press conference yesterday, the health minister said Dr Parasram was ‘in discussions with the football fraternity to deal with that issue’. He hinted it was a not a straightforward matter.
“We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants,” said Deyalsingh. “[…] So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
It was not with the Warriors wanted to hear.
“The normalisation committee has been pleaded with the CMO to get a letter from the minister of health that they can send to Concacaf, granting approval to play World Cup games in Trinidad,” said the insider. “And the CMO has not responded. If that continues, we will get no practice games before the Guyana match and we may lose our home game—because of a simple approval we need from the Ministry of Health.
“Guyana is our toughest opponent in that five team group and losing the chance to play that game at home can be crucial… Whoever wins that game will virtually get through to the next round.”
The other three nations in Group F are St Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Fifa rules dictate that the TTFA has until 11 March to confirm it can host Guyana as well as the necessary Fifa match officials for the affair. If not, the game will be moved to a neutral venue.
Last year, the Ministry of Health facilitated the CPL competition—supposedly at the urging of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. The Warriors hope Dr Rowley acts again.
“We are hoping that the prime minister will intervene,” said the insider. “The prime minister gave a directive to host the CPL; and it was on his authority that the national team was given permission to train. At present, it feels like [the Ministry of Health is] doing everything to muzzle them.
“What we are seeing is disrespectful, embarrassing and a virtual sabotage of the national team by the CMO. It is a total contrast to what was done with the CPL.”
The Warriors, according to the team source, have not given up on getting their desired players based in the United Kingdom. Fenwick said he wants to recruit at least a dozen players from his homeland, most of whom are uncapped and don’t hold Trinidad and Tobago passports but are eligible due to parentage.
The UK’s Covid-19 protocols allow exemptions for ‘elite athletes’ to travel, without requiring quarantine on their return. But requests for that privilege are to be handled on a case by case basis by its health ministry, with the England Football Association also involved in the process.
Guyana is among 33 banned nations by the British government and no exemption is possible for travel there. The spine of the ‘Golden Jaguars’, including defender Samuel Cox and midfielder Neil Danns, play in the English lower leagues.
Fifa’s current protocols allow clubs to refuse to players for international duty once they will face more than four days of quarantine. If such players do not get an exemption from England’s FA to represent their adopted countries, their clubs can refuse to release them—regardless of what the Ministry of Health decides.
Still, the Warriors’ coaching staff remain hopeful.
“We have already reached out the clubs and it feels very positive for us,” said the source. “But again, we need to know where we will be playing and, at the moment, all of that is up in the air. We are not trying to burn any bridges but we will like to train, especially as we have all our negative results.
“We can create carpools for the guys to get to training and provide shuttle for those who don’t have vehicles. We have already been set back big time, but we are doing everything we can to have the best team possible for the Guyana game.”
The Warriors’ immediate future may owe much to Dr Parasram; and perhaps to Dr Rowley. And, certainly, to the Covid-19 virus.
RELATED NEWS
Deyalsingh: Safety first! Warriors’ WCQ home advantage in balance due to Covid rules.
By Fayola Bostic (Wired868.
Covid-19 restrictions may not have barred national sports teams from practising, but the pandemic could potentially have an early impact on the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Football Team.
The Soca Warriors are due to host Guyana in their opening game on 25 March, under new head coach Terry Fenwick. But a new Fifa ruling, plus the current non-commitment to providing quarantine exemptions for travelling teams, means the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) might be forced to concede home advantage.
At present, the TTFA is being run by a Fifa-appointed normalisation committee headed by businessman Robert Hadad.
Normal Fifa rules require clubs to release players to represent their countries on an international match day. However, as governments have enacted travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine periods to prevent the spread of the virus, Fifa created an exemption that allows clubs to deny their players leave to represent their home teams.
The new rules say clubs must release players except where: ‘there is a mandatory period of quarantine or self-isolation of at least five (5) days upon arrival’ either in the location of the club or the match venue. Clubs can also refuse to release players if there are travel restrictions to or from those locations.
That means if players don’t receive exemptions from travel restrictions and quarantine or self-isolation requirements, their clubs are under no obligation to let them play for their country teams.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the borders are closed to all but nationals, who still must apply for an exemption to enter the country. A returning national then faces a mandatory seven-day quarantine in a state facility, followed by another seven days of self-isolation.
The Warriors only emerged from quarantine yesterday at the Home of Football in Couva, since their international against the United States in Orlando on 31 January, which they lost 7-0.
As a host country, the Fifa rules require the TTFA to get exemptions for its players, the visiting team, and match officials to enter the country and skip any quarantine or self-isolation of more than five days.
With the match against Guyana carded for 25 March, that leaves the TTFA until 11 March to inform Fifa whether the T&T government will grant the necessary exemptions. The UK government, for instance, grants exemptions to certain ‘elite athletes’ to travel and play without quarantine.
The Warriors, who are also scheduled to play away to Puerto Rico on 28 March, could be forced to play their opening ‘home game’ at a neutral venue if the Dr Keith Rowley-led government does not play along.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual media conference, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said: “The CMO [chief medical officer Dr Roshan Parasram] is in contact and in discussions with the football fraternity to deal with that issue.
“We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants… So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
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Look Breds, The authorities in Aussie has just mandated that the rest of the Aussie Open tennis would be played without fans. FIFA and the money people behind them really (******* **) causing all the confusion.
Different country. Different infection rate. Apples and oranges! FIFA is managing the world of football while the Aussie Open is one country. Having said that, it is the Trinidad and Tobago government with its tortoise-like decision making process that is screwing up our football.
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SOS to Dr Rowley! CMO accused of ‘sabotage’, as Warriors unable to train or book warm-up games
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
And that’s to say nothing of the illegal training sessions and pick-up matches that occur almost daily around the country.
Neither Dr Parasram nor Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh responded to Wired868’s request for comment on the complaints.
But then a big part of the problem, according to the insider, remains the perceived aloofness of the Ministry of Health’s senior officials.
This is baffling to me given what's going on with the national football team
Especially with CPL occuring not too long ago...
What is Cricket doing that football can translate into their policy and procedures?
Have football administrators reached out to the cricket board for advice on how to possibly proceed in advance?
And how are "illegal" sessions being conducted and even the simple small goal sweats, but our national teams can't?
Is it that the police services are fed up breaking these things up? and it's happening in main areas that are regularly travelled
Parks, school grounds...
i get the small community grounds sticky to police but ppl just bold-faced with it too
Wired868 tried to put a spotlight on it up not too long ago (the manner with which it was done was questionable) but the fact that there's been a drastic increase in the last few months --- before you couldnt pass stadiums,school grounds, savannah or King George n see men sweating----- now it's almost a sure thing!
Kids confused when you tell them you cant take em out but they seeing it happening!!
If they want to manage it where it can be done in small grp sessions for training ---- cool
but not small goal sweat for sweating sake ..i agree on that
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How come Red Force and the other island teams playing cricket?
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Venue concerns for T&T/Guyana clash.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
A neutral venue is being considered as an option, as talks between the Normalisation Committee, the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Health continue ahead of the country's opening World Cup Qualifying match with Guyana on March 25.
Chairman of the normalisation committee Robert Hadad has assured that he wants the match to be held right here in T&T.
The game is scheduled to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, where coach Terry Fenwick will be hoping to capitalise on home advantage. However, no decision has been made on the match as yet, as the Health Ministry continues to grapple with people entering the country following the new variant of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has proven to be much more dangerous.
Hadad told Guardian Media Sports yesterday that there is still no plan for the match, however, a neutral venue is always there as a back-up plan.
The local football boss did not say where the neutral venue will be or if it was raised during their talks, only saying: "We are trying to have the match played in Trinidad."
Meanwhile, he has ruled out a proposal for the tri-nation international friendly football bubble with T&T, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, which was carded to take place at mid this month.
According to Hadad, these friendlies will be difficult due to the risk involved.
On Saturday, Fenwick lashed out at government officials for what he believes, is a reluctance to facilitate a proposed football-bubble that will be similar to what happened with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket tournament last year, from August 18 to September 10.
The England-born coach has called for similar treatment, saying it is important to capitalise on home advantage.
Fenwick and his team will resume preparation for the match at the Mucurapo venue on Wednesday.
After a 7-0 demolition at the hands of host United States on January 31 in Orlando, Florida, the T&T players, staff and coaches were made to serve a seven-day quarantine period at the Home of Football in Balmain, Couva, upon their return from the US.
Following the quarantine at the Home of Football, they were also made to undergo another seven-day self-imposed quarantine at their respective homes which ended on Tuesday.
The T&T team is in Group F of the World Cup Qualifiers, along with Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis and Bahamas. Only the top team will progress to the second round of the qualifiers from the group.
Following the encounter with the Guyanese, the Soca Warriors will be away to Puerto Rico (March 28), away to the Bahamas (June 5), and home to St Kitts and Nevis (June 8.).
Should T&T win the group, they will take on the winner of Group A which features the likes of El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, and the US Virgin Islands.
RELATED NEWS
March 25 W/Cup qualifier still in doubt
By Roger Seepersad (T&T Express).
TTFA requests more time
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), through the head of the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee, chairman Robert Hadad, is still in discussions with government officials for approval to host Guyana in the national team’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on March 25.
Hadad confirmed yesterday that discussions are ongoing and that the normalisation committee has asked FIFA for more time to finalise arrangements with the T&T government for the match.
It has been reported that the deadline date to indicate this country’s ability to host the encounter has expired, while the TTFA is still waiting for clearance to host the match from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram and Ministry of Health (MoH) officials.
Asked for an update on the situation, Hadad responded: “(We are) working with the Minster of Sport and Minister of Health. Still trying to come up with a plan.”
The country’s borders remain closed for everyone except nationals. They must seek exemptions from the Ministry of National Security, with a mandatory 14-day quarantine period required, to be split evenly between a State-approved facility and the national’s home.
The T&T footballers recently travelled to the USA for a friendly international and had to undergo a quarantine period at the Home of Football upon their return.
If T&T are unable to get clearance for the match to be held in Trinidad, then the TTFA may have to give up home advantage.
Asked if there was a deadline date for government approval for the game to go ahead as scheduled, Hadad said: “We are asking for more time.” Asked if they were asking FIFA for more time to put arrangements in place for the match, Hadad said “yes”.
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This is what peeves me with our football. This format has been implemented since September, you really mean to tell me that they didn’t see it as a priority to sit down with the relevant authorities and iron out a plan on how they were going to move forward?
they actually waited until the last minute to figure out what was their next move? trinbago in true third world style again you have managed to disappoint, which goes to show that you have no intention of ever improving on your lazy backward modus operandi. the definition of madness= doing the very same thing over and over yet expecting better results.
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This is what peeves me with our football. This format has been implemented since September, you really mean to tell me that they didn’t see it as a priority to sit down with the relevant authorities and iron out a plan on how they were going to move forward?
they actually waited until the last minute to figure out what was their next move? trinbago in true third world style again you have managed to disappoint, which goes to show that you have no intention of ever improving on your lazy backward modus operandi. the definition of madness= doing the very same thing over and over yet expecting better results.
And tell me if the Impart of our culture does not drive how we approach things?
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This is what peeves me with our football. This format has been implemented since September, you really mean to tell me that they didn’t see it as a priority to sit down with the relevant authorities and iron out a plan on how they were going to move forward?
they actually waited until the last minute to figure out what was their next move? trinbago in true third world style again you have managed to disappoint, which goes to show that you have no intention of ever improving on your lazy backward modus operandi. the definition of madness= doing the very same thing over and over yet expecting better results.
And tell me if the Impart of our culture does not drive how we approach things?
the only drive that I’m familiar with where TT and sport is concerned, is the drive to failure.
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The bargain for kicking United TTFA to the curb was the assumption of a flat track to WC qualification. Clearly not a straightforward bargain. And not everyone in the halls of officialdom has stopped kicking the political football on that flat track. And worse, there's a lot of lateral passing when it is time for the long ball because we are running out of time.
The TTFA is still a captured organization. If this Guyana match is compromised, the TTFA must be freed of its chains or not we are all in for long-term chain-up.
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I second what pull stones said! total madness.
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T&T vs Guyana WC match for Curacao.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
T&T's FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Guyana will not be played here in T&T, a source close to the situation confirmed to Guardian Media Sports on Friday.
It will now, most-likely be played in Curacao, where an all-expense-covered opportunity will be presented to the teams, being a CONCACAF venue.
It is understood that the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee is attempting to negotiate with countries that are willing to help them financially and otherwise, since negotiations with Guyana broke down, due to a request by the Guyana Football Federation for T&T to pay for hotel and accommodation.
Should the match be played outside of T&T, the Terry Fenwick-coached team will miss out on the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd.
According to the source, who spoke to Guardian MediaSports on the condition of anonymity, said it is disappointing, an uncaring and unprofessional government has blocked the idea of a football bubble where the match could have been played, as is being done in many countries around the world.
Guardian Media Sports was told that a decision on the match was taken to the Cabinet, where 12 to 15 ministers supported the match being played in T&T, but it appeared not to have gotten the approval of the Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh, under the advice of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram.
Parasram when contacted on Thursday, said Minister Deyalsingh had already spoken about the match and did not want to add to his comments.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe could not be reached for comment. Guardian Media Sports sent questions to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley about the match via WhatsApp on Tuesday but received no response up to press time yesterday.
The normalisation committee was expected to submit a response to CONCACAF by Thursday (February 18th), but chairman Hadad admitted they had received an extension to this date.
It is still unclear as to the reasons why the match was blanked, the source explained, coming at a time when the country and government are accessible to more information than last year when approval for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was granted.
"It is confusing because the government and the Ministry of Health could have sourced more info about staging bubble events from the many countries staging them now," the source said.
They added: "So are they saying that countries like Guyana, Jamaica and all these countries are capable of holding bubble events and we can't in T&T?"
Early yesterday Robert Hadad, chairman of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee called on the public to rally around the government, believing it was well within its rights to take the necessary steps to prevent the new variants of the COVID19 virus from reaching our shores.
"We will do our very best to keep this thing in a hot bubble. I understand, and the committee understands the position of the government, concerning COVID19. They have done a damn good job here, so we need to work with them and trust them," Hadad said.
He noted further: "At the time of the CPL, COVID19 was in a different place from today. So where we are today, all the circumstances are different, so we have to consider things a little bit different. So we will work with the government to find a solution."
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) received a $6M investment from the government for six club franchise teams, with expectations of returns in the end. To date, however, it is unsure of the returns, despite a properly-run, COVID19-free tournament.
Only last week, national coach Fenwick lashed out at the government for its reluctance to approve the football bubble when the CPL received the go-ahead. According to Fenwick, his team was recently taken in by the United States for an international friendly, and his team and staff were tested every day.
Despite a worrying 7-0 result, however, Fenwick's team was subjected to another 14-day quarantine period when they returned home.
RELATED NEWS
T&T set to cede home advantage in W/Cup qualifier against Guyana.
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express).
OH REALLY?
How can Guyana host the World Cup qualifier but Trinidad and Tobago cannot?
The question was asked by former Sport Minister Brent Sancho, after news circulating yesterday suggested the Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s team will likely give up home advantage and play its 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Guyana, on March 25.
Yesterday, unconfirmed reports stated that Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Roshan Parasram had denied a request from the FIFA-imposed normalisation committee to allow the match to be played here, owing to current Covid-19 protocols.
Neither Parasram nor FIFA normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad responded to telephone calls or WhatsApp messages in seeking clarity, or confirmation, regarding the impasse. And when contacted, men’s national head coach Terry Fenwick said he would comment at a later date.
Fenwick began full national team training on Wednesday with a contingent of local and foreign-based players, including the likes of Joevin Jones, Alvin Jones, Kevin Molino and Dwayne Muckette.
A Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) source revealed that Fenwick had been given the option of either playing the match in Guyana, or on a synthetic pitch at a neutral venue in Curacao.
The Englishman was reportedly fuming at the prospect of the “Soca Warriors” having to cede home advantage against what could prove to be the toughest opponent (Guyana) for T&T in preliminary group stage action, whereby only the top team advances.
Fenwick is said to be furious that two teams were denied access to play a key World Cup qualifier here when only a few months ago, and at the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak, Government allowed six teams to participate in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), while in an isolated bio-secure ‘bubble’ from August 18-September 10.
The 61-year-old former England international is reportedly also peeved that during the six months after FIFA confirmed that World Cup qualifiers against Guyana (March 26) and St Kitts-Nevis (June 8.) would be held here, that officials of the Sport Ministry, Health Ministry and the normalisation committee could not come together to find a means for the T&T football team to host the one-off match.
Efforts via both telephone and WhatApp, to contact Sport and Community Development Minister Shamfa Cudjoe, also proved futile
The question was raised, why not hold the match at an alternative venue such as Barbados or Grenada?
“Anguilla playing their game in Miami at a neutral venue and Trinidad and Tobago can do the same. At the end of the day, the Government allowed CPL to play here and at the height of the pandemic. My point is, find a way,” contended Sancho. Given the many protocols which have allowed sport to take place around the world, Sancho is of the firm belief that a way could have been found to have the match played in T&T.
“It doesn’t make sense,” he added, “When you have 83 countries around the world hosting World Cup qualifiers, then people finding ways to do things.”
Soca Warrior unfazed by Guyana qualifier uncertainty.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
SOCA Warriors defender Radanfah Abu Bakr and team manager Adrian Romain said the national players are focused and upbeat despite the uncertainty surrounding the March 25 World Cup qualifier against Guyana.
The normalisation committee remains in communication with the health ministry and Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram, awaiting clearance to host the match in T&T.
However, TT Football Association (TTFA) general secretary Amiel Mohammed said on Friday, "We are still finalising arrangements and all will be confirmed tomorrow."
National football training resumed on Monday under head coach Terry Fenwick after several players and coaches completed state-sanctioned quarantine. T&T fell 7-0 to the US on January 31 in Florida and the local-based players and coaches who travelled abroad had to serve 14 days quarantine upon their return – seven days at the Home of Football and seven at home.
The experienced trio of Kevin Molino, Joevin Jones and Abu Bakr, who missed the US friendly. returned to training this week.
Speaking to Newsday on Friday, Abu Bakr said he is uncertain if all the players are aware that the qualifier has not been given the green light. However, Abu Bakr said the players are concentrating on training.
"Generally, we want to just focus on what we can control, which is putting in our work in training and performing on the pitch...those other issues are not up to us," he said.
On his personal training during the pandemic, Abu Bakr said, "I have been doing as much as I can on my own or in small groups in the gym. I did not retire, obviously, so I assume he (Fenwick) saw it fit that he needs a little bit more experience around the team especially in this time here. In these qualifiers, one mistake and it could probably spell the end of your chances. There is no room for mistake."
He added, "I am delighted to be asked to be a part of the effort and however I can help. Even if it is just sort of being there and mentoring some of the younger guys. I am happy to share my experience and obviously contribute on the pitch as well, which I still think I am more than capable of doing."
Under normal circumstances an entire national team will gather just days before a World Cup qualifier during an international window. But because of the pandemic many of the local-based players have been training regularly since the middle of 2020, allowing the players to build chemistry.
Abu Bakr said this can benefit the team. "At least you have guys in a long period together. It could almost be a plus in the sense that under normal circumstances you bring guys in an international window – two, three days – just to put some ideas in their head and hope that it sort of just sinks in really quickly in time for a game. That's always very difficult. Maybe there is a bit of a positive in the guys being here and being able to really understand what the coach is expecting of them."
Romain added, "The mood of the camp is very upbeat. Everyone is focused on the World Cup qualifiers that are coming up. We are trying to get at least two international friendlies before the World Cup qualifiers. It is a plus to have senior guys return to the training fold locally...
"We are just awaiting word in terms of where the game will be hosted on the 25th, but we are putting things in place." T&T are targeting Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines as two potential friendlies
Asked if the uncertainty of the qualifier is a distraction for the players, Romain said, "Honestly, we know it will not be played in Guyana. To be fair (normalisation committee president) Mr (Robert) Hadad and the general secretary (Amiel Mohammed) are doing as much as they can do to make sure that the game is in Trinidad."
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The TTFA needs to take this minister to court there is no way other caribbean country's can have games and TT can't .
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The TTFA needs to take this minister to court there is no way other caribbean country's can have games and TT can't .
you seem to thrive on being adversarial and never actually ascertaining the facts in its proper context. the actual reasons do make sense. for anyone entering TT you must quarantine for 14 days before you are allowed in public, and that’s goes for every one.
if players were to follow those guidelines they would have to spend 14 days in TT without training, in some cases their clubs would not allow it because they would have to be released early in order meet the quarantine stipulations and when they return after the international break their fitness level would have been diminished due to their inactivity in quarantine.
So it’s better for them to find a country that does not have these harsh health guidelines, and DR fit the bill perfectly, plus it’s right next to PR where we are scheduled to play the next game on the 28th of March. so it all worked out fine.
PS. Just say thank god we didn’t have to forfeit the game and lose all three points, and now have an opportunity to get something from the game without suffer loss by the fault. you’re typical trini, that bitch, moan and make a big hollabolu over every little bloody thing. you people suffer severely from delusions of grandeur. no one owes us anything so just be thankful and stop complaining.
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Fenwick: Poor planning for World Cup qualifiers.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
HEAD coach of the national men’s senior football team Terry Fenwick is disappointed that Trinidad and Tobago will now have to play Guyana in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Dominican Republic, on March 25.
T&T were scheduled to face Guyana in its opening match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, but covid19 protocols have led to the change in venue.
On Saturday, a media release by the TT Football Association (TTFA), said it “laments the decision of the Ministry of Health to not allow the TTFA to host this country’s opening Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifier versus Guyana in Trinidad, in a hot-bubble environment, on March 25. The TTFA has therefore taken a decision to stage the match at the Pan American Stadium, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.”
The TTFA media release added, “Over the last few months, we have been in discussions with the Ministry of Health, Sports Company of TT and other relevant Government agencies.
“Based on these discussions, numerous proposals and scenarios were put forward to host the match in Trinidad, but unfortunately none were ultimately successful, which would satisfy our FIFA mandates for international competitions.”
Fenwick, in an interview with Newsday, said, “I am very disappointed because the game was carded for T&T (at the) Hasely Crawford Stadium as a home game for T&T in a one-off playoff against Guyana. We have not been able to secure that game over that period of time, which is important (to note). This is not a last-minute decision. We knew this was happening in August last year.”
The quarantine measure does not allow the match to be played in T&T. “The Ministry of Health’s protocol and guidelines mandate 14 days quarantine for anyone entering the country. This condition is not feasible given the FIFA international match window and the Ministry of Health has declined the TTFA’s request of an exemption to facilitate a hot-bubble which would allow members of both teams, including staff, to arrive within a suitable time period conducive to international football. We have worked tirelessly with FIFA, Concacaf and the Government of T&T to find solutions but regrettably a compromise could not be found.”
Fenwick said his players need to get some competition before the qualifiers kick off, but poor planning has been an issue. Fenwick said around the world football is being played. “They have got international friendlies, competitive games...because it is six and eight months in advance. (It is) planning. We’ve not done none of that.”
The TTFA release said steps are being taken to ensure the players are prepared for the qualifiers. “The TTFA is committed to giving the men’s senior national team the best preparation possible during these challenging times. We have been working and continue to work on solutions to provide head coach Terry Fenwick the opportunity to engage in international friendly matches and training camps ahead of the qualifiers.”
Several of T&T’s players are based overseas and Fenwick is making moves to get those players to the Dominican Republic. “That’s what we are trying to do. Again it is not in our hands, it is the club’s hands but we are reaching out early.”
Fenwick added that he must continue to train with a large group of players locally because he is uncertain that the T&T players overseas will be released by their clubs for the qualifier. “We can’t send anybody home because we don’t know what we getting from overseas. It is a real difficult situation. If covid virus wasn’t enough, we are treading on our toes in Trinidad and certain areas have not helped.”
The TTFA understands why the qualifier was not allowed to be held in T&T. “The TTFA is incredibly disappointed and shares the public’s frustration at not being able to play our designated home match on local soil. However, we do understand the responsibilities of the Ministry of Health and appreciate the efforts that they are making to preserve the safety of the citizens of our country.”
RELATED NEWS
Fenwick calls for unity ahead of World Cup qualifier.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).
National men’s football coach Terry Fenwick has urged the TT Football Association (TTFA) and its affiliates to unite ahead of this country’s FIFA World Cup qualification campaign which kicks off against Guyana on March 25.
After hosting a training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, on Saturday, the 61-year-old coach called for all hands on deck as T&T seeks to secure its second-ever qualification to a senior FIFA World Cup.
Owing to the pandemic and prior legal wrangling between TTFA and FIFA, Fenwick has had a tough time at the helm of local football since his appointment in December 2019.
After a 7-0 clobbering in his first official match against USA, on January 31, Fenwick has now set sights on World Cup qualification with a team that was only able to resume training in November 2020.
With the domestic season inactive for almost a year because of Government’s health regulations, and players unable to move freely because of border control, Fenwick faces a tough task.
However, he recently received a boost with the inclusion of US-based talents Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones returning home after a hectic but impressive Major League Soccer season.
Looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers, Fenwick has requested that all stakeholders come together and support the team on its journey to Qatar 2022.
The former English Premier League defender referred to his team’s recent experience being hosted by the USA for their international friendly. He said stakeholders were all on the same page to pull of the match.
“It was a big learning curve for us when we went to the US. It was every man working for the US; whether it be players, staff, people in the background, they were all on one team and working together for the benefit of the USA.
“I would like to see that across the board in T&T. Put down the daggers, put down all the nastiness. Let’s get together and pull together with the national team for the World Cup qualifier coming up.
“We’re looking forward to have all parties involved: Government, ministries and players,” he said.
Fenwick said several Caribbean teams have taken the opportunity to travel to Miami to take part in development camps and get much-needed playing time prior to their respective qualifiers.
The veteran coach still believes domestic football can resume if the proper health protocols are observed by teams. According to him, the lengthy postponement can cause a "talent drain" of local footballers, who may reconsider their playing careers.
He thinks the constant delay to resume is also taking a toll on the national team towards their qualification process.
Fenwick added, “Clearly we need more as far as games are concerned. We need these games (in Miami) so we can prepare properly for the World Cup qualifiers.
“Teams such as St Vincent and other Caribbean islands are planning overseas training camps so why can’t we do so as well? All of the other teams are planning their games in advance. You can see their schedules moving forward so we know what they’re doing.
“There’s no games (for T&T) planned as yet and we want to get that tied up this week so we can plan ahead and get our players on the ground and prepared.
“There’s still a big question mark around players from the UK and Europe as to their travel to come for the qualifier. We’re working on that.”
After returning from the USA friendly, the national team was mandated to spend 14 days quarantine – seven at the Home of Football and seven at their respective homes.
Fenwick said lengthy periods away from the sport do not help develop player fitness and agility on the field of play. Raising the team’s fitness levels and forming game plans are the main focus for the T&T coach.
Former Minnesota United midfielder Molino also called out on the public to rally behind the T&T team.
“It takes a whole country for us to go out there and perform – not just the 11 players on a team. We need each and every one to support us and give us that backing to go out there and get results.
“I feel great to be back with the guys, and in national colours is always my dream. I’m happy to be here and partake with the new guys that joined the team,” he said.
Fenwick: TTFA responsible for oversight in W/Cup qualifier shift.
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express).'
No excuse
SENIOR men’s national football team coach Terry Fenwick places the blame squarely on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) administration, for the T&T men’s team not being able to play its World Cup qualifier at home.
“Government officials are recognising that they have only just received document and things from the TTFA asking for permission,” Fenwick declared. “Hang on, we got this decision (to host the match) back in August (2020).”
On Saturday, the TTFA announced that Trinidad and Tobago’s opening World Cup qualifier will be played at the Pan American Stadium, San Cristobal, in the Dominican Republic.
This follows the decision of the Ministry of Health (MOH) to not allow the TTFA to host this country’s opening Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifier versus Guyana in Trinidad -- in a hot-bubble environment -- on March 25. Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe, confirmed that the TTFA only sought permission in the first week of February.
“There is no excuse,” Fenwick declared. “You cannot blame Robert Hadad. He is a businessman,” stated Fenwick, who lay blame at the feet of the TTFA administrative staff. ”This has all to do with the administration of football in the TTFA and its not the first time we have had these issues,” claimed Fenwick. “It‘s the same people. They are not performing.”
While confident of getting a positive result in the Dominican Republic, Fenwick firmly believes home advantage would have been beneficial. “I wanted home advantage,” said Fenwick. “We were given a one-off game against Guyana, the toughest opponent for us, at home. It’s a big plus and not anybody else but our administrators have mashed that up.”
If anything positive is to come out of the misfortune, Fenwick hopes that TTFA administration will step up their game as the World Cup campaign goes on and also before the CONCACAF Gold Cup in mid-year. “I’m the coach. I’m meant to get the team right,” Fenwick said. “I’m engaging in so many other things because other people in the Association are not doing it.”
Despite the disappointment of not playing at home, Fenwick remains focused on the task ahead. “I can not argue with how the players have applied themselves,” Fenwick stated in a TTFA Media interview following his third training session on Friday. “But clearly we need to know the way forward as far as games are concerned. My understanding is that there is an opportunity to play games in Miami. We need these games so we can prepare properly for the World Cup qualifier.”
“All the other teams are planning their games in advance,” Fenwick noted. “There are no (T&T) games planned as yet. We want to get that tied-up this week, so we can plan ahead and get our players on the ground, prepared for the World Cup qualifier coming up on the 25th of March.”
Meanwhile, the TTFA expressed disappointment in not having its qualifier played at home. “The TTFA is incredibly disappointed and shares the public’s frustration at not being able to play our designated home match on local soil,” the FA stated via media release.
“However, we do understand the responsibilities of the MOH and appreciate the efforts that they are making to preserve the safety of the citizens of our country. While the decision is a bitter pill to swallow, we believe that sport and the positive mental health aspects of sports must not be undervalued and applaud the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for allowing outdoor recreational sports to resume.”
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“There is no excuse,” Fenwick declared. “You cannot blame Robert Hadad. He is a businessman,” stated Fenwick, who lay blame at the feet of the TTFA administrative staff. ”This has all to do with the administration of football in the TTFA and its not the first time we have had these issues,” claimed Fenwick. “It‘s the same people. They are not performing.”
Huh? Head-scratching stuff. ???
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Perhaps there were doubts about playing on a synthetic or artificial surface in Curacao.
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I never imagined or even think dat a day would come when our national coach depends on home advantage against guyana ...... :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
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I never imagined or even think dat a day would come when our national coach depends on home advantage against guyana ...... :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
A sad testament to how far we have fallen- you would think a 20k USA a month coach would stop manufacturing premature excuses prior to the game. Does not instill confidence nor inspire great hope for success.
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Well, at least we know Frenderup is in the works.
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“There is no excuse,” Fenwick declared. “You cannot blame Robert Hadad. He is a businessman,” stated Fenwick, who lay blame at the feet of the TTFA administrative staff. ”This has all to do with the administration of football in the TTFA and its not the first time we have had these issues,” claimed Fenwick. “It‘s the same people. They are not performing.”
Huh? Head-scratching stuff. ???
To be clear: the head-scratching is more about the part in bold than about "the same people". The candidates for "the same people" is not exactly a disguised or long-list.
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“There is no excuse,” Fenwick declared. “You cannot blame Robert Hadad. He is a businessman,” stated Fenwick, who lay blame at the feet of the TTFA administrative staff. ”This has all to do with the administration of football in the TTFA and its not the first time we have had these issues,” claimed Fenwick. “It‘s the same people. They are not performing.”
Huh? Head-scratching stuff. ???
To be clear: the head-scratching is more about the part in bold than about "the same people". The candidates for "the same people" is not exactly a disguised or long-list.
Seeker, I'm a little lost as well. Who is this Admin Staff that has been messing up all our football all these years, and what really is their function ? Does it mean the President, boards and committees make decisions (eg. Past Presidents, Mr Camps etc, to now Mr Hadad) and the admin staff don't do their instructions ? Is them causing we to be not sure we can beat Guyana. They mess up with communications, coaching and funding? You mean is them was siphoning funds all the time, and giving themselves contracts, firing and hiring competent and incompetent ppl as they please ? And Hahad come and pay them, cause he in the know as a businessman, and trying his best to please them, so they don't mess up no more ? oooorrr
They just issue Fenwick cheque late, besides the fact he not sure what to do with this Ntl team, so finding a new scapegoat, cause he already used the players as an excuse last time.
So what really dem doing ? Not following Hadad instructions ?
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What a bunch of pathetic man-babies Fenwick and Hadad are showing themselves to be. Incapable of taking any responsibility and shifting the blame to people they are ultimately responsible for.
Men lead, babies wine.
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DR might just be the worse place in the Caribbean to visit right now.
How about Anguilla
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
Check yesterday numbers.
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“There is no excuse,” Fenwick declared. “You cannot blame Robert Hadad. He is a businessman,” stated Fenwick, who lay blame at the feet of the TTFA administrative staff. ”This has all to do with the administration of football in the TTFA and its not the first time we have had these issues,” claimed Fenwick. “It‘s the same people. They are not performing.”
Huh? Head-scratching stuff. ???
To be clear: the head-scratching is more about the part in bold than about "the same people". The candidates for "the same people" is not exactly a disguised or long-list.
Seeker, I'm a little lost as well. Who is this Admin Staff that has been messing up all our football all these years, and what really is their function ? Does it mean the President, boards and committees make decisions (eg. Past Presidents, Mr Camps etc, to now Mr Hadad) and the admin staff don't do their instructions ? Is them causing we to be not sure we can beat Guyana. They mess up with communications, coaching and funding? You mean is them was siphoning funds all the time, and giving themselves contracts, firing and hiring competent and incompetent ppl as they please ? And Hahad come and pay them, cause he in the know as a businessman, and trying his best to please them, so they don't mess up no more ? oooorrr
They just issue Fenwick cheque late, besides the fact he not sure what to do with this Ntl team, so finding a new scapegoat, cause he already used the players as an excuse last time.
So what really dem doing ? Not following Hadad instructions ?
It is worse than I first appreciated. ??? ??? ??? ??? Shenanigans and posturings.
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DR might just be the worse place in the Caribbean to visit right now.
How about Anguilla
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
Check yesterday numbers.
The staggering irony is that our numbers are low.
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For some reason, there's a presumption that the match being in T&T automatically meant socially-distanced fans. A sensible proposition might have been NO fans per se.
Separately, I suspect that there is going to be a lot of literature about the various impacts and dynamics of no fans in the stands on/related to the quality of play on the field. The results may be surprising (which should be mind-blowing for the Pro League).
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Pot calling the kettle black! This same TTFA administration being alluded to is the same one that worked out a back door deal and landed the man ah 20k USA per month deal to coach youths?
Success in TnT pro league is not equating with running a national team. I think we are witnessing one of the biggest catastrophes in the shaping, preparing and coaching of aNational team. What we are getting from this coach is a prelude and preparation for failure-
The first outing followed the same pattern of the past- assemble some locals - close to game time discard the majority and jettison in foreign players and hope for instant success. That = cutarse
Now facing of all Guyana- not Mexico Not even Jamaica and the frigging excuses start before we even decide on where we playing. This is what we get for 20k USA per month! This is the same man who li ed with dogs now the fleas biting he arsea d he start to bark -
Folks we in trouble- ah tell allyuh Anguilla ready to put ah licking on we- Watch the Bajans and all could take we down yes we have rescinded to a low when the expectations that one with his pedigree , one who has played at the highest level, one who has coached and lived in our culture could impart knowledge and experience and equate that into success-
Looks like TTFA get ah cat in bag deal- his concern about fans in the stands is ah distraction ah deflection- fans doh play the game? This is not an Intercol match! WC qualifiers!!! Fck this is high stakes- Fck coach yuh players and stop trying to coach the TTFA. Like yuh want that job too?
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SOS to Dr Rowley! CMO accused of ‘sabotage’, as Warriors unable to train or book warm-up games
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
tell me what wrong with this.
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‘A bitter pill to swallow’! TTFA moves Guyana fixture to the Dominican Republic.
Wired868.com.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) will play its opening Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier against Guyana at the Pan American Stadium, San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic on 25 March.
The decision was relayed to the media this afternoon, just hours after Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe closed the door on any possibility that the government would overrule chief medical officer Dr Roshan Parasram and waive mandatory quarantine for the affair.
“[The] TTFA is stating that [its] players cannot quarantine and that is troubling for us,” said Cudjoe, at a virtual press conference this morning, “especially with players coming from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Belgium—coming from countries where there are these strains that we are really concerned about.
“[…] Flying in, travelling to the Home of Football, and playing your game with no quarantine whatsoever; it does not sit well with our technical people [at the Ministry of Health] at all.
“[…] I have to agree with the CMO. And it is not my business, as it is being recommended, that I instruct—or the minister of health instructs—the CMO. We have to trust his advice to keep our people safe and even our players and the rest of the sporting fraternity safe.”
The Ministry of Health advised the TTFA, which is now run by a Fifa-appointed normalisation committee led by businessman Robert Hadad, to either bring the players in early to quarantine or postpone the match date. Neither option is feasible in competitive international football.
“We have worked tirelessly with Fifa, Concacaf and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to find solutions but regrettably a compromise could not be found,” stated a TTFA release. “The TTFA is incredibly disappointed and shares the public’s frustration at not being able to play our designated home match on local soil. However we do understand the responsibilities of the MOH and appreciate the efforts that they are making to preserve the safety of the citizens of our country.
“While the decision is a bitter pill to swallow, we believe that sport and the positive mental health aspects of sports must not be undervalued and applaud the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for allowing outdoor recreational sports to resume.”
Despite the normalisation committee’s claim of ‘working tirelessly’ towards finding a solution, Cudjoe confirmed today that the government did not receive a proposal from the TTFA until 2 February 2021.
Trinidad and Tobago knew its World Cup grouping since 19 August 2020 while the dates for the fixtures were confirmed by Fifa on 4 December 2020.
Fortunately, the normalisation committee appeared to have found a neutral venue—i95.5FM talkshow host Andre Baptiste’s claim that the Warriors would be forced to play in Guyana was always untrue.
The Dominican Republic is one of a handful of Caribbean nations which does not insist on quarantine, once travellers test negative for Covid-19. So, the Soca Warriors will adopt that island as its home venue for the immediate future.
They are by no means the only Caribbean nation that have sought lodging elsewhere for their football team, as Cudjoe noted today.
“[…] Barbados are playing in the Dominican Republic, Anguilla is playing in Tampa and then the Dominican Republic,” said the minister of sport and community development, “Antigua [and Barbuda] and Montserrat are playing in the US Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines is playing in Curaçao. Suriname is playing in the Dominican Republic…”
Trinidad and Tobago, who are in Group F of the preliminary Concacaf draw, are also scheduled to host St Kitts and Nevis on 8 June while they play away to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas on 28 March and 5 June respectively.
It is likely that Puerto Rico and Bahamas will retain home advantage when they face the Warriors. Only the group winner will advance to the next round of qualifying while the other four nations are immediately eliminated.
The normalisation committee promised to give the Soca Warriors ‘the best preparation possible during these challenging times’.
“We have been working and continue to work on solutions to provide head coach Terry Fenwick the opportunity to engage in international friendly matches and training camps ahead of the qualifiers,” stated the TTFA. “With the confirmation that the venue has been set for San Cristobal, we anticipate that further plans will be rolled out over the coming days.”
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DR might just be the worse place in the Caribbean to visit right now.
How about Anguilla
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
Check yesterday numbers.
I repeat . They have most active cases, therefore accomdation(staffing), in addition there are other issues with water and food. Especially now.
Add: Don’t let Concacaf set both countries up to fail.
Should play in a venue lest affected than both countries, not more. Trying to mess up yuh team in the long term.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cityam.com/why-are-english-clubs-playing-champions-league-and-europa-league-matches-at-neutral-venues/amp/
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SOS to Dr Rowley! CMO accused of ‘sabotage’, as Warriors unable to train or book warm-up games
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
tell me what wrong with this.
‘They’re sabotaging Fenwick and Hadad!’ TTFA staff blamed for normalisation committee blunders.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
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SOS to Dr Rowley! CMO accused of ‘sabotage’, as Warriors unable to train or book warm-up games
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
tell me what wrong with this.
‘They’re sabotaging Fenwick and Hadad!’ TTFA staff blamed for normalisation committee blunders.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
Does this journalist ever bring any positive uplifting news? my word what a negative town crier he is, it’s always some shite to kill your vibes but never anything cheerful to declare. I guess he’s in the doom and more gloom department.
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SOS to Dr Rowley! CMO accused of ‘sabotage’, as Warriors unable to train or book warm-up games
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
The Soca Warriors’ Qatar 2022 World Cup dreams are being stymied by the Trinidad and Tobago government’s Covid-19 rules and, according to football insiders, the Ministry of Health’s apparent reluctance to relax them for the Men’s National Senior Team.
There have been 107 million cases of infection worldwide since the start of the novel coronavirus pandemic, with 2.36 million deaths. However, the twin island republic has been widely praised for its response to the virus.
As of yesterday evening, the Ministry of Health reported 181 active cases of Covid-19 in Trinidad and Tobago, with 14 positives over the last 24 hours. The total number of infections here since last March is 7,631 with 136 deaths.
However, at least two persons closely involved with the national football team accused chief medical officer Dr Roshan Parasram of being too inflexible with the Soca Warriors. Both spoke on condition of anonymity.
The football team was granted a government exemption to play the United States in an exhibition match in Orlando on 31 January, which they lost 7-0—a joint national record.
Trinidad and Tobago head coach Terry Fenwick hoped to continue his team preparations with training sessions during their subsequent seven day quarantine at the TTFA Home of Football Wellness Centre in Couva. And the Englishman wanted St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica to fly in to face the Warriors in warm-up matches, as all three nations were quarantined there.
It turned out to be wishful thinking.
The Ato Boldon Stadium is a stone’s throw from the Home of Football. However, the Ministry of Health snubbed their request to train there and instead allegedly suggested they practice at a small field within the HoF facility.
Even then, there was a catch. The training was to be restricted to groups of five players; and, if they agreed, they would also have to spend an additional seven days at the quarantine facility.
“It is a cow field with old metal and pipe on it,” said the football insider, “and four feet of grass.”
“The field is not fit to train,” said a team member, who was part of the quarantine party.
The Home of Football, a controversial facility constructed under the guidance of ex-Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams, does not have a functioning gym. As a result, the players spent the last week largely confined to their rooms.
The national players who quarantined at the Home of Football were: Adrian Foncette, Josiah Trimmingham, Justin Garcia, Jamal Jack, Alvin Jones, Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron, Sean Bonval, Matthew Woo Ling, Jabari Mitchell, Marvin Phillip, Brent Sam, Jesse Williams, Hashim Arcia, and Gary Griffith III.
The quarantined staff members were: Derek King (assistant coach), Adrian Romain (manager), Captain Basil Thompson (logistics/safety and compliance manager), Dr Akash Dhanai (team doctor), Cassius Humphrey (fitness coach), Sion Cane (massage therapist/physiotherapist), Michael Williams (kit manager), Shaun Fuentes (head of media/communications), and Fenwick.
The mood within the camp worsened considerably when the players and staff members left quarantine on Tuesday, only to be warned that they could face prosecution if they left their homes over the next seven days—and training sessions are out of the question.
The players and staff, according to the team source, have tested six times in the past two weeks and every result was negative. Why then, they ask, are they still being stopped from getting on with the football programme?
“Basically, we feel we are under a big attack,” said the team source. “From the time we arrived in Orlando, we were in a bubble; and when we returned to Trinidad we were in quarantine. But now when we are looking forward to resume training, the [Office of the] CMOH is calling players and staff members and threatening them, saying they will visit their homes to ensure they are there.
“[…] I asked if I could send a breakdown of our negative results since we left to go to Orlando. They said ‘no’ and they are just following the rules.
“Basically they are saying this is their protocols and we have to abide by it.”
If any national player or staff member is found to be in breach of the Quarantine Act, the penalty is a fine of TT$6,000 and six months imprisonment.
“This is totally different from how the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) players were dealt with,” said a football insider. “Those players were allowed to train and move about the Hilton Hotel after just three days of quarantine!”
It is not a perfect analogy. During the four week CPL competition, the cricketers remained within the ‘bubble’ of the Hilton Hotel throughout. In contrast, the Warriors head home to their families after each session.
Still, the national footballers already have special dispensation to practice. Is it worth stopping them now—after their negative tests—but allowing them to train in a week’s time in virtually the same conditions?
And that’s to say nothing of the illegal training sessions and pick-up matches that occur almost daily around the country.
Neither Dr Parasram nor Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh responded to Wired868’s request for comment on the complaints.
But then a big part of the problem, according to the insider, remains the perceived aloofness of the Ministry of Health’s senior officials.
The Fifa-appointed normalisation committee, which replaced the TTFA Board in 2020, requested clearance from the Ministry of Health to host Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines for a three-nation tournament later this month. And, last week, they also sought approval to host Guyana for Trinidad and Tobago’s opening World Cup qualifier on 25 March.
In each case, they claimed that no response was given to the local football body.
At a press conference yesterday, the health minister said Dr Parasram was ‘in discussions with the football fraternity to deal with that issue’. He hinted it was a not a straightforward matter.
“We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants,” said Deyalsingh. “[…] So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
It was not with the Warriors wanted to hear.
“The normalisation committee has been pleaded with the CMO to get a letter from the minister of health that they can send to Concacaf, granting approval to play World Cup games in Trinidad,” said the insider. “And the CMO has not responded. If that continues, we will get no practice games before the Guyana match and we may lose our home game—because of a simple approval we need from the Ministry of Health.
“Guyana is our toughest opponent in that five team group and losing the chance to play that game at home can be crucial… Whoever wins that game will virtually get through to the next round.”
The other three nations in Group F are St Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Fifa rules dictate that the TTFA has until 11 March to confirm it can host Guyana as well as the necessary Fifa match officials for the affair. If not, the game will be moved to a neutral venue.
Last year, the Ministry of Health facilitated the CPL competition—supposedly at the urging of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. The Warriors hope Dr Rowley acts again.
“We are hoping that the prime minister will intervene,” said the insider. “The prime minister gave a directive to host the CPL; and it was on his authority that the national team was given permission to train. At present, it feels like [the Ministry of Health is] doing everything to muzzle them.
“What we are seeing is disrespectful, embarrassing and a virtual sabotage of the national team by the CMO. It is a total contrast to what was done with the CPL.”
The Warriors, according to the team source, have not given up on getting their desired players based in the United Kingdom. Fenwick said he wants to recruit at least a dozen players from his homeland, most of whom are uncapped and don’t hold Trinidad and Tobago passports but are eligible due to parentage.
The UK’s Covid-19 protocols allow exemptions for ‘elite athletes’ to travel, without requiring quarantine on their return. But requests for that privilege are to be handled on a case by case basis by its health ministry, with the England Football Association also involved in the process.
Guyana is among 33 banned nations by the British government and no exemption is possible for travel there. The spine of the ‘Golden Jaguars’, including defender Samuel Cox and midfielder Neil Danns, play in the English lower leagues.
Fifa’s current protocols allow clubs to refuse to players for international duty once they will face more than four days of quarantine. If such players do not get an exemption from England’s FA to represent their adopted countries, their clubs can refuse to release them—regardless of what the Ministry of Health decides.
Still, the Warriors’ coaching staff remain hopeful.
“We have already reached out the clubs and it feels very positive for us,” said the source. “But again, we need to know where we will be playing and, at the moment, all of that is up in the air. We are not trying to burn any bridges but we will like to train, especially as we have all our negative results.
“We can create carpools for the guys to get to training and provide shuttle for those who don’t have vehicles. We have already been set back big time, but we are doing everything we can to have the best team possible for the Guyana game.”
The Warriors’ immediate future may owe much to Dr Parasram; and perhaps to Dr Rowley. And, certainly, to the Covid-19 virus.
RELATED NEWS
Deyalsingh: Safety first! Warriors’ WCQ home advantage in balance due to Covid rules.
By Fayola Bostic (Wired868.
Covid-19 restrictions may not have barred national sports teams from practising, but the pandemic could potentially have an early impact on the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Football Team.
The Soca Warriors are due to host Guyana in their opening game on 25 March, under new head coach Terry Fenwick. But a new Fifa ruling, plus the current non-commitment to providing quarantine exemptions for travelling teams, means the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) might be forced to concede home advantage.
At present, the TTFA is being run by a Fifa-appointed normalisation committee headed by businessman Robert Hadad.
Normal Fifa rules require clubs to release players to represent their countries on an international match day. However, as governments have enacted travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine periods to prevent the spread of the virus, Fifa created an exemption that allows clubs to deny their players leave to represent their home teams.
The new rules say clubs must release players except where: ‘there is a mandatory period of quarantine or self-isolation of at least five (5) days upon arrival’ either in the location of the club or the match venue. Clubs can also refuse to release players if there are travel restrictions to or from those locations.
That means if players don’t receive exemptions from travel restrictions and quarantine or self-isolation requirements, their clubs are under no obligation to let them play for their country teams.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the borders are closed to all but nationals, who still must apply for an exemption to enter the country. A returning national then faces a mandatory seven-day quarantine in a state facility, followed by another seven days of self-isolation.
The Warriors only emerged from quarantine yesterday at the Home of Football in Couva, since their international against the United States in Orlando on 31 January, which they lost 7-0.
As a host country, the Fifa rules require the TTFA to get exemptions for its players, the visiting team, and match officials to enter the country and skip any quarantine or self-isolation of more than five days.
With the match against Guyana carded for 25 March, that leaves the TTFA until 11 March to inform Fifa whether the T&T government will grant the necessary exemptions. The UK government, for instance, grants exemptions to certain ‘elite athletes’ to travel and play without quarantine.
The Warriors, who are also scheduled to play away to Puerto Rico on 28 March, could be forced to play their opening ‘home game’ at a neutral venue if the Dr Keith Rowley-led government does not play along.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s virtual media conference, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said: “The CMO [chief medical officer Dr Roshan Parasram] is in contact and in discussions with the football fraternity to deal with that issue.
“We are very concerned about people coming into the country and not quarantining properly and possibly bringing in the new variants… So, the decision would be made in the best interest of protecting the safety of our population.”
Lasana is a very good writer but too much of his articles are more negative than positive.
He seems like he writes for clicks instead of fairness.
Need to be more balance instead of running down a quick dollar.
As bad as this is, he only makes it worse.
Liebud, bring some balance in your writing.
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i can't agree enough. trinis seem to get off on bad news and gossip much more than progress.
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i can't agree enough. trinis seem to get off on bad news and gossip much more than progress.
What is the good news?
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TTFA ‘working on logistics’ ahead of Guyana qualifier.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
THE TT Football Association (TTFA) is actively working on logistical matters ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf Zone qualifying match between T&T and Guyana, which will take place at the Estadio Panamericano, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic on March 25.
The game, which was originally carded to take place here in T&T, has been shifted to the Dominican Republic due to T&T’s covid19 protocols. The Spanish-speaking nation does not have any quarantine restrictions.
Acting general secretary of the TTFA, Amiel Mohammed, said on Monday, “Even though the normalisation (committee) is acting as the board, the TTFA staff is working diligently to try to provide the men’s national team with the best preparation available. We know that we’re still in covid times so logistics are, quite frankly, a nightmare.”
On February 20, Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe, during a media conference, said that the T&T government will not be able to waive mandatory quarantine for the match. As a result, the TTFA, which is run by a FIFA-appointed normalisation committee headed by businessman Robert Hadad, decided to move the game to the Dominican Republic.
That move was chastised by T&T coach Terry Fenwick who, in a Newsday report on February 21, said, “I am very disappointed because the game was carded as a home game for T&T in a one-off playoff against Guyana. We have not been able to secure that game over that period of time, which is important (to note).”
Mohammed, on Monday, pointed out, “We’re actively trying to weigh up the best logistics, with the cost factors, to try to give Terry and his team the best possible preparation available, whether that includes a camp, friendly matches (or) scrimmage matches. All of that are being assessed as we speak. We should have a clearer idea of the plan or the calendar within the next few days.”
Mohammed was unable to confirm when the T&T team will be leaving for the Dominican Republic. “We’re in constant communication with the Dominican (Republic) FA and we’re trying to work out all those logistical things. We should have an update within the next couple days.” In January, the TTFA advertised its search for the vacant post of T&T women’s team coach. According to Mohammed, “We should have an update (on) that very soon. This week for sure.”
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Soca Warriors to play 2 matches in Tobago weekend.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
T&T's Soca Warriors will play two friendly matches this weekend at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago. The game will give players in the sister-isle the opportunity to make it onto the national team and probably play at the highest level.
Marc Joseph, Chairman of the Orange Group of Companies is the organiser of the event and he told Guardian Media Sports yesterday that the trip by the national team was arranged because his group was told there were no players from the island on the national team.
The Terry Fenwick-coached national team will face an Orange XI from 4 pm on Saturday and again on Sunday morning at 10 am. The team will be the guest of the Orange Group of Companies from Friday to Sunday.
According to Joseph: "As you know there's no Tobago player on the national team presently and that was brought to our attention on many occasions during the last couple of weeks. So we have decided, through Terry Fenwick and me, to invite the national team to come to Tobago through the Orange Group of Companies, and what we have done is to put together a two-day programme, a training camp, and invite the local players of Tobago to get that opportunity to showcase their talent and get a possible opportunity to join the national team and probably play at the highest level."
Though the names of no player from the sister-isle were given, the Tobago players have been in a live-in camp in preparation for the match. Joseph said he believes the game will help in planting seeds that will produce fruit for the people of Tobago and the twin-island Republic as a whole.
Fenwick's men have been hard at training in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers which will begin with an opening encounter against Guyana on March 25 in the Dominican Republic.
The match was expected to be the country's home match but the government, through the Ministry of Health and its Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram, blanked a proposed football bubble to host the match.
Fenwick's men will play out of Group F of the qualifiers with only the top team advancing to the second round. The other countries in the group are Puerto Rico, St Kitts/Nevis and the Bahamas.
Following the team's opening match against Guyana, the Soca Warriors will be away to Puerto Rico (March 28) in their next encounter; away to the Bahamas (June 5), and home to St Kitts and Nevis (June 8.).
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Fenwick unsure about squad to face Guyana, P/Rico.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
THE COMPOSITION of the T&T men’s football team is proving to be a tricky one, according to coach Terry Fenwick, ahead of a pair of 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf Zone First Round Group F qualifiers.
On March 25, T&T will square off against Guyana at the Estadio Panamericano, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, followed by a fixture away to Puerto Rico at the Mayaguez Athletics Stadium, Mayaguez on March 28.
The T&T team have resumed training at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, a month after their 7-0 mauling in a friendly international away to the United States.
During an interview on Tuesday, Fenwick said, “We’ve got Khaleem Hyland, Sheldon Bateau, Levi Garcia, all of those guys that we’ve reached out to and their clubs. Obviously, (with) FIFA’s new rules and regulations, (the clubs) are in control of that situation now.”
On February 5, the global governing body for football FIFA announced that players who face mandatory quarantine of at least five days on any part of their intended journey, or government-imposed border restrictions that do not exempt professional sports, can be excused from call-ups by their national team.
Fenwick added, “We’ve applied to all of (their clubs) to see whether they will release the players, so we can physically see what we’ve got. We’re trying to get something sorted out.”
The T&T coach was asked how many players may be selected for the trips to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Fenwick replied, “(The overseas-based) might not be able to get out until the last minute, some might not be able to get out until the 20th, five days before the actual World Cup qualifier. We’re still waiting on clubs to clarify and confirm whether they’re releasing the players or not.
“That will take a big toll on my final decision as to who I’m carrying,” he continued. “But it will be mid-20 players because we’ve got two games. God forbid we (get) any injuries, we’ve got to be covered for all of that. We’re just playing it safe.”
The former San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC coach is hopeful that the squad will have a few warm-up matches while in the Dominican Republic.
“I’ve left it entirely in the normalisation committee’s hands to organise my friendly games,” he said. “We’re leaving Trinidad on the 12th so we’ll get up there in time. There are six nations up there (T&T, Barbados, St Kitts/Nevis, Turks and Caicos Islands, Dominica and Panama will all use the Dominican Republic as ‘home’ games) so we’re looking to get two, maybe three games, prior to the game against Guyana.
“I want it nailed down and signed off so we can actually plan ahead and get ourselves organised. At the moment, I’m still waiting on them for clarity.”
On the immediate horizon will be a pair of warm-up games in Tobago. Fenwick said on Tuesday evening that he hopes his training squad (he will carry 23 to Tobago) will get to face Phoenix FC on Saturday and a Tobago XI on Sunday.
Reflecting on the well-documented US encounter, Fenwick said, “(the players) don’t get experience unless you give them games. This was just against the best team in our region, in Concacaf. Nobody, more than me, is more disappointed with the scoreline. It was very poor.”
With the Guyana match having been shifted from T&T to Dominican Republic, is that taking a toll on the players?
“That’s more the overseas players that need to travel,” replied Fenwick. “We’ve lost that advantage of playing at home. The players that we’re bringing in, that are subject to the same covid (protocols, as well as) my goalkeeper coach Kelvin Jack.
“Before they leave the UK they’ve got to have their tests sorted out, and they’ve got to quarantine in the countries where they (are based). It’s not easy at all.”
Fenwick touched on another problem he has been facing for several months.
“Everywhere in the world is playing football except in (T&T). So it’s not helping us. La Horquetta Rangers have got three or four players that we’ve invited on a regular basis and have not been given permission by their club to train with the national team.
“There are a number of obstacles involved, it’s been quite challenging but we’ll get over it,” he ended.
RELATED NEWS
More than half of Concacaf nations concede home advantage; Santo Domingo hosts eight WCQs in one week.
Wired868.com
Trinidad and Tobago were far from the anomaly yesterday as Concacaf revealed that more than half of the nations involved in the opening round of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying matches have conceded home advantage, due mostly to their respectively Covid-19 protocols.
Seventeen from 30 nations will play their home games on neutral soil and Santo Domingo is easily the most popular destination. The Dominican Republic capital will host eight games from five match days, between 25 and 30 March—split evenly between the Estadio Panamericano and Estadio Felix Sanchez.
The Soca Warriors face Guyana at the Estadio Panamericano from 7pm on Thursday 25 March, in a clash that the twin island republic had hoped to play in Port of Spain.
It is the Dominican Republic’s second-best ground but the island’s top venue, the Estadio Felix Sanchez, was booked by Panama before Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) boss Robert Hadad made his move.
Trinidad and Tobago are still in better shape than St Lucia and the Cayman Islands who have home games on 28 March but are yet to confirm a venue to stage them. The Estadio Panamericano does not have a game booked on that day—so first come, first served.
Apart from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, Panama, Dominica, Turks and Caicos, and St Kitts and Nevis will also call Santo Domingo ‘home’ for the opening round of qualifiers.
Elsewhere in Curaçao, there will be no shortage of action at the Estadio Felix Sanchez in Willemstad which is booked for all five match days. Apart from the host nation, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St Vincent and the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands will also use the tiny Dutch island as their headquarters.
The Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City will host Guatemala and Cuba for next month’s qualifiers while Anguilla, Aruba and Canada will all play their home games across the state of Florida.
The Warriors, perhaps thankfully, will not have an early return to Florida where head coach Terry Fenwick lost his only international outing thus far—after a record 7-0 hammering to the United States in an exhibition affairs.
Concacaf Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying opening round
Group A: El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, US Virgin Islands.
(Wed 24 March)
*Antigua and Barbuda vs Montserrat, 7pm/ET, Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad;
(Thu 25 March)
El Salvador vs Grenada, 9.30pm/ET, Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador;
(Sat 27 March)
USVI vs Antigua and Barbuda, 7pm/ET, Bethlehem Soccer Complex, St Croix;
(Sun 28 March)
*Montserrat vs El Salvador, 7pm/ET, Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad;
(Tue 30 March)
Grenada vs USVI, 7pm/ET, Kirani James Athletic Stadium, St Georges;
Group B: Canada, Suriname, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Aruba.
(Wed 24 March)
Suriname vs Cayman Islands, 6pm/ET, Dr Ir Franklin Essed Stadion, Paramaribo;
(Thu 25 March)
*Canada vs Bermuda, 8pm/ET, Exploria Stadium, Orlando;
(Sat 27 March)
*Aruba vs Suriname, 8pm/ET, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Florida;
(Sun 28 March)
*Cayman Islands vs Canada, TBD, TBD;
(Tue 30 March)
Bermuda vs Aruba, 6.30pm/ET, Bermuda National Sports Centre, Prospect.
Group C: Curaçao, Guatemala, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Cuba, British Virgin Islands.
(Wed 24 March)
Guatemala vs Cuba, 7pm/ET, Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores, Guatemala City;
(Thu 25 March)
Curaçao vs St Vincent and the Grenadines, 8pm/ET, Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad;
(Sat 27 March)
*BVI vs Guatemala, 6pm/ET, Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad;
(Sun 28 March)
*Cuba vs Curaçao, 5pm/ET, Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores, Guatemala City;
(Tue 30 March)
*St Vincent and the Grenadines vs BVI, 8pm/ET, Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad;
Group D: Panama, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Dominica, Anguilla.
(Wed 24 March)
Dominican Republic vs Dominica, 7pm/ET, Estadio Felix Sanchez, Santo Domingo;
(Thu 25 March)
*Panama vs Barbados, 8pm/ET, Estadio Felix Sanchez, Santo Domingo;
(Sat 27 March)
*Anguilla vs Dominican Republic, 6pm/ET, Inter Miami FC Stadium, Miami;
(Sun 28 March)
*Dominica vs Panama, 4pm/ET, Estadio Felix Sanchez, Santo Domingo;
(Tue 30 March)
*Barbados vs Anguilla, 7.30pm/ET, Estadio Felix Sanchez, Santo Domingo;
Group E: Haiti, Nicaragua, Belize, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos Islands.
(Wed 24 March)
Nicaragua vs St Lucia, 9pm/ET, Estadio Nacional de Futbol de Managua, Managua;
(Thu 25 March)
Haiti vs Belize, 5pm/ET, Stade Sylvio Cator, Port au Prince;
(Sat 27 March)
*Turks and Caicos vs Nicaragua, 7pm/ET, Estadio Panamericano, Santo Domingo;
(Sun 28 March)
*St Lucia vs Haiti, TBD, TBD;
(Tue 30 March)
*Belize vs Turks and Caicos, 7pm/ET, Estadio Panamericano, Santo Domingo.
Group F: Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Bahamas.
(Wed 24 March)
*St Kitts and Nevis vs Puerto Rico, 7pm/ET, Estadio Panamericano, Santo Domingo;
(Thu 25 March)
*Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana, 7pm/ET, Estadio Panamericano, Santo Domingo;
(Sat 27 March)
Bahamas vs St Kitts and Nevis, 7pm/ET, Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau;
(Sun 28 March)
Puerto Rico vs Trinidad and Tobago, 5pm/ET, Estadio Centroamericano, Mayaguez;
(Tue 30 March)
Guyana vs Bahamas, 8pm/ET, National Track & Field Centre, Leonara.
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2021 and we are still treating with Tobago as if newly annexed territory. Incoherent on so many levels.
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2021 and we are still treating with Tobago as if newly annexed territory. Incoherent on so many levels.
It happens over and over again. It is only in individual sports that Tobago athletes get their just due because its man against man. In team sports, there is no consistent effort to scout Tobago for cricketers and footballers. We are always treated like outsiders and it is shameful.
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Got a real bad feeling about the guyans game...
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What does Tobago in particular has to do with this article?
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What does Tobago in particular has to do with this article?
There's another article above the Newsday article. Deals with a couple matches to be played in Tobago.
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2021 and we are still treating with Tobago as if newly annexed territory. Incoherent on so many levels.
It happens over and over again. It is only in individual sports that Tobago athletes get their just due because its man against man. In team sports, there is no consistent effort to scout Tobago for cricketers and footballers. We are always treated like outsiders and it is shameful.
Would having a TTFA office in Tobago make a material difference?
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2021 and we are still treating with Tobago as if newly annexed territory. Incoherent on so many levels.
It happens over and over again. It is only in individual sports that Tobago athletes get their just due because its man against man. In team sports, there is no consistent effort to scout Tobago for cricketers and footballers. We are always treated like outsiders and it is shameful.
Would having a TTFA office in Tobago make a material difference?
Started to type a response but then it hit me....that might not be such a bad idea. Because clearly what has been in place before has never really worked.
In the past it has always been the responsibility of the TFA to National arrange scouting events in Tobago, with little or no assistance from the TTFA....but no other zone in Trinidad had that burden. And even if they see players they like.....what next ?? 3 or 4 or 5 players.....sometimes more have to travel to Trinidad to train as opposed to one coach coming to Tobago and conduct or assist training of 10 or 20 players that might have the potential but need some refining.
Maybe it is time to look at alternatives.....Just saying.
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Just another point....is anybody arear who arranged for the Tobago players to be selected and prepared for these games ???????????? because I can assure you that most active coaches in Tobago new nothing about this venture.
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Dominican Republic stays T&T's home game venue
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
The Dominican Republic is set to be the venue for T&T's next home game against St Kitts/Nevis in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on the road to Qatar 2022.
Robert Hadad, the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee chairman confirmed this recently, saying he has been negotiating, to have the game played there as a form of contingency.
The Soca Warriors' schedule for the opening round will see the team at home against Guyana (25 March), but playing in the Dominican Republic, then away to Puerto Rico (28 March), followed by an away game to the Bahamas (5 June), and home to St Kitts and Nevis on 8 June.
Hadad told Guardian Media Limited that: "We're now trying to negotiate with who will be in Miami, USA and who we can play friendlies with beforehand."
"We're trying to time it in such a way that we probably can go to Miami and may come back to the Dominican Republic, and then go to Puerto Rico, those discussions are in progress," the local football boss explained.
Hadad has had to fend off recent attempts by Guyana for the March 25 qualifier to be held in George Town, instead of the Dominican Republic, which was revealed to the public last month.
Following attempts by the normalisation committee for the country's international players to skip the mandatory 14-day period of quarantine and go into a bio-secure bubble proposed by the normalisation committee, Minister of Sports Shamfa Cudjoe blanked that option, saying the safety of the people of T&T is of paramount importance, atm Saturday's update on the coronavirus status in the country.
She told the country that her government was prepared to abide by the decisions of the Ministry of Health and its Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram.
As talks began ahead of the T&T and St Kitts/Nevis game in June, Hadad told Guardian Media Sports he had already engaged Parasram for guidance on that match. "I spoke to the CMO already this morning and it is difficult for him to predict from now where we're going to be at that time, where is COVID19 going to be, are we going to allow vaccines?."
"We had that discussion this morning and the question is are they going to allow vaccinated players to not quarantine? all depends on what kind of results they have and how many vaccines they've received, and how good our vaccination process has been. According to him (Parasram) it is impossible to give me any kind of guidance now, but we will continue seeking, probably again in the Dominican Republic on an alternative venue we can use."
Meanwhile, FIFA has been working with all Concacaf member associations, with the support of the confederation, to provide guidance ahead of the upcoming qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
The match schedule for Qualification Round 1 in the Concacaf region includes 30 member associations who are each scheduled to play two matches between 24 and 31 March.
FIFA has in recent weeks held virtual workshops with all member associations to ensure that they are aware of the regulations relating to COVID-19, in particular regarding player release and the possibility of playing matches in a neutral venue should it be required due to quarantine restrictions in certain countries.
Owing to the unique and challenging circumstances being faced globally, FIFA regulations allow member associations to request that an official match be played in a neutral venue, provided it is within the applicable confederation and meets a range of other criteria.
Following FIFA’s discussions with member associations, the latest match schedule for the Concacaf region qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is as follows:
FIFA will continue to work with the member associations, with the support of Concacaf, to ensure that the health and safety of players, teams, match officials and all stakeholders is given the highest priority for these matches.
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Sam nets hat-trick as Warriors spank Orange XI.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Brent Sam netted a second-half hat-trick as T&T Soca Warriors continued their build-up towards their 2022 Concacaf Qatar World Cup Qualifying opener against Guyana with an 8-0 spanking of Tobago’s Orange XI at the St James Police Barracks in Port-of-Spain, Saturday.
Former T&T Pro League top goalscorer Marcus Joseph had opened the scoring from the penalty-spot for national coach Terry Fenwick before ex-Real Salt Lake player Alvin Jones doubled the lead from a well-struck free-kick.
Another ex-USA-based player, midfielder Duane Muckette curled in T&T’s third item into the far corner off a Joseph feed at the top of the 18-yard box while the lanky Hashim Arcia made it 4-0 before the half-time interval.
Two minutes into the second-half Sam got his first from another penalty-kick conversion to push the scoreline to five before Reon Moore made it 6-0 followed by a late brace from the lanky Sam to complete his treble and an 8-0 thumping.
Saturday's match replaced two postponed matches against the same Orange XI which were due to be played in Tobago this weekend at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet but were cancelled due to travel problems by the national team.
Speaking after the warm-up match, Fenwick who has been in training with his players in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers which will begin with an opening encounter against Guyana on March 25 in the Dominican Republic, said he was happy for the opportunity to play the match and thanked the Orange XI management team led by Marcus Joseph for providing his team with that chance to get in some valuable match practice.
“We were hoping to do the trip over there but couldn’t get a flight and they have come across with a very competitive side and did some good things in the game and we will need to go back over there and reciprocate that appreciation.
“We have lined up so many friendly games that have gone under the bus and we got to play somebody and we got a World Cup qualifier coming up on the 25th and this is part of our preparation leading into it.
“We would like other games absolutely, and we are speaking to the Normalisation Committee on a regular basis, they have got our schedules with games with teams that are confirmed as we are awaiting feedback on that, stated Fenwick, a former England World Cup defender.
With regards to Caribbean rivals Jamaica recruitment of a number of top England-based players, Fenwick said: "It’s outstanding."He added, “We are also trying to bring in top quality players that are also all over Europe and North America, but it has been difficult because everything has gone through the Commissioner of Police as far as passports, so we are trying to do our bit but we are not getting a lot of support."
Fenwick's men will play out of Group F of the qualifiers with only the top team advancing to the second round. The other countries in the group are Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis and the Bahamas.
Following the team's opening match against Guyana, the "Soca Warriors" will be away to Puerto Rico (March 28) in their next encounter; away to the Bahamas (June 5), and home to St Kitts and Nevis (June 8.).
Teams
T&T: Marvin Phillip, Jesse Williams, Leland Archer, Justin Sadoo, Gary Griffith III, Hashim Arcia, Shackiel Henry, Duane Muckette, Marcus Joseph, Jamal Jack, Michelle Poon Angeron, Joshua Alexander, Jelani Peters, Alvin Jones, Sean Bonval, Reon Moore, Brent Sam, Molik Khan, Adrian Foncette Denzil Smith.
Orange XI: Devaughn Daniel, Omarr Charles, Pretha Duncan, Javon Williams, Jeremayer Bristol, Oshun George, Jokiah Leacock, Nicholas Alfred, Antonio Pantin, Kersh Lancey, Kylou Brathwaite, Miguel Alfred, Trevor Alleyne, Sherwin Lovell, Ancill Noray, Jariel Arthur, Jahiem Harry, Keon Samuel, Daniel Richards, Tyrell Waheed, Kareem Warner, Mickaeel Jem-Gordon.
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Sam nets hat-trick as Warriors spank Orange XI.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Brent Sam netted a second-half hat-trick as T&T Soca Warriors continued their build-up towards their 2022 Concacaf Qatar World Cup Qualifying opener against Guyana with an 8-0 spanking of Tobago’s Orange XI at the St James Police Barracks in Port-of-Spain, Saturday.
Former T&T Pro League top goalscorer Marcus Joseph had opened the scoring from the penalty-spot for national coach Terry Fenwick before ex-Real Salt Lake player Alvin Jones doubled the lead from a well-struck free-kick.
Another ex-USA-based player, midfielder Duane Muckette curled in T&T’s third item into the far corner off a Joseph feed at the top of the 18-yard box while the lanky Hashim Arcia made it 4-0 before the half-time interval.
Two minutes into the second-half Sam got his first from another penalty-kick conversion to push the scoreline to five before Reon Moore made it 6-0 followed by a late brace from the lanky Sam to complete his treble and an 8-0 thumping.
Saturday's match replaced two postponed matches against the same Orange XI which were due to be played in Tobago this weekend at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet but were cancelled due to travel problems by the national team.
Speaking after the warm-up match, Fenwick who has been in training with his players in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers which will begin with an opening encounter against Guyana on March 25 in the Dominican Republic, said he was happy for the opportunity to play the match and thanked the Orange XI management team led by Marcus Joseph for providing his team with that chance to get in some valuable match practice.
“We were hoping to do the trip over there but couldn’t get a flight and they have come across with a very competitive side and did some good things in the game and we will need to go back over there and reciprocate that appreciation.
“We have lined up so many friendly games that have gone under the bus and we got to play somebody and we got a World Cup qualifier coming up on the 25th and this is part of our preparation leading into it.
“We would like other games absolutely, and we are speaking to the Normalisation Committee on a regular basis, they have got our schedules with games with teams that are confirmed as we are awaiting feedback on that, stated Fenwick, a former England World Cup defender.
With regards to Caribbean rivals Jamaica recruitment of a number of top England-based players, Fenwick said: "It’s outstanding."He added, “We are also trying to bring in top quality players that are also all over Europe and North America, but it has been difficult because everything has gone through the Commissioner of Police as far as passports, so we are trying to do our bit but we are not getting a lot of support."
Fenwick's men will play out of Group F of the qualifiers with only the top team advancing to the second round. The other countries in the group are Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis and the Bahamas.
Following the team's opening match against Guyana, the "Soca Warriors" will be away to Puerto Rico (March 28) in their next encounter; away to the Bahamas (June 5), and home to St Kitts and Nevis (June 8.).
Teams
T&T: Marvin Phillip, Jesse Williams, Leland Archer, Justin Sadoo, Gary Griffith III, Hashim Arcia, Shackiel Henry, Duane Muckette, Marcus Joseph, Jamal Jack, Michelle Poon Angeron, Joshua Alexander, Jelani Peters, Alvin Jones, Sean Bonval, Reon Moore, Brent Sam, Molik Khan, Adrian Foncette Denzil Smith.
Orange XI: Devaughn Daniel, Omarr Charles, Pretha Duncan, Javon Williams, Jeremayer Bristol, Oshun George, Jokiah Leacock, Nicholas Alfred, Antonio Pantin, Kersh Lancey, Kylou Brathwaite, Miguel Alfred, Trevor Alleyne, Sherwin Lovell, Ancill Noray, Jariel Arthur, Jahiem Harry, Keon Samuel, Daniel Richards, Tyrell Waheed, Kareem Warner, Mickaeel Jem-Gordon.
Why is this news? (Nigel Simon doing his wuk, but another coach wouldn't have made this newsworthy). No lesson learned there?
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Dude, the man reporting the news. As disdainful as it is. It is news!
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Call me when it is man bites dog. As in Football Factory's 6 year olds beat the U21s.
Again, no problem with the journalism. But this is unnecessary promotion of an in-house activity. If DC United played a high school in Northern Virginia and trounced them 45-0, would that end up in the Post?
Also, it is one thing for the story to be published, but this would have been a perfect moment for the coach to DECLINE comment.
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Call me when it is man bites dog. As in Football Factory's 6 year olds beat the U21s.
Again, no problem with the journalism. But this is unnecessary promotion of an in-house activity. If DC United played a high school in Northern Virginia and trounced them 45-0, would that end up in the Post?
Also, it is one thing for the story to be published, but this would have been a perfect moment for the coach to DECLINE comment.
“We were hoping to do the trip over there but couldn’t get a flight and they have come across with a very competitive side and did some good things in the game and we will need to go back over there and reciprocate that appreciation."
Wait..the NT couldn't get a flight to Tobago, but Tobago players coulda find dey way to Trinidad. Seeker, that is not enuff man biting dog for yuh ? Yuh wha the man kill the dog or what ? Plus yuh don't see we ready (8-0), until the last week and selection, then we won't, because no quality warm ups, and new guys have to fly in. :devil:
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Call me when it is man bites dog. As in Football Factory's 6 year olds beat the U21s.
Again, no problem with the journalism. But this is unnecessary promotion of an in-house activity. If DC United played a high school in Northern Virginia and trounced them 45-0, would that end up in the Post?
Also, it is one thing for the story to be published, but this would have been a perfect moment for the coach to DECLINE comment.
“We were hoping to do the trip over there but couldn’t get a flight and they have come across with a very competitive side and did some good things in the game and we will need to go back over there and reciprocate that appreciation."
Wait..the NT couldn't get a flight to Tobago, but Tobago players coulda find dey way to Trinidad. Seeker, that is not enuff man biting dog for yuh ? Yuh wha the man kill the dog or what ? Plus yuh don't see we ready (8-0), until the last week and selection, then we won't, because no quality warm ups, and new guys have to fly in. :devil:
Hear nah, I eh laugh so BLASTED much :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: reading ah "news story" as when I read Roneil Walcott's reporting on the match (https://wired868.com/2021/03/07/colour-me-orange-warriors-maul-hastily-arranged-tobago-outfit-in-glorified-fete-match/). That is Pulitzer quality for literally delivering laughing sport reporting of the TTFA's seriously farcical reality.
I had noted recently that I hadn't seen a piece from Walcott in a bit. What he dropped there, in resurfacing, is on the premises of Bob Dylan receiving a Nobel for literature. (I'm sure someone will misunderstand the comment but that is the submission. To ease the misunderstanding: On the premises, not on the podium).
While I appreciate the reporting, everything I read bolsters my opinion and the sight of us in those same "prison" uniforms at a match of that calibre DID NOT HELP!
Not to mention, the familiar irony of an 7-0 8-0 drubbing of an underpreprepared opponent who only just recently assembled. All ah that is in the ole mas category that buss de net. Let that land inside "Courts". :rotfl: It might have been picture perfect if someone had gone to West Mall for US jerseys.
As Hermann Hesse said about reading Dostoevsky: this is a "glimpse into havoc". We know the domestic version iz really a glimpse into ***kery.
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
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Every sound bite is blown out of proportion. I remember in 73 when the national was preparing for for the 74 WC tournament in Haiti, they played Malvern in Skinner Park. Guess who won? Yep, Malvern. The same losers was one point short of the Munich WC in Haiti.
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I don't get what you mean by blown out of proportion, in that article.
1. The soundbites referred to were,
a. “Nah man,” shouted Noray, as Warriors midfielder Duane Muckette neatly tucked away the Warriors’ third goal in the 38th minute—after an unnecessary turnover by the Tobago defence. “That too easy man! That can’t be so easy.”
b. “Is a three on one you now had dey?!” muttered a disgusted Tobago defender.
“Yeah boy, I don’t know what happen dey nah,” said Harry, with his hands flailing as though asking the heavens for an intervention.
c. “They’re tired. Come on. Get at them!” shouted Fenwick from the touchline.
d. “Eh, somebody tell he pass the ball nah!” shouted Moore, as Griffith III lost possession in central midfield after one of his tricks went awry.
2. I wasn't there or can find a report for the game, so I cannot say who the team comprised of. I do know Malvern was a National League football club with,if not NT players, potential NT players. I know the top team at the time was Defence Force. However, I hope you're not implying that a thrown together Tobago team during this Covid restrictive times, with 2 or 3 pro league players can be compared to any operating club in the top league of the country. That '73 game cannot be compared to this game in no way. 1.The best players and final teams are not present for either side. 2. Given the current situation it may have been a more worthwhile exercise to play against themselves as they may have been the only guys training as no MEN club team was available.
Who Guyana and all the other countries running against. How many Big League players they have, who flying in for them, they throwing together a team just before ? Can we scout them ? Can we get games against the big teams they getting games against ? Are they as worried as us ? :D
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Who Guyana and all the other countries running against. How many Big League players they have, who flying in for them, they throwing together a team just before ? Can we scout them ? Can we get games against the big teams they getting games against ? Are they as worried as us ?
Breds, we can't even scout eligible overseas players, far less scout Guyana. This pandemic has thrown the entire world a googly(curve ball). The country with money and clout will do whatever it takes to get around barriers real and unreal. Look Comebol just cancelled their qualifications. The Euro clubs(the all powerful) flexing their muscles.
https://sports.yahoo.com/south-america-world-cup-qualifiers-174215370.html.
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Who Guyana and all the other countries running against. How many Big League players they have, who flying in for them, they throwing together a team just before ? Can we scout them ? Can we get games against the big teams they getting games against ? Are they as worried as us ?
Breds, we can't even scout eligible overseas players, far less scout Guyana. This pandemic has thrown the entire world a googly(curve ball). The country with money and clout will do whatever it takes to get around barriers real and unreal. Look Comebol just cancelled their qualifications. The Euro clubs(the all powerful) flexing their muscles.
https://sports.yahoo.com/south-america-world-cup-qualifiers-174215370.html.
At the core this goes to a problem and reality within international football and its management and governance. CONMEBOL has the stature to respond like this. Would CONCACAF be able to do that? Or have the cojones to do that? By extension, the participating members would be told to get on with it. A squeeze on the small men of international football that have players located at less influential clubs. Prestige of the clubs was a feature at the center of the FIFA policy.
Shifting the release policy on players during the international window, from favoring countries to favoring clubs, reduced the significance of federations coordinating policies with national governments. FIFA wreaked havoc on itself (and us) by transferring the burdens. The clubs should have been told the rules are the rules. Play with the players that are available to you. It happens with the Africa Cup. It should have happened in this instance.
The players that are waiting in the wings have multi-million contracts and huge infrastructural investments invested in them. The opportunity for other players to 'step up' was framed for moments such as this. Coaches all over the world have to tailor their cloth according to its dimensions. The same should apply here because this serves to widen the gap between footballing nations.
Where FIFA should be weighing-in aggressively is on aiding national competencies in bolstering quarantine protocols and vigorously injecting its prestige into return to play policies.
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:thumbsup: asylum, I could not put it any better.
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Cudjoe confident Soca Warriors will make winning start.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Shamfa Cudjoe, the Minister of Sport and Community Development says she is confident in this country making a winning start to its 2022 Concacaf Qatar World Cup Qualifying later this month against Guyana.
The Terry Fenwick-coached Soca Warriors will open their Group F round-robin home encounter against Guyana on March 25 in the Dominican Republic.
The "Soca Warriors" will then be away to Puerto Rico (March 28) in their next encounter; away to the Bahamas (June 5), and home to St Kitts and Nevis (June 8.).
Addressing members of the team after witnessing their 8-0 win over a Tobago’s Orange XI at the St James Police Barracks in St James on Saturday in a practice encounter, Minister Cudjoe said she was confident in the team going ahead.
She said, “I see the work being done and the guys are training and of course I know that conversations are happening at the level of the Normalisation Committee to get the team ready. Of course, we will like to see more co-operation and collaboration but these guys are hungry and ready to play and ready to win. And, I feel confident that they are going to go forward and we are going to play our very best and they are going to get the three points that we need.”
Concerning her presence at the match, the Tobago-born Minister Cudjoe said, “Today, I was invited by the Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith to participate in this evening of celebration. I would say celebration for the national team rather than the Tobago team because we got some licks today 8-0.
“But I am thankful for the opportunity to interact with these guys and fellowship with them and talk with these football players and hear how passionate they are about the game, about seeing football being restored to its former glory and about getting ready for the international game and World Cup qualifiers and so on, I am excited."
Minister Cudjoe while acknowledging the off the field issues have left a sour taste in the mouths of locals, said like everyone else she was anxious to see the game in T&T get back to its glory days.
“Like I said to them football is everybody’s game, whether you played or never kicked a ball in your life, football is T&T’s game.
She said, “You know everybody feels like we are a part of it so as Minister of Sport it is in the best interest of the country and sports development and in football development to see that we settle down.
“As it relates to football there is a lot of rumbling taking place at this point in time but I am pleased to see that hope is still alive and that we have everybody on board, stakeholders on board, down to the COP on board. You know just trying to get in there and make the investment of your time, your talent and bringing them together in these friendly matches extending the reach and the love of the T&TFA to even Tobago."
She aded that, "The Government continues to make its investments and support T&T football.
“The records will show that over the years the amount the investment has been. So we stand ready to contribute to football and support football. Of course we are going through a really trying difficult time as it relates to Covid-19, as it relates to trying to have some level of normalcy amidst financial trials, amidst abiding by the health protocols and keeping these guys energized and those in the Semi-Pro and Pro football at home."
The Sports Minister also hinted that a restart to local professional football could be on the horizon adding, “I know right now the Pro League and T&TFA are having conversations about having a combined league, and we look forward to all the new ideas and strategies towards the resurgence of football.
“I met with Robert Hadad (Normalisation Committee chairman) and SporTT about some of the plans they are thinking about on the way forward for football and of course those plans are going to be discussed with the football fraternity to make sure that there is buy-in and we can all move forward harmoniously and peacefully. We need that in football and we as Government stand ready to support."
She continued: “We the fans are waiting, we are ready to see T&T in full effect once again and I call on all football players, stakeholders, associations, community groups and anybody who has any say in the football fraternity and, in the development of football in T&T, lets put our differences aside and really come together and plan a proper way forward."
The Minister citing one of the key areas for the disruption of T&T football said, “At the end of the day, over the years we have had management, poor management, mal-management and lack of management being a major cause for break down of football in T&T and we have to find a way to rebuild bridges and to mend all that has been broken."
She concluded that: "It’s a herculean task and it’s a lot of work to be done, every time I look at these gentlemen and I talk to them and I hear about the passion that they have, their plans and their dreams and their aspirations I am excited and we should get excited too and it makes us more willing to work and more willing to invest and I hope that that is the type of energy that runs throughout football fraternity if not for management definitely for the young men and women whose future depends on the beautiful game.”
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
Yuh know whah is a real practice match fuh yuh money? When the opponents pay for expenses (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF53VGlZoX/?utm_source=ig_embed).
Note the range of physiques ... to put it delicately (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF-ozVFcyZ/?utm_source=ig_embed). They put together something like $15,000 US to play Haiti's U-23s.
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
Yuh know whah is a real practice match fuh yuh money? When the opponents pay for expenses (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF53VGlZoX/?utm_source=ig_embed).
Note the range of physiques ... to put it delicately (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF-ozVFcyZ/?utm_source=ig_embed). They put together something like $15,000 US to play Haiti's U-23s.
Lordie!. This sure eh normal times!
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
Yuh know whah is a real practice match fuh yuh money? When the opponents pay for expenses (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF53VGlZoX/?utm_source=ig_embed).
Note the range of physiques ... to put it delicately (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF-ozVFcyZ/?utm_source=ig_embed). They put together something like $15,000 US to play Haiti's U-23s.
obviously that is ‘fete match for yuh money’. But why/how this Mexican Amateur team decided to give the Haitian youth a bligh. What’s the back story?
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
Yuh know whah is a real practice match fuh yuh money? When the opponents pay for expenses (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF53VGlZoX/?utm_source=ig_embed).
Note the range of physiques ... to put it delicately (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF-ozVFcyZ/?utm_source=ig_embed). They put together something like $15,000 US to play Haiti's U-23s.
obviously that is ‘fete match for yuh money’. But why/how this Mexican Amateur team decided to give the Haitian youth a bligh. What’s the back story?
Comes down to the prince versus the paupers in world football. Ca$h needy federation that can't afford proper preparation. The opponents wanted to know what it felt like to wear NT colors with all the ceremonial observations. They lost 15-0. A return of a grand a goal.
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
Yuh know whah is a real practice match fuh yuh money? When the opponents pay for expenses (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF53VGlZoX/?utm_source=ig_embed).
Note the range of physiques ... to put it delicately (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF-ozVFcyZ/?utm_source=ig_embed). They put together something like $15,000 US to play Haiti's U-23s.
Lordie!. This sure eh normal times!
Ent! It is despicable that federations are in financial dire straits when football generates so much money globally. There needs to be a rethinking of the allocatory model and a redistribution of resources.
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Yes that good. Soundbites even. "Practice match for yuh money" ;D :-[ :laugh:
Yuh know whah is a real practice match fuh yuh money? When the opponents pay for expenses (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF53VGlZoX/?utm_source=ig_embed).
Note the range of physiques ... to put it delicately (https://www.instagram.com/p/CMF-ozVFcyZ/?utm_source=ig_embed). They put together something like $15,000 US to play Haiti's U-23s.
obviously that is ‘fete match for yuh money’. But why/how this Mexican Amateur team decided to give the Haitian youth a bligh. What’s the back story?
Comes down to the prince versus the paupers in world football. Ca$h needy federation that can't afford proper preparation. The opponents wanted to know what it felt like to wear NT colors with all the ceremonial observations. They lost 15-0. A return of a grand a goal.
Got it. I would probably pay more than that to wear the colours long as it beneficial to someone and doesn’t affect my NT team standin or rep... Matter of Fact, we already did.... To some, might seem foolish, will do it again, but not indefinitely like a few has.
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Maximo: ‘Jaguars’ can surprise T&T.
T&T Express Reports.
The Guyana senior men’s football team will be highly competitive against Trinidad and Tobago in its first FIFA World Cup qualifier fixture and has a good chance of delivering a surprise, according to “Golden Jaguars” head coach Marcio Maximo.
Guyana face Trinidad and Tobago away in Group F of the first round of CONCACAF qualifying on March 25, followed by a home match against the Bahamas on March 29.
The domestic-based squad is currently in training — five days a week — at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre in Providence.
“We have a good chance to deliver a surprise. Trinidad has a track record as participant of the World Cup before, but nothing intimidates us. We know that a difficult challenge awaits us but that is encouraging and motivating us to do better,” Maximo said.
“We go with a good possibility to make a surprise and we will be very competitive. You can’t predict a win but what you can predict is a competitive game. We hope that we will take full advantage of this game. It is not only Trinidad, it’s the Bahamas, St. Kitts and Puerto Rico. The qualifiers are not the starting or finishing with Trinidad so we should make a good start to motivate us for the rest of the qualifiers,” he added.
Only the winner of Group F progress to the second of three rounds of qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Maximo said he was impressed with the level of commitment shown by the squad as players work hard to regain fitness and secure a place in the final squad, after a prolonged layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“If you train hard with intensity, with tactical discipline and technical discipline, and a physical effort every day, that is reflected during the match,” the former Brazil U-20 and U-17 coach said.
“With our locally-based group, I can see a big development, according to the commitment, intensity and knowledge. They are growing in each training session.”
The former Tanzania, Cayman Islands and Livingston coach supported the GFF’s policy of providing greater opportunities for domestic talent to break into the national squad, as well as bringing in the best overseas-based talent possible.
“Following the Federation’s policy, we need to give a chance to more local players to be part of the group. Internationally-based players are very important for us, with their experience, knowledge and tactical discipline, but together our group also has to be realistic about the development of football in Guyana.”
“Now more than 50 percent of the players are Guyana-based, so we are improving our local football as well as the hope of players to participate and even to go to international markets, especially the younger players.” said Maximo, who worked with Brazilian stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho during his time with the Brazilian set up.
Maximo said he could sense an increased interest and level of support among the public as the World Cup qualifiers edge closer. “When we go in the street, or take a taxi, I see that people feel more interested in football. I see more people with more hope in the Golden Jaguars now,” he added.
—Courtesy Kaieteur News
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Maximo: ‘Jaguars’ can surprise T&T.
T&T Express Reports.
The Guyana senior men’s football team will be highly competitive against Trinidad and Tobago in its first FIFA World Cup qualifier fixture and has a good chance of delivering a surprise, according to “Golden Jaguars” head coach Marcio Maximo.
Guyana face Trinidad and Tobago away in Group F of the first round of CONCACAF qualifying on March 25, followed by a home match against the Bahamas on March 29.
The domestic-based squad is currently in training — five days a week — at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre in Providence.
“We have a good chance to deliver a surprise. Trinidad has a track record as participant of the World Cup before, but nothing intimidates us. We know that a difficult challenge awaits us but that is encouraging and motivating us to do better,” Maximo said.
“We go with a good possibility to make a surprise and we will be very competitive. You can’t predict a win but what you can predict is a competitive game. We hope that we will take full advantage of this game. It is not only Trinidad, it’s the Bahamas, St. Kitts and Puerto Rico. The qualifiers are not the starting or finishing with Trinidad so we should make a good start to motivate us for the rest of the qualifiers,” he added.
Only the winner of Group F progress to the second of three rounds of qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Maximo said he was impressed with the level of commitment shown by the squad as players work hard to regain fitness and secure a place in the final squad, after a prolonged layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“If you train hard with intensity, with tactical discipline and technical discipline, and a physical effort every day, that is reflected during the match,” the former Brazil U-20 and U-17 coach said.
“With our locally-based group, I can see a big development, according to the commitment, intensity and knowledge. They are growing in each training session.”
The former Tanzania, Cayman Islands and Livingston coach supported the GFF’s policy of providing greater opportunities for domestic talent to break into the national squad, as well as bringing in the best overseas-based talent possible.
“Following the Federation’s policy, we need to give a chance to more local players to be part of the group. Internationally-based players are very important for us, with their experience, knowledge and tactical discipline, but together our group also has to be realistic about the development of football in Guyana.”
“Now more than 50 percent of the players are Guyana-based, so we are improving our local football as well as the hope of players to participate and even to go to international markets, especially the younger players.” said Maximo, who worked with Brazilian stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho during his time with the Brazilian set up.
Maximo said he could sense an increased interest and level of support among the public as the World Cup qualifiers edge closer. “When we go in the street, or take a taxi, I see that people feel more interested in football. I see more people with more hope in the Golden Jaguars now,” he added.
—Courtesy Kaieteur News
Don't think this will e a surprise- in my opinion we are the u dergogs going into this campaign
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They NOT beating us ! TF should play who he training, and make GG pass the ball.
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TTFA still uncertain over warm-ups, departure.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
AS the time draws closer to the pair of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, against Guyana (on March 25 in the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico (on March 28 in Puerto Rico), there is still uncertainty over warm-up matches for the T&T men’s football team, as well as a confirmed date for the squad’s departure to the Dominican Republic.
On Monday, T&T men’s coach Terry Fenwick bemoaned the lack of feedback from the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee, headed by Robert Hadad, with regards to friendly matches for the team, with two weeks to go before the qualifiers.
TT Football Association (TTFA) acting general secretary, Amiel Mohammed, said on Tuesday that talks are still ongoing over practice games and the scheduled date for the team to leave T&T.
About any warm-up games for the team when they get to the Dominican Republic, Mohammed said, “We’re still working on such and having those discussions with the coach.”
He added, “Our calendar is still in flux. We’re still organising with all of the logistics.”
With regards to when the team will be leaving T&T for the Dominican Republic, Mohammed said, “I can’t tell you off the top of my head when they will leave.”
Mohammed was also unclear if the T&T team will take up the offer from Terminix La Horquetta Rangers’ owner Richard Ferguson, to play a $100,000 winners-take-all friendly match.
“I can’t say at this point in time,” Mohammed mentioned.
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TTFA still uncertain over warm-ups, departure.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
...
Mohammed was also unclear if the T&T team will take up the offer from Terminix La Horquetta Rangers’ owner Richard Ferguson, to play a $100,000 winners-take-all friendly match.
“I can’t say at this point in time,” Mohammed mentioned.
There should NOT at this juncture be any lack of clarity regarding this matter - either from the perspective of logistical considerations or from the vantage point of institutional values.
After all that the TTFA has experienced prior to the NC, under a normalization committee, the TTFA ought to be projecting its public face of being a serious entity that does not equivocate on matters regarding institutional values. It should not be pirouetting or vacillating among internal/external stakeholders. This is NOT a hard call.
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TTFA still uncertain over warm-ups, departure.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
...
Mohammed was also unclear if the T&T team will take up the offer from Terminix La Horquetta Rangers’ owner Richard Ferguson, to play a $100,000 winners-take-all friendly match.
“I can’t say at this point in time,” Mohammed mentioned.
There should NOT at this juncture be any lack of clarity regarding this matter - either from the perspective of logistical considerations or from the vantage point of institutional values.
After all that the TTFA has experienced prior to the NC, under a normalization committee, the TTFA ought to be projecting its public face of being a serious entity that does not equivocate on matters regarding institutional values. It should not be pirouetting or vacillating among internal/external stakeholders. This is NOT a hard call.
I think that we will have a decision by March 24. That's the Trini way. Then we blame Airlines, the passport office, the fans and everyone else we could find.
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TTFA still uncertain over warm-ups, departure.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
...
Mohammed was also unclear if the T&T team will take up the offer from Terminix La Horquetta Rangers’ owner Richard Ferguson, to play a $100,000 winners-take-all friendly match.
“I can’t say at this point in time,” Mohammed mentioned.
There should NOT at this juncture be any lack of clarity regarding this matter - either from the perspective of logistical considerations or from the vantage point of institutional values.
After all that the TTFA has experienced prior to the NC, under a normalization committee, the TTFA ought to be projecting its public face of being a serious entity that does not equivocate on matters regarding institutional values. It should not be pirouetting or vacillating among internal/external stakeholders. This is NOT a hard call.
Maybe there is added fear in getting another 7, exposing even more flaws. I bet doh, if this game was taken when first offered, the practice game against US would have been more beneficial both strategically, tactically not to mention financially and selections, regardless if the score unluckily remained the same.
Reminder of a old Jewish goalie fella who used to attend our practices (but wasn't part of our team) in all the best gears, training hard, disciplined, always on time, pull up in a beemer. Once practice game start he guaranteed to let in about every shot on net. Yuh see the ANALogy.
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Who like this kit for a borrow, instead of the last one ?
(https://newsday.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/13166456-1024x683.jpg)
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Actually, I like the last kit!
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Actually, I like the last kit!
Nah boy Deeks, there’s a reason why that full kit wasn’t sold out and had enuff strips still in the store.
https://www.google.com/search?q=stripes+unifirm&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwif6p2lkqzvAhWwcTABHSySA2cQ2-cCegQIABAC&oq=stripes+unifirm&gs_lcp=ChJtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1pbWcQAzIECAAQDTIICAAQDRAFEB4yCAgAEA0QBRAeMggIABANEAUQHjIICAAQCBANEB46BwgjEOoCECc6BAgjECc6BwgAEMcDEAM6BAgAEEM6BQgAELEDOgIIADoHCAAQsQMQQzoGCAAQBRAeOgYIABAIEB5QivwBWMSsA2DXsANoB3AAeACAAf8BiAHjEZIBBjEzLjQuM5gBAKABAbABBcABAQ&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-img&ei=vxhMYN-OPLDjwbkPrKSOuAY&bih=541&biw=375&prmd=imvn&rlz=1CDGOYI_enCA730CA730&hl=en-US#imgrc=PZDHAaW1jQzTKM
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How come Newsday has a photo of the day Nt vs Police , and we don’t know and no papers report ? Closed session?
How come police before rangers, they asked since August ? Or Fren ting with perks and payback? Maybe just a old photo ?
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/03/12/photos-of-the-day-mar-12/
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How come Newsday has a photo of the day Nt vs Police , and we don’t know and no papers report ? Closed session?
How come police before rangers, they asked since August ? Or Fren ting with perks and payback? Maybe just a old photo ?
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/03/12/photos-of-the-day-mar-12/
here you go
https://wired868.com/2021/03/13/fenwick-snubs-rangers-challenge-warriors-whip-police-fc-4-1-with-three-late-goals/
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Primus was callup ... plays in india .....
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How come Newsday has a photo of the day Nt vs Police , and we don’t know and no papers report ? Closed session?
How come police before rangers, they asked since August ? Or Fren ting with perks and payback? Maybe just a old photo ?
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/03/12/photos-of-the-day-mar-12/
here you go
https://wired868.com/2021/03/13/fenwick-snubs-rangers-challenge-warriors-whip-police-fc-4-1-with-three-late-goals/
NT players should NOT be coming out of an exercise such as this battered and bruised from reckless tackling.
Polished and gracious comments by Hood. Among the best he has delivered.
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Primus was callup ... plays in india .....
Indian 3rd Division at that
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Primus was callup ... plays in india .....
Indian 3rd Division at that
wow how far we have fallen.....i wonder what happened to them 12 elglish player ....
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How come Newsday has a photo of the day Nt vs Police , and we don’t know and no papers report ? Closed session?
How come police before rangers, they asked since August ? Or Fren ting with perks and payback? Maybe just a old photo ?
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/03/12/photos-of-the-day-mar-12/
here you go
https://wired868.com/2021/03/13/fenwick-snubs-rangers-challenge-warriors-whip-police-fc-4-1-with-three-late-goals/
LHM.. thanks Mr Liburd and Trini_2022... and he want Intl warm up matches? I not feeling Fenwick at all, but will pray for our success.
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Watford Academy Earns Three International Call-Ups
https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2021/03/07/watford-academy-three-international-call-ups/
The Watford Academy is not known as one of the larger youth set-ups in England. However, the Hornets’ recent investment into their development program is paying off. Three players from the Watford Academy have now received senior-international call-ups.
Watford Academy Sees Three Players Chosen For International Duty
Guyana Roster Bayli Spencer-Adams
Bayli Spencer-Adams spent the majority of his youth career with Arsenal. In the summer of 2019, he made the very short switch to Vicarage Road (only a hedge separates the two clubs’ training grounds!)
The 19-year-old made his senior debut for the Hornets in last season’s FA Cup Third Round. The centre-back, who can play at left-back if necessary, played 77 minutes in a 3-3 draw with Tranmere Rovers. However, two of Tranmere’s goals came as soon as he came off. He also played the full 120 minutes in the replay.
Watford sent Spencer-Adams on a short-term loan deal to National League side Dover Athletic earlier this season, where he made eight appearances. As a result, Guyana have taken note of his performances and chose to include Spencer-Adams in their squad for the upcoming international break. Guyana play World Cup Qualifying matches against Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas.
Watford Academy Product Daniel Phillips Earns Trinidad And Tobago Call-Up
The strong central-midfielder could very well make his international debut against Spencer-Adams. Phillips made his senior debut for Watford in the opening match of the season. He appeared in the Hornets’ FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford, as well as playing the full ninety minutes in both of Watford’s League Cup clashes.
The club will take extra pride in his call up, as the 20-year-old spent his entire youth career in Hertfordshire. He endeared himself to many supporters through the tenacity and physicality he showed in the Club’s preseason victory against Tottenham.
Kane Crichlow Rounds-Off Atlantic International Call-Up Trio
The talented attacker joined Watford from AFC Wimbledon in 2019. The 20-year-old earns his Bermuda call-up after coming into the fringes of the Hornets’ first-team.
Although he has only played six senior minutes this season (in the League Cup), he frequently makes the match-day squad. On ten other occasions this season, Crichlow found himself on the final team sheet.
The club are not especially known for their youth development, so the Hornets’ young players have done pretty well to get their names selected.
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/anthony-martial-of-manchester-united-and-daniel-phillips-of-watford-picture-id1295992475?s=2048x2048)
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
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WCQ: Guyana in “competitive”, “winnable” group- GFF Head
Guyana’s National Men’s football team has been drawn in Group F for the Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, slated for Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, in giving an update on the squad’s preparation for the matches, said while the group is a competitive one, the Jaguars are capable of emerging as the top team.
The senior men’s team, commonly called the Golden Jaguars, will face Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas in their first step to possible World Cup qualification.
Forde confirmed that the first two games against Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas would be played in the Dominican Republic, and the Golden Jaguars’ final squad would be announced on March 17, the same day the team and staff will depart for the Dominican Republic.
Forde said the Federation is investing heavily into this window, both in terms of training and operational costs for the matches.
He added that the Federation is confident in the Jaguars chances of progressing beyond this stage of qualification.
Guyana will play Trinidad and Tobago on March 25 and the Bahamas on March 30.
“Our group is clearly very competitive, but it is also winnable. We all know that the first game against Trinidad and Tobago will be the crunch tie. Getting this campaign off to a good start is crucial – these matches will set the tone for the rest of the year, not just for our World Cup journey but also for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup,” Forde said on Tuesday during a press briefing.
“Our expectation is to come away from the Trinidad and Tobago match with a win – and certainly nothing less than a draw – and to beat the Bahamas. We have the talent, both domestic and international, and the expertise in terms of our coaching staff to deliver these results.”
A group of 27 domestic-based players have been in training under Head Coach Marcio Maximo five days a week since January 10 with ongoing weekly COVID-19 testing.
The latest test results from March 4 showed that all staff and players were in the clear, Forde reported.
“Training has been progressing well, with the squad showing the professional commitment, discipline and passion that we expect at this level. We are investing G$3.3 million monthly to cover the cost of the domestic training programme. This includes, travel, meals, medical, equipment and staffing,” Forde explained.
The Football head further stated that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s move to switch the game to the Dominican Republic has contributed to the Guyana Federation opting to have the Bahamas game there as well, noting that it was more feasible from a logistical and financial standpoint.
“We are also somewhat hamstrung by the UK’s decision to place Guyana on its COVID-19 “red list” of banned countries. This decision means that clubs would not be able or willing to release players for travel to Guyana. We are grateful to the Dominican Republic Football Association for accommodating us, and we have the full cooperation of the Bahamas Football Association, Concacaf and FIFA in this matter.”
“It is obviously disappointing to not be able to host a home match this time around, but we are hopeful that conditions will allow this in the next window in June.”
The switch to the Dominican Republic comes at an additional cost to the Guyana Football Federation, with the overall operating costs for this window being G$27 million, plus a further US$10,000 fee payable to the Dominican Republic Football Association for hosting the Bahamas contest.
Forde said he is confident the Dominican Republic FA will provide a professional and safe environment, alongside Concacaf’s strict match-day testing schedule.
The matches will be played behind closed doors, without spectators.
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
Guyana have called Matthew Briggs who plays for Vejle BK in the Danish Superliga
Shaq Moore has not made the switch
Bostock is getting some minutes for Rovers, but he has only played three full games. I think he's looking to solidify himself at the club.
After all these years, I would be surprised if we ever see Nick DeLeon play for we
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Recent Results
March 12
T&T 4 (Duane Muckette Pen, Brent Sam, Sean Bonval [2]) v Police FC 1 (Raheim Jawahir).
March 15
T&T 1 (Brent Sam) v Defence Force FC 0
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
Guyana have called Matthew Briggs who plays for Vejle BK in the Danish Superliga
Shaq Moore has not made the switch
Bostock is getting some minutes for Rovers, but he has only played three full games. I think he's looking to solidify himself at the club.
After all these years, I would be surprised if we ever see Nick DeLeon play for we
we don’t need them, not moore not bostock and certainly not deleon. I think ATM we have a line of very capable front line players, what we do need however are 4 solid defenders and a top shelf goalie more than anything else.
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Who are the front line players ?
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WATCH An insight into Justin Sadoo's path to the national team and the team's preparations prior to departing for the Dominican Republic.
https://www.youtube.com/v/csx3OSpwO8Y
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
Guyana have called Matthew Briggs who plays for Vejle BK in the Danish Superliga
Shaq Moore has not made the switch
Bostock is getting some minutes for Rovers, but he has only played three full games. I think he's looking to solidify himself at the club.
After all these years, I would be surprised if we ever see Nick DeLeon play for we
we don’t need them, not moore not bostock and certainly not deleon. I think ATM we have a line of very capable front line players, what we do need however are 4 solid defenders and a top shelf goalie more than anything else.
We need to get something going, particularly if we compare what our principal competitors are doing. Costa Rica's Sequeira is making progress in Spain. We've been marking time.
By the way, in this respect, I really give kudos to Molino for having outmatched Navas when there were several botched efforts to beat him.
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Something about terry have me lacking confindence in him....
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
Guyana have called Matthew Briggs who plays for Vejle BK in the Danish Superliga
Shaq Moore has not made the switch
Bostock is getting some minutes for Rovers, but he has only played three full games. I think he's looking to solidify himself at the club.
After all these years, I would be surprised if we ever see Nick DeLeon play for we
Do t think Deleon would be an asset at this point in his career- his last year's outings were not overwhelmingly impressive. Don't think we could default to riding and hoping that players like these would be the answer.
We paying aman 20 k us to make mountains out of molehills - to placate an illusion that a ragtag bunch will get us to WC! Sorry for the first time - I see little hope of us getting by the first round- my opinion- my hope is that the current players put up a fighting chance and prove me wrong .
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
Guyana have called Matthew Briggs who plays for Vejle BK in the Danish Superliga
Shaq Moore has not made the switch
Bostock is getting some minutes for Rovers, but he has only played three full games. I think he's looking to solidify himself at the club.
After all these years, I would be surprised if we ever see Nick DeLeon play for we
Do t think Deleon would be an asset at this point in his career- his last year's outings were not overwhelmingly impressive. Don't think we could default to riding and hoping that players like these would be the answer.
We paying aman 20 k us to make mountains out of molehills - to placate an illusion that a ragtag bunch will get us to WC! Sorry for the first time - I see little hope of us getting by the first round- my opinion- my hope is that the current players put up a fighting chance and prove me wrong .
Making it to the WC can be acheived (REAL REAL hard but we can do it ) it can be acheived . If we 1) get good coach 2) get our local league going 3) get the best eligible players out there on board (it will take convincing hey lookn at jamaica)..Curacoa has hiddink on board suriname now allows dual citizenship dominican republic is looking at guys in spain .... we have to get our ship in order ......
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I wonder who else guyana called up ? I know taylor richards(doncasterrovers) is elligible for guyana and grenada and fredricks of west ham can also play for guyana .. One thing about guyana is that are recruiting young players .We only know of two players called up primus ??? and phillips(out injured) ... Has shaq moore made the switch?how about john bosotck he been playing regular now is he getting a call nick deleon has he received his passport ? .....
Guyana have called Matthew Briggs who plays for Vejle BK in the Danish Superliga
Shaq Moore has not made the switch
Bostock is getting some minutes for Rovers, but he has only played three full games. I think he's looking to solidify himself at the club.
After all these years, I would be surprised if we ever see Nick DeLeon play for we
Do t think Deleon would be an asset at this point in his career- his last year's outings were not overwhelmingly impressive. Don't think we could default to riding and hoping that players like these would be the answer.
We paying aman 20 k us to make mountains out of molehills - to placate an illusion that a ragtag bunch will get us to WC! Sorry for the first time - I see little hope of us getting by the first round- my opinion- my hope is that the current players put up a fighting chance and prove me wrong .
Making it to the WC can be acheived (REAL REAL hard but we can do it ) it can be acheived . If we 1) get good coach 2) get our local league going 3) get the best eligible players out there on board (it will take convincing hey lookn at jamaica)..Curacoa has hiddink on board suriname now allows dual citizenship dominican republic is looking at guys in spain .... we have to get our ship in order ......
I don't think we can achieve it this cycle. Too much bakanal. But we have to participate to see how far we can go. We have done it before and missed it on two other occasions. This cycle is very difficult. We don't have an English "talent" pool like JA. There are some out there, I don't know them. Forget Bostock, Moore and Deleon. Play with what we have and what little overseas born players we may be able to convince. If we make to the round to get to the Hex, that would be a fabulous achievement for this WC cycle. See allyuh in LA 2026.
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Making it to the WC can be acheived (REAL REAL hard but we can do it ) it can be acheived . If we 1) get good coach 2) get our local league going 3) get the best eligible players out there on board (it will take convincing hey lookn at jamaica)..Curacoa has hiddink on board suriname now allows dual citizenship dominican republic is looking at guys in spain .... we have to get our ship in order ......
It is a top to bottom thing. And we are inconsistent and at the bottom in this respect. We stick. Even teams like Nicaragua are not messing about. They just brought in a 23 year old from Norway's second division who also holds Spanish and Norwegian citizenship. It's time for us to dance and make a proper go of things. Turnaround on that? Not the forever in which interest dissipates.
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Watch: Senior Men's Team start final week of preparations on local soil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csx3OSpwO8Y)
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GFF issues provisional suspensions to players, coaches and officials
GFF Sports.
Several national team players, registered coaches and match officials have been provisionally suspended from all football activity with immediate effect pending a Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Disciplinary Committee investigation following reports of an unauthorised football event in Buxton.
The individuals will be unable to participate in any international or club football until the resolution of Disciplinary Committee proceedings and could face further disciplinary action.
They will be notified of the venue, date and time of their separate hearings in due course.
The provisional suspensions apply to the following:
National team players: Trayon Bobb, Kelsey Benjamin, Nicholas McArthur, Kevin Dundas, Sese Norville
Match officials: Dwayne Johnson, Deon Feasall, Roydon Ramsay
Coaches: Dwayne Jacobs, Philbert Moffatt, Sharon Abrams, Sherwin Neblett
This action, in line with the GFF’s constitutional mandate and responsible governance duties, has been taken following notification of an unsanctioned football event at the Buxton Community Ground.
Further, GFF investigations into the participation of other individuals are ongoing and may result in similar disciplinary action in due course.
To defend the integrity of the game and protect the safety and wellbeing of its membership, the
GFF Constitution – approved by FIFA – contains specific clauses related to unauthorised football activity.
Under Section 5.3 of the Constitution, registered “players may not take part in football matches that are not under the jurisdiction of the Federation and/or FIFA and /or Concacaf”.
Under Section 13.1(a), “members must comply fully with the Statutes/Constitution, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, Concacaf, and the Federation at all times and to ensure by a statutory clause that these are also respected by its Affiliates”.
Under Section 13.1(h), members are obliged “not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities (e.g. clubs, Leagues) that are not Members or Affiliates nor with Members that have been suspended or expelled”.
Section 13.2 states that the “violation of the above-mentioned obligations by any Member may lead to sanctions”.
Furthermore, under current official COVID-19 restrictions designed to save lives and protect communities, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. Since the onset of the pandemic, the only football event the GFF has sanctioned with approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force has been the GFF “Bounce Back Classic”, which took place at the turn of the year behind closed doors without fans and under strict health protocols.
The GFF Disciplinary Committee is one of the three independent oversight bodies of the Federation and addresses any alleged breaches of the GFF Constitution. (GFF)
RELATED NEWS
WCQ: Guyana in “competitive”, “winnable” group- GFF Head
GFF NEWS
Guyana’s National Men’s football team has been drawn in Group F for the Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, slated for Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, in giving an update on the squad’s preparation for the matches, said while the group is a competitive one, the Jaguars are capable of emerging as the top team.
The senior men’s team, commonly called the Golden Jaguars, will face Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas in their first step to possible World Cup qualification.
Forde confirmed that the first two games against Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas would be played in the Dominican Republic, and the Golden Jaguars’ final squad would be announced on March 17, the same day the team and staff will depart for the Dominican Republic.
Forde said the Federation is investing heavily into this window, both in terms of training and operational costs for the matches.
He added that the Federation is confident in the Jaguars chances of progressing beyond this stage of qualification.
Guyana will play Trinidad and Tobago on March 25 and the Bahamas on March 30.
Wayne Forde- President of the Guyana Football Federation
“Our group is clearly very competitive, but it is also winnable. We all know that the first game against Trinidad and Tobago will be the crunch tie. Getting this campaign off to a good start is crucial – these matches will set the tone for the rest of the year, not just for our World Cup journey but also for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup,” Forde said on Tuesday during a press briefing.
“Our expectation is to come away from the Trinidad and Tobago match with a win – and certainly nothing less than a draw – and to beat the Bahamas. We have the talent, both domestic and international, and the expertise in terms of our coaching staff to deliver these results.”
A group of 27 domestic-based players have been in training under Head Coach Marcio Maximo five days a week since January 10 with ongoing weekly COVID-19 testing.
The latest test results from March 4 showed that all staff and players were in the clear, Forde reported.
“Training has been progressing well, with the squad showing the professional commitment, discipline and passion that we expect at this level. We are investing G$3.3 million monthly to cover the cost of the domestic training programme. This includes, travel, meals, medical, equipment and staffing,” Forde explained.
The Football head further stated that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s move to switch the game to the Dominican Republic has contributed to the Guyana Federation opting to have the Bahamas game there as well, noting that it was more feasible from a logistical and financial standpoint.
“We are also somewhat hamstrung by the UK’s decision to place Guyana on its COVID-19 “red list” of banned countries. This decision means that clubs would not be able or willing to release players for travel to Guyana. We are grateful to the Dominican Republic Football Association for accommodating us, and we have the full cooperation of the Bahamas Football Association, Concacaf and FIFA in this matter.”
“It is obviously disappointing to not be able to host a home match this time around, but we are hopeful that conditions will allow this in the next window in June.”
The switch to the Dominican Republic comes at an additional cost to the Guyana Football Federation, with the overall operating costs for this window being G$27 million, plus a further US$10,000 fee payable to the Dominican Republic Football Association for hosting the Bahamas contest.
Forde said he is confident the Dominican Republic FA will provide a professional and safe environment, alongside Concacaf’s strict match-day testing schedule.
The matches will be played behind closed doors, without spectators.
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Who are the front line players ?
jovin, levi, Ryan telfer, molino, mukkette, woo ling, poon ageron, Daniel carr, fortune andre, fortune ajani, brent sam, bonval, cato, plus the other UK and north american additional front line players who have thrown their hat in the ring.
now let’s look at our defenders, we have cyrus....just a plain ole awful defender who has cost us dearly, Alvin jones...struggles tremendously, david...off and on player very inconsistent a pure crap shoot, bateau... very slow and is often caught out of position and prone to making silly errors, mikel williams...another crap shoot off and on inconsistent player.
these players has always been the worst back line in concacaf top 10 and has always cost us games in the end due to poor decision making and textbook mistakes and errors. we need defenders who play on the highest level or at least a solid pair of central defenders, I think we have a very good left full back in tristin hodges...providing his injury didn’t spoil him forever, but that’s it.
We also need a very solid goalie who knows how to play his position well, because these goalies we have are pure liabilities. they too are often caught out of position mainly wanting to play last stopper instead of holding their position and line thinking ahead, which often cost us, and it’s very frustrating to watch these same ole dum errors over and over and over again costing us many times over and it’s time to move on from these poor players.
just look at clips of Louis lopez, keylor navas, zack stephon even Tim Howard, these men play their position very very well and on many occasions were the difference between their team grinding out wins, with their stellar performances. we need to shed a lot of dead wood mate.
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Fenwick to reveal squad today
...players face short quarantine at ‘Home of Football’
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express).
MEN’S FOOTBALL national coach Terry Fenwick will today name his squad for next Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Guyana after which the local contingent will head to the Home of Football (HoF) for a short quarantine.
Players in Trinidad and Tobago will depart tomorrow for the Dominican Republic match venue and will be joined there by the overseas-based contingent.
T&T open qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, next Thursday, against Guyana, kicking off from 7 p.m. at Estadio Panamericano in the capital Santo Domingo of the Dominican Republic, before flying to Puerto Rico for a similar qualifier against Bahamas three days later, also with a 7 p.m. kick-off, at the Estadio Centroamericano in Mayaguez.
On Monday, the team played its final local warm-up. Soldier Brent Sam scored the lone goal as the Soca Warriors scored a 1-0 win over Pro League champions Defence Force at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, having also defeated Police FC 4-1 last Friday.
In that match, the aforementioned Sam, USA-based midfielder Duane Muckette and industrious San Juan Jabloteh striker Sean Bonval --Who netted a barce -- account for the goals. Meanwhile, Raheim Jawahir scored for the lawmen.
One of the players hoping to make Fenwick’s final squad is Justin Sadoo, the 23-year-old former Naparima College and Point Fortin Civic midfielder. Sadoo was among the shining lights for the resurgent Civic Centre -- finishing third when local Pro League football was last played in March 2020. And he is confident the T&T team has what it takes to beat both Guyana and Bahamas.
“I think we just have to follow what the coach says, and keep the togetherness, and I think we will pull through,” Sadoo said. “Victory first and foremost, and a good performance. I think if we take what the coach has told us onto the field, that will get us the victory.”
Sadoo believes it was beneficial to have trained alongside several players who play their trade abroad, among them Kevin Molino, Joevin Jones, Alvin Jones, Duane Muckette, Neveal Hackshaw, along with others with previous overseas experience.
He is also particularly pleased by the togetherness exhibited among players in the squad. “It’s been amazing. It’s been an honour just to share the field with some of these players,” Sadoo intimated, adding, “This is the longest spell I have had with the national team. I know things have not been the best, but for me, it is always an honour and always a privilege to play.”
RELATED NEWS
Fenwick to name Trinidad and Tobago squad Wednesday
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
T&T men’s football team coach Terry Fenwick is expected to announce his squad on Wednesday for a pair of 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf Zone qualifiers, against Guyana (March 25 in the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico (March 28 in Puerto Rico).
Fenwick said on Tuesday, during a telephone interview, “In my mind, I’ve been settled for a long while on the players that I want to introduce and bring in. Some of them, unfortunately, would not be available for these two games coming up.
“We’ve got one or two (with) injuries that we’re accessing,” he added. “I’ll be naming my squad (on Wednesday) morning.”
Concerning the team’s expected departure from T&T, the T&T coach said, “Everything is in the hands of the (FIFA-appointed) normalisation committee. I’m hoping we’re going to fly on Thursday.”
The T&T team defeated Defence Force 1-0 in a warm-up game at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Monday.
According to the T&T coach, “I thought we played some really good and exciting football. We should have scored more goals. Defensively we looked relatively solid. We tried two different formations with the different players that we had available for the game.”
Asked if the players are buying into his tactics, Fenwick replied, “The guys have recognised (that) whatever team I’ve managed in (T&T) that I’ve always won a title.”
Concerning the mood in the camp, Fenwick said, “We’ve kept them very buoyant. Apart from the US game (where T&T lost 7-0 on January 31), we’ve won every game that we’ve played. They’ve seen the benefits of how we’ve played over 95 minutes where we’ve changed the style of play, what we’re trying to achieve with and without the ball.
“It’s a very young squad. My intentions are that the locally-based (players) will continue to get younger as we progress. I’ve got a handful of senior players around which I would consider as good role models, players that the youngsters can look up to. That is trying to shortcut to the success that we need.”
In a message to the T&T public, Fenwick said, “Get behind your country, get behind the kids that have come from your communities. This is a chance to give them your support, show them a level of trust and let’s do this together.”
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Asked if the players are buying into his tactics, Fenwick replied, “The guys have recognised (that) whatever team I’ve managed in (T&T) that I’ve always won a title.”
Guyana beware. :)
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Fenwick to reveal squad today
...players face short quarantine at ‘Home of Football’
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express).
Fenwick said on Tuesday, during a telephone interview, “In my mind, I’ve been settled for a long while on the players that I want to introduce and bring in. Some of them, unfortunately, would not be available for these two games coming up.
“We’ve got one or two (with) injuries that we’re accessing,” he added. “I’ll be naming my squad (on Wednesday) morning.”
Innis and Phillips
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Guyana's Squad
(https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/161457230_3778285552285022_700439823374134265_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=CXRDgyj228QAX9jEG6b&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=76af178298530725c0375935f6a543e1&oe=60766BDF)
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The bargain for kicking United TTFA to the curb was the assumption of a flat track to WC qualification. Clearly not a straightforward bargain. And not everyone in the halls of officialdom has stopped kicking the political football on that flat track. And worse, there's a lot of lateral passing when it is time for the long ball because we are running out of time.
The TTFA is still a captured organization. If this Guyana match is compromised, the TTFA must be freed of its chains or not we are all in for long-term chain-up.
Compromise in progress.
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Unless I am mistaken, I think Marvin Andrews played for Guyana's coach. That should be an interesting perspective to get.
Forde is a very professional federation president. Left an impression. Stood out positively among his peers. Unassuming.
Anyone call Marvin yet?
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A number of european based players will miss out on the trip to puerto rico due to US restrictions 14 day quarantine anyway that should have been moved ...
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Levi Garcia, central defender Sheldon Bateau and the rest of Trinidad and Tobago’s Europe-based contingent—which includes assistant coach and goalkeeper coach Kevin Jack—are unavailable to play in Puerto Rico on 28 March, due to United States travel restrictions.
Kevin Molino reported a hamstring strain during pre-season training with the Columbus Crew.
Alvin Jones and Radanfah Abu Bakr is also struggling tight injuries.
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This while Guyana's squad has a like 11 foreign players, some having played in the top 2/3 levels of England.
This will be difficult
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Molino, Alvin Jones doubtful for Trinidad and Tobago World Cup qualifiers.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
EXPERIENCED players Kevin Molino and Alvin Jones are doubtful for the T&T men’s senior football team’s 2022 FIFA Concacaf World Cup qualifying match against Guyana on March 25 in Dominican Republic because of injury.
T&T men’s football team coach Terry Fenwick confirmed the news at a team training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, on Wednesday. Molino and Jones may also be forced to miss T&T’s second World Cup qualifier against Puerto Rico on March 28 in Puerto Rico.
Fenwick said, “We’ve one or two concerns on injuries at the moment. Alvin Jones (is) struggling to make the trip because of an injury he sustained against Army on Monday morning. (There is) a little doubt over Kevin Molino also (with his) hamstring.”
Fenwick added that the team will be without the services of some of the European-based players for the clash against Puerto Rico because of travel restrictions during the covid19 pandemic.
“A lot of the European guys will not be able to play in Puerto Rico so obviously that is a big concern, so our administration and technical staff this afternoon will iron out and organise the numbers that we need to travel with in case we have to use more local players for the Puerto Rico game coming up only three days after the game against Guyana across the road.”
Fenwick did confirm that Khaleem Hyland, who captained the national team for years, is available for both matches.
The T&T squad that will play Guyana will be announced at 4 pm, on Wednesday.
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T&T Squad
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EwtlMVFXMAAUF6v?format=jpg&name=900x900)
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Post de real squad nah man.
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Post de real squad nah man.
:rotfl: :devil: :rotfl:
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With the exception of Molino...this is a decent squad!?! Fenwick should be able to pull off a win against Guyana’ with this talent...I can’t believe I just say that :banginghead:
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Soca Warriors squad named for World Cup qualifiers.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
MANY senior players have been included in a 26-member T&T men's senior football squad to face Guyana in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on March 25 in the Dominican Republic.
Among the defenders chosen are Sheldon Bateau, Aubrey David, Joevin Jones and Radanfah Abu Bakr and the midfield includes former captain Khaleem Hyland and Andre Boucaud.
The talented Levi Garcia will lead the attack, along with other players Willis Plaza and Brent Sam. Adrian Foncette and Marvin Phillip are among four goalkeepers who will make the trip.
Kevin Molino and Alvin Jones are injured and have been excluded.
Trinidad and Tobago Squad
Goalkeepers:
Marvin Phillip (Unattached), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Denzil Smith (W Connection), Nicklas Frenderup (Stjørdals-Blink);
Defenders:
Noah Powder (Real Salt Lake), Leland Archer (Charleston Battery), Justin Garcia (Defence Force FC), Sheldon Bateau (KV Mechelen), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Unattached), Robert Roberts (Bengaluru United), Joevin Jones (Inter Miami CF);
Midfielders:
Michel Poon-Angeron (Club Atlético Banfield), Andre Boucaud (Maidstone United), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven FC), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Daniel Phillips (Watford FC), Judah Garcia (Neroca FC), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin FC), Levi Garcia (AEK Athens), Sean Bonval (Central FC);
Attackers:
Brent Sam (Defence Force FC), Ryan Telfer (York United FC), Willis Plaza (Mohammedan SC), Jabari Mitchell (Police FC), Marcus Joseph (Unattached).
Staff
Terence Fenwick (head coach), Derek King (assistant coach), Kelvin Jack (assistant/goalkeeper coach), Sion Cain (masseuse), Joseph Rooplal (physiotherapist), Akash Dhanai (doctor), Michael Williams (equipment manager), Shaun Fuentes (media officer), Clyde Thompson (logistics coordinator), Adrian Romain (team manager).
RELATED NEWS
No Kevin Molino
...many surprises as T&T depart for D/Republic
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express).
A DAY prior to today’s departure for World Cup qualifying, Trinidad and Tobago’s men national football coach Terry Fenwick faces a litany of woes, including a likely ban on his European-based footballers, Sheldon Bateau and Levi Garcia, from entering Puerto Rico due to US Covid-19 protocols.
The former England defender also has to deal with the unavailability, through injury, of key players Kevin Molino (hamstring strain) and Alvin Jones. At midday yesterday, Fenwick still did not know the final composition of his squad or definitely who would be his captain.
“It’s a difficult situation,” stated Fenwick. “We are still trying to get a friendly game in the Dominican Republic. A lot of things are last minute,” added Fenwick during a brief media window prior to yesterday’s final training session on local soil.
Inadequate at times, rarely has Trinidad and Tobago’s preparation for international competition been so chaotic. And Fenwick’s tone in his response suggests that things may not have improved in the one year since FIFA appointed its normalisation committee to run the local game.
“These games, I think, were announced on the 23rd of August. So there has been a long, long time for us to get organised and make sure that we nail everything down...and we still have these problems,” Fenwick lamented.
T&T open qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup against Guyana on March 25 at the Estadio Panamericano, in the capital Santo Domingo, before flying to Puerto Rico for another qualifier three days later at Estadio Centroamericano in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Belgium-based Mechelen defender Sheldon Bateau is available for the Guyana match, but US protocols—concerning exposure to possible Covid-19 variants —prevent him from entering the US territory of Puerto Rico without a 14-day quarantine.
“A lot of the European players would not be able to play in Puerto Rico, so that is a bit of a concern, stated Fenwick, ”Most of them will not be available for the second game against Puerto Rico, which is being played on a synthetic (surface) — another surprise to us.
”The contradiction for me is that most of the guys (playing) for Puerto Rico are coming from the US, which has the same (Covid-19) situation. But they are putting (restrictions) strongly on the European guys, like Sheldon Bateau and the guys we got coming out of England. So, that will be a bitter pill for us to swallow.”
Fenwick eventually went for experience, including giving a recall to 36-year-old England-born midfielder Andre Boucaud after a five-year absence; along with Willis Plaza and Radanfah Abu Bakr. He also gave a first call up to young Watford midfielder Daniel Phillips.
“I want to be able to put men out on the pitch. Guys that are prepared to go out there to get a result for Trinidad and Tobago,” stated Fenwick, “It’s very important that we have them big characters in the squad,” he added.
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Who is de Willis PLAZER fella? And do we have Ferguson on speed dial?
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With the exception of Molino...this is a decent squad!?! Fenwick should be able to pull off a win against Guyana’ with this talent...I can’t believe I just say that :banginghead:
Dahis de squad ON PAPER. Wait 24-48 hours.
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Fenwick is a con man ;D ;D .. so where them new uk players he talking about .... you call up boucaud
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Fenwick is a con man ;D ;D .. so where them new uk players he talking about .... you call up boucaud
he shot down Tallman and dem and say he has his own scouts in the UK..... what ah joke, just full of .....
Anyway country first.
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All points bulletin on Triston Hodge?
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Heady stuff. A squad named and it does not include Cyrus.
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(https://static.wired868.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ttfa-shaun-fuentes-gary-griffith.jpg)
(Photo sourced from Wired868).
Caption this! :devil:
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Fenwick is a con man ;D ;D .. so where them new uk players he talking about .... you call up boucaud
he shot down Tallman and dem and say he has his own scouts in the UK..... what ah joke, just full of .....
Anyway country first.
bout oh wait till he names his sqaud we will see players who we never knew that can play for us .... he call up boucaud :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: ok most of those(new guys) cannot play in the second game but you call boucaud ... boucaud served us well but past his date .....
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Oh wowwww
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(https://static.wired868.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ttfa-shaun-fuentes-gary-griffith.jpg)
(Photo sourced from Wired868).
Caption this! :devil:
"With these same hands, I'll ....ha lawd Gary..If u wasn't here ! "
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It's intriguing when India's NT coach is ambivalent about selecting players from outside of India's top flight and we ...
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We get a Watford youth player. Mind blown.
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It's intriguing when India's NT coach is ambivalent about selecting players from outside of India's top flight and we ...
Imagine where our guys have to go for a pay check ......
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We get a Watford youth player. Mind blown.
Yep well he never played for any england youth team and is he ready for this level of football good thing we playing guyana ....
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Apparently woo ling a green card holder and wasn't using it so when the team went for the us friendly when he was leaving they stopped him so he been stuck in the states since
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Another thing that boils my blood is when these clips of the team in training for a competitive game and you get this intense music akin to the drama piece from movies like the terminator or some intense movie where a serious assault is about to go down and the preparations are viewed in the light of pure business and no nonsense, then these clueless f**kers go out there and shit on themselves.
Ive been watching these training sessions for years and it’s very deceptive with the same rubbish results and intensity, you get the impression that they have ironed out their kinks and made the necessary adjustments and are ready for battle, but when the whistle is blown you realize it’s the same ole lazy lack luster performance.
apposing players are left unmarked to score tap ins, defenders beaten for pace while others escort attacking players into their box, on defense players are often caught ball watching instead of holding their marker especially on set pieces, midfielders caught out of position on many occasion during counter attacks leaving the defense under tremendous pressure, our goalies playing last stopper often getting rounded or caught out leaving an empty net.
so kill that hardcore no nonsense drama music, I’d rather hear some elevator songs instead......it’s more conducive to the temperament of these soft as baby shit players. save that music for the mexican and the USA men’s national team since they are the true terminators in the region.
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Apparently woo ling a green card holder and wasn't using it so when the team went for the us friendly when he was leaving they stopped him so he been stuck in the states since
Well, he could still ride to Puerto Rico if dahis de case.
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It's intriguing when India's NT coach is ambivalent about selecting players from outside of India's top flight and we ...
Imagine where our guys have to go for a pay check ......
I think you blokes are not aware of Indian football and how much it has improved,you make a "laughing stock"of everybody which is a characteristic of many Trinis including close relations of mine.I am sure you are aware that the Indian league attracts footballers from every footballing country including South America.I am not saying they are from the top leagues but many would be better than some or many of TTs lot.India can probably call on 11 or more players from the UK in the lower leagues.Why downgrade the boy because he plays in India,maybe you might know something TF don't know.
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It's intriguing when India's NT coach is ambivalent about selecting players from outside of India's top flight and we ...
Imagine where our guys have to go for a pay check ......
I think you blokes are not aware of Indian football and how much it has improved,you make a "laughing stock"of everybody which is a characteristic of many Trinis including close relations of mine.I am sure you are aware that the Indian league attracts footballers from every footballing country including South America.I am not saying they are from the top leagues but many would be better than some or many of TTs lot.India can probably call on 11 or more players from the UK in the lower leagues.Why downgrade the boy because he plays in India,maybe you might know something TF don't know.
No need to fire defensively at the messengers. Note the comment was about India's NT coach. You seem to have misunderstood how football in India is set up. Give it a look.
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With the exception of Molino...this is a decent squad!?! Fenwick should be able to pull off a win against Guyana’ with this talent...I can’t believe I just say that :banginghead:
Dahis de squad ON PAPER. Wait 24-48 hours.
There seems to have been some movement. To the good. Injuries aside.
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It's intriguing when India's NT coach is ambivalent about selecting players from outside of India's top flight and we ...
Imagine where our guys have to go for a pay check ......
I think you blokes are not aware of Indian football and how much it has improved,you make a "laughing stock"of everybody which is a characteristic of many Trinis including close relations of mine.I am sure you are aware that the Indian league attracts footballers from every footballing country including South America.I am not saying they are from the top leagues but many would be better than some or many of TTs lot.India can probably call on 11 or more players from the UK in the lower leagues.Why downgrade the boy because he plays in India,maybe you might know something TF don't know.
That hit a nerve eh ... i never down grade him ... he is there for money i hope his agent is working behind the scenes...
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Soca Warriors coach defends recall of veteran quartet.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
NATIONAL men’s football team coach Terry Fenwick has defended the recalls of defenders Radanfah Abu Bakr and Robert Primus, English-born midfielder Andre Boucaud and striker Willis Plaza to the T&T team for two 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf Zone qualifiers, against Guyana (March 25) and Puerto Rico (March 28).
The 34-year-old Abu Bakr, who made his international debut in 2008, played the last of his 37 caps in 2017. Primus, aged 30, played seven matches for T&T between 2009 and 2013.
Boucaud was a consistent member of the team during the tenure of Stephen Hart (2013-2016). Aged 36, he played 47 times for T&T between 2004 and 2017.
Plaza, the 33-year-old attacker, has netted seven times in 30 appearances for T&T, since making his debut in 2012. He last featured for T&T against Wales on March 20, 2019.
Fenwick has been a constant advocate for younger players to be allowed to play for T&T, but he surprised even his ardent critics with the selection of the veteran quartet.
At a media conference at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport on Thursday, Fenwick acknowledged, “With all successful teams, you would recognise there are senior players within that group that are role models, good examples. That’s what I’m trying to do.
“I’ve watched Boucaud for a long time playing for T&T. I think he’s an excellent player, very talented guy and a good guy off the field. (He is) somebody that the young guys can look up to, who they would get good advice and I think that’s what I’m looking for, with my senior players.”
Defender Josiah Trimmingham was a shock appointment as captain for T&T for their disastrous 7-0 defeat away to the United States on January 31. However, the 24-year-old was not selected in Fenwick’s 26-man squad, who left T&T on Thursday.
“He’s had one or two injury problems and we’ve left him out because of that,” said the T&T coach.
A major absentee is central midfielder Kevin Molino, who suffered a hamstring injury, during a pre-season training session with American MLS club Columbus Crew.
“That’s a very big blow,” Fenwick noted. “He’s somebody that blends very well with the youngsters and (experienced) players. He would be missed but we’ve got to move on. We’ve got to be tough, resilient.”
Fenwick confirmed that T&T will be playing a warm-up match against the Turks and Caicos Islands before the Guyana encounter.
The former San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC coach said, “We’re going into this (qualifiers) with a very positive attitude. I’m trying to move my players away from some of this negativity that we have on the ground, in the press and in social media, because they deserve more than we’re giving them at the moment.”
He continued, “It’s up to me to look after my players, to be as positive as I possibly can, to bring the youngsters through. The youngsters can’t all come at once, it can’t happen in my national side. At the top of the tree, where I am, it’s all about results. I’ve got to nurture what I’ve got, bring out the quality players that we’ve got.”
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Trini 2022Why should what you say "hit a nerve",to start with our football has been in the doldrums for how long,and talk about bacchanal with the people in charge,is always something wrong with this one or that one,I can go on.The fact is our boys who have gone to India will most likely get contracts quicker than those in TPL.You are not the only one who tend to have a laugh at our players in India,followed by some snide remarks.At the moment there are 12 players of Asian background in the EPL,squad members mainly who haven't had a game,there are 4, I think at the moment in the EPL,more than we have .A recent Indian player left Chelsea and now plays wit Stevenage,he left because of the race problem.There is an Asian coach in English football.What I'm trying to say is,football is big among the Asian population and needless to say they are suffering the the same shit that many Caribbean and African youths suffered from the late 60s to the late 70s and more.I always love football and have always supported the underdogs,I like India,Madascar,Mauritius etc.I think India will have more than 25 players in the next 5 years to utilise for their national team,I would love to see our football get back to the top as we once were,but TBH I can't see us beating Guyana from what I'm reading.I hope I'm wrong.
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Day 1 in Santo Domingo
https://www.youtube.com/v/T8bPLM6Ovrg
Head Coach Terry Fenwick speaks as the Soca Warriors settle in Santo Domingo ahead of World Cup qualifier against Guyana
https://www.youtube.com/v/wWaZo7tQ6cs
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Trini 2022Why should what you say "hit a nerve",to start with our football has been in the doldrums for how long,and talk about bacchanal with the people in charge,is always something wrong with this one or that one,I can go on.The fact is our boys who have gone to India will most likely get contracts quicker than those in TPL.You are not the only one who tend to have a laugh at our players in India,followed by some snide remarks. At the moment there are 12 players of Asian background in the EPL,squad members mainly who haven't had a game,there are 4, I think at the moment in the EPL,more than we have .A recent Indian player left Chelsea and now plays wit Stevenage,he left because of the race problem.There is an Asian coach in English football. What I'm trying to say is,football is big among the Asian population and needless to say they are suffering the the same shit that many Caribbean and African youths suffered from the late 60s to the late 70s and more.I always love football and have always supported the underdogs,I like India,Madascar,Mauritius etc.I think India will have more than 25 players in the next 5 years to utilise for their national team,I would love to see our football get back to the top as we once were,but TBH I can't see us beating Guyana from what I'm reading.I hope I'm wrong.
Yuh toss a lot of ingredients into that pot. Diversity is one of the items you mentioned, but it was not on the table as a point of contention. The focus was on league quality and NT selection.
The point was that within India there has been a vigorous debate about how the ISL and the I-League are positioned with regard to NT selection. There is no ghost in the room.
Read this (https://thebridge.in/i-league/i-league-igor-stimac-bidyashagar-singh-20059) and read this. (https://sportscafe.in/football/articles/2021/mar/19/i-league-players-are-not-ineligible-for-national-selection-asserts-igor-stimac)
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K Molino has been carrying TT attack for the past several years with him gone Levi Garcia and Jovin Jones will have to step up there game Juda Garcia and Michel Poon Angeron will have to establish them selves as the future of TT football.
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asylumseeker
I feel sorry for our Trini players who appear to be suffering from so many ills in the TT setup,there always appear to be problems.I don't mind that they go to India because I feel, Indian football will improve as it definitely has been doing,you'd never expect India to get a draw with Nigeria,but let's forget that.Trini players in India would, or could be seen by scouts from countries much better than India.Egypt,Iran and most Arab countries all better than India,even European scouts can see them,next they could be out of India in better footballing countries.Igo back to the improvement of Indian football and some very surprising results,our boys are having to fight for their places,there are good players from Africa,Europe,South America etc.Anyway I always read your posts and I don't know why I am telling you all this,which you probably know.Football is full of emotions and I am growing old and older waiting for us to get to a position we once enjoyed,sometimes my feelings could be described as,"a drowning man clutching at straws".
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asylumseeker
I feel sorry for our Trini players who appear to be suffering from so many ills in the TT setup,there always appear to be problems.I don't mind that they go to India because I feel, Indian football will improve as it definitely has been doing,you'd never expect India to get a draw with Nigeria,but let's forget that.Trini players in India would, or could be seen by scouts from countries much better than India.Egypt,Iran and most Arab countries all better than India,even European scouts can see them,next they could be out of India in better footballing countries.Igo back to the improvement of Indian football and some very surprising results,our boys are having to fight for their places,there are good players from Africa,Europe,South America etc.Anyway I always read your posts and I don't know why I am telling you all this,which you probably know.Football is full of emotions and I am growing old and older waiting for us to get to a position we once enjoyed,sometimes my feelings could be described as,"a drowning man clutching at straws".
Maybe a question to be explored is what sort of synergies can be established between the Pro League and the ISL and I-League.
India v Nigeria 99-1: You remember dis match? (https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/sport-43215067)
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asylumseeker
I feel sorry for our Trini players who appear to be suffering from so many ills in the TT setup,there always appear to be problems.I don't mind that they go to India because I feel, Indian football will improve as it definitely has been doing,you'd never expect India to get a draw with Nigeria,but let's forget that.Trini players in India would, or could be seen by scouts from countries much better than India.Egypt,Iran and most Arab countries all better than India,even European scouts can see them,next they could be out of India in better footballing countries.Igo back to the improvement of Indian football and some very surprising results,our boys are having to fight for their places,there are good players from Africa,Europe,South America etc.Anyway I always read your posts and I don't know why I am telling you all this,which you probably know.Football is full of emotions and I am growing old and older waiting for us to get to a position we once enjoyed,sometimes my feelings could be described as,"a drowning man clutching at straws".
Will our football improve?? WILL IT ??
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We can do still. Let's get to the 2nd round fellas.
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T&T training match in Dominican Republic cancelled
LOOP SPORTS CREATED : 21 MARCH 2021SPORT
A training match between the T&T men’s national team and the Dominican Republic club Atletico Pantoja was canceled due to a breach in the standard COVID-19 protocols.
TTFA Media reported on Saturday that the match was arranged at the club’s home base, but was abandoned on the advice of the T&T team doctor Akash Dhanai.
The release stated that Dr. Dhanai’s decision came “after a thorough assessment of the Covid-19 tests undergone by the Pantoja players was determined to fall short of the TTFA’s and FIFA’s medical standards.”
Further, the release stated that “the decision was taken to cancel the match to ensure that the safety of T&T players and staff would not have been compromised ahead of next Thursday’s Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guyana.”
TTFA Media says that all members of the T&T team have been following strict COVID-19 regulations since they entered the biosecure bubble at the Home of Football on March 16.
With the game canceled, head coach Terry Fenwick and his staff later conducted a training session with the team in the afternoon.
Thursday’s match against Guyana takes place at the Pan American Stadium without spectators.
There will also be no spectators when T&T takes on Puerto Rico on 28 March.
____________________________________________
but we didn't have time for Training match in a monitored environment, anyway, I doubt they woulda pay we. :devil:
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WATCH: Insights on Guyana's preparations. GFF Head - Guyana in Competitive but Winnable Group.
https://www.youtube.com/v/fXHRJh1vaWw
WATCH: Insights on Guyana's preparations. Eight ATC Alumni in Golden Jaguars World Cup Qualifiers Squad.
https://youtube.com/v/CgY0V0Qbw0c
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WATCH: Guyanese journalists pick Soca Warriors to defeat Golden Jaguars.
https://youtube.com/v/bNd7BwNfHkc
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Shortt: We will get a result from Guyana.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
T&T's senior football team did not have the ideal preparations it wanted, but the players should have what it takes to get a positive result against Guyana in their opening World Cup Qualifying match in the Dominican Republic on Thursday, said Jeremy Shortt, a former national footballer.
Shortt, a multitalented player who represented Queen's Royal College (QRC) in the Secondary Schools Football League before moving to the various youth teams, as well as the senior team in the 1990s, said despite the rift in the T&T camp which threatened to derail the team's performance, they will get the edge on the Guyanese based on their talent.
"I just don't think we are prepared to go into qualifying right now as a team. With clubs not releasing players, that didn't help, with the rift we're hearing within the team camp, that doesn't help either. I would say the positive side of it is, in following some of the other teams as well, not too many teams are prepared any way, so we might be on good footing. There is no real home advantage in this pandemic. I think from a talent point of view, knowing some of the players from Guyana and the preparation they had, that T&T has a headway in this game and should come out of this game with a win."
Shortt, an attacking, who is now a highly qualified coach in the United States with the International Football Club (IFC), told Guardian Media Sports on Monday that while he does not know too much about Group F contender Bahamas, he believes the country's biggest threat will come from Puerto Rico, who recently recruited the services of former US national coach Dave Sarachan for the qualifiers.
"Puerto Rico just hired Dave Sarachan. I had the opportunity to meet and have a few sessions under him at Chicago Fire. Just as we said with preparation, he has had only 12 days to work with Puerto Rico, but he is very good at what he does. So he is definitely going to be implementing some differences for Puerto Rico and they could be a very tricky hurdle for T&T."
The Puerto Ricans will be T&T's next match on March 28, which is three days after the Guyana clash. The other two teams in the group are Bahamas and St Kitts/Nevis.
Coach Terry Fenwick and his men will have to win the group to move on in the qualifiers, where they will meet the winner of Group A, which features the likes of El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, and the US Virgin Islands.
Fenwick's team was recently boosted by the inclusion of Watford midfielder Daniel Phillips, defender Ronald Primus, and Al-Batin's defensive midfielder Khaleem Hyland among others.
Shortt, a native of La Horquetta, said with the few overseas-based players, meshing with the young, inexperienced players in the T&T team, we will get over the first hurdle.
Shortt said he is expecting the Guyanese to sit back and play on the counter-attack come Thursday.
Watch WCQ GUYANA IN COMPETITIVE, BUT WINNABLE GROUP GFF HEAD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXHRJh1vaWw)
Watch EIGHT ATC ALUMNI IN GOLDEN JAGUARS WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SQUAD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgY0V0Qbw0c)
Watch GUYANESE JOURNALISTS PICK SOCA WARRIORS AS FAVOURITES OVER GOLDEN JAGUARS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNd7BwNfHkc)
(https://www.guardian.co.tt/image-3.3073989.141798.20210322222113.02f24af79c?size=1024)
Jeremy Shortt, a former national footballer.
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Biggest threat Puerto Rico? Man he really doesn't know the group. I may look spectacularly stupid, but Guyana are a much bigger threat, and the Bahamas get a lot of their players from the US College (past or present) system so he should have some sort of idea.
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T&T training match in Dominican Republic cancelled
LOOP SPORTS CREATED : 21 MARCH 2021SPORT
A training match between the T&T men’s national team and the Dominican Republic club Atletico Pantoja was canceled due to a breach in the standard COVID-19 protocols.
TTFA Media reported on Saturday that the match was arranged at the club’s home base, but was abandoned on the advice of the T&T team doctor Akash Dhanai.
The release stated that Dr. Dhanai’s decision came “after a thorough assessment of the Covid-19 tests undergone by the Pantoja players was determined to fall short of the TTFA’s and FIFA’s medical standards.”
Further, the release stated that “the decision was taken to cancel the match to ensure that the safety of T&T players and staff would not have been compromised ahead of next Thursday’s Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guyana.”
TTFA Media says that all members of the T&T team have been following strict COVID-19 regulations since they entered the biosecure bubble at the Home of Football on March 16.
With the game canceled, head coach Terry Fenwick and his staff later conducted a training session with the team in the afternoon.
Thursday’s match against Guyana takes place at the Pan American Stadium without spectators.
There will also be no spectators when T&T takes on Puerto Rico on 28 March.
____________________________________________
but we didn't have time for Training match in a monitored environment, anyway, I doubt they woulda pay we. :devil:
Is like they saying...." I don't think there's anything else that could go wrong with preparation for this WCQ..... but we'll try our best to find out"
:banginghead:
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From what these guys are saying and if they are to be believed, they claim that the UK didn’t release their players so they are going all local, did anyone get that from the interview?
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Any links for the game TV, live stream, cable? I perused the cable guide and cam up with nothing. any links anyone?
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From what these guys are saying and if they are to be believed, they claim that the UK didn’t release their players so they are going all local, did anyone get that from the interview?
Some UK teams released players, some didn't. The lower down leagues are much more likely to release. Guyana have good youth prospects from higher teams and regular starters from lower down, so their squad is strong compared to normal/expected.
Given the players we've called up, there isn't a huge difference between us. Callum Harriet (ex-Charlton youth player) is the biggest danger - he has the potential to make mince-meat of our defence - he's quick and tricky, with a good deal of agility.
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From what these guys are saying and if they are to be believed, they claim that the UK didn’t release their players so they are going all local, did anyone get that from the interview?
Some UK teams released players, some didn't. The lower down leagues are much more likely to release. Guyana have good youth prospects from higher teams and regular starters from lower down, so their squad is strong compared to normal/expected.
Given the players we've called up, there isn't a huge difference between us. Callum Harriet (ex-Charlton youth player) is the biggest danger - he has the potential to make mince-meat of our defence - he's quick and tricky, with a good deal of agility.
my point is, do they have their uk base or are they going with an all local due to the fact that they were weren’t allowed to travel or interact with guyanese like the guy said in the clip?
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T&T training match in Dominican Republic cancelled
LOOP SPORTS CREATED : 21 MARCH 2021SPORT
A training match between the T&T men’s national team and the Dominican Republic club Atletico Pantoja was canceled due to a breach in the standard COVID-19 protocols.
TTFA Media reported on Saturday that the match was arranged at the club’s home base, but was abandoned on the advice of the T&T team doctor Akash Dhanai.
The release stated that Dr. Dhanai’s decision came “after a thorough assessment of the Covid-19 tests undergone by the Pantoja players was determined to fall short of the TTFA’s and FIFA’s medical standards.”
Further, the release stated that “the decision was taken to cancel the match to ensure that the safety of T&T players and staff would not have been compromised ahead of next Thursday’s Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guyana.”
TTFA Media says that all members of the T&T team have been following strict COVID-19 regulations since they entered the biosecure bubble at the Home of Football on March 16.
With the game canceled, head coach Terry Fenwick and his staff later conducted a training session with the team in the afternoon.
Thursday’s match against Guyana takes place at the Pan American Stadium without spectators.
There will also be no spectators when T&T takes on Puerto Rico on 28 March.
____________________________________________
but we didn't have time for Training match in a monitored environment, anyway, I doubt they woulda pay we. :devil:
Is like they saying...." I don't think there's anything else that could go wrong with preparation for this WCQ..... but we'll try our best to find out"
:banginghead:
That match not happening is a good thing. I offer that regardless of the COVID concern.
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Biggest threat Puerto Rico? Man he really doesn't know the group. I may look spectacularly stupid, but Guyana are a much bigger threat, and the Bahamas get a lot of their players from the US College (past or present) system so he should have some sort of idea.
I know why he has rated Sarachan, but as I'm forming a composite of PR I am arriving at a preliminary conclusion that tends to differ with Shortt. At the moment, it appears that Guyana presents/suggests more of a collective threat to PR's opportunity of individual threat.
Barring an unforeseen circumstance, I should have a final conclusion in three days with specifics.
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From what these guys are saying and if they are to be believed, they claim that the UK didn’t release their players so they are going all local, did anyone get that from the interview?
Some UK teams released players, some didn't. The lower down leagues are much more likely to release. Guyana have good youth prospects from higher teams and regular starters from lower down, so their squad is strong compared to normal/expected.
Given the players we've called up, there isn't a huge difference between us. Callum Harriet (ex-Charlton youth player) is the biggest danger - he has the potential to make mince-meat of our defence - he's quick and tricky, with a good deal of agility.
my point is, do they have their uk base or are they going with an all local due to the fact that they were weren’t allowed to travel or interact with guyanese like the guy said in the clip?
Context. (https://youtube.com/v/Q5S9xQNfbp8)
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From what these guys are saying and if they are to be believed, they claim that the UK didn’t release their players so they are going all local, did anyone get that from the interview?
Some UK teams released players, some didn't. The lower down leagues are much more likely to release. Guyana have good youth prospects from higher teams and regular starters from lower down, so their squad is strong compared to normal/expected.
Given the players we've called up, there isn't a huge difference between us. Callum Harriet (ex-Charlton youth player) is the biggest danger - he has the potential to make mince-meat of our defence - he's quick and tricky, with a good deal of agility.
my point is, do they have their uk base or are they going with an all local due to the fact that they were weren’t allowed to travel or interact with guyanese like the guy said in the clip?
Context. (https://youtube.com/v/Q5S9xQNfbp8)
Ah I see, well Colchester announced on their official twitter that Callum was off, so I imagine he is at least there
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Any links for the game TV, live stream, cable? I perused the cable guide and cam up with nothing. any links anyone?
Locally I'm seeing it listed on Flow Sports channel 290. Not sure where else just yet.
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T&T player tested positive before Guyana showdown.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
It will be a showdown in Santo Domingo on Thursday night at, 7 pm T&T's Soca Warriors will be up against Guyana at the Pan American Stadium in San Cristobal.
However, there appears to be some level of uncertainty about if the match will be played or not, after a T&T player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) after PCR testing was done on all members of the team contingent on Wednesday.
According to the TTFA release: "The individual tested positive and was immediately isolated at the team’s hotel. All Covid-19 protocols are being followed and he is presently awaiting a re-test for confirmation purposes."
Guardian Media Sports was informed on Wednesday that the player will be re-tested on Thursday and if the test comes back positive a decision will have to be made.
The release continued: "Strict contact tracing was then performed and all primary contacts have been quarantined, they would then be tested accordingly following the player's re-test results. The player is asymptomatic at this time. The TTFA also respects the confidentiality wishes of the player."
In the meanwhile and staying match focused, T&T has now dismissed the torture of a loss of home advantage as the game was expected to be T&T's home game, and the players are now singing, in one chorus, the need to get maximum points from the contest.
Coach Terry Fenwick will not be at full-strength but will be more than 75 per cent ready, with most of his overseas-based professionals back, namely Levi Garcia (club AEK Athens), midfielder Sheldon Bateau (Mechelen), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin), Daniel Phillips (Watford), Nicklas Frenderup (Stjørdals-Blink- Norway), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Churchill Brothers- India), and Ronald Primus who also plays in India.
They will all join forces with an equally determined bunch of local players that will be led by talented midfielder Duane Muckette.
On Wednesday, both Hyland and Garcia told the media that the game will be a tough one, but they believe the team will come away winners. According to Hyland: "It will be a difficult game. It;'s the first game of the World Cup qualifiers. Guyana is a tough team from the last Gold Cup game. I did not play that game but from watching from the stands, they have a lot of players in the lower teams in Europe. And they're a team that's trying to be at the level as T&T, so we know we have a tough clash."
The Guyanese held T&T to a 1-1 tie in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 in the United States, and have since recruited Brazilian coach Marcio Maximo for the qualifiers.
The defensive midfielder admits the challenging times being posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but said, football is now taking place with the pandemic so they have to focus on the task ahead, saying "Tomorrow is a very important game for us. We need to do our jobs and let God do the rest."
Meanwhile, Garcia who has just returned from an injury is eager to deliver. "I am really excited, it has been a while, so I really want to deliver, and most importantly, try to get as many victories as possible. We all know that there is no easy game and as a team, we're trying to gel together, deliver what the coach is trying to implement, and hopefully, we can get together tomorrow and get a victory."
Today's opening match will be followed by another three days later against Puerto Rico on March 28. T&T is playing out of Group F alongside the Puerto Ricans, the Guyanese, Bahamas and St Kitts/Nevis, with only the winning team advancing to the second round of the qualifiers.
Watch Levi has eyes set on three points in opening WCQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5GnNY8E5ik)
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DR might just be the worse place in the Caribbean to visit right now.
How about Anguilla
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
Check yesterday numbers.
Not surprised at all.
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WATCH: Guyana winger Harriott confident ahead of T&T - Guyana WC clash. The interview includes goalkeeper Akel Clarke who has experience playing in domestic competition within Trinidad and Tobago.
https://youtube.com/v/N7t_DctFXVo
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WATCH: Khaleem Hyland looks ahead to the opening World Cup qualifier versus Guyana.
https://youtube.com/v/8SATjYZw1GM
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WATCH: Dissecting Guyana's Golden Jaguars squad for Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers - Informed perspectives on the T&T - Guyana World Cup qualifier with Rawle Toney (NCN and Guyana Chronicle), Duncan Saul (Stabroek News) and Akeem Greene (News Room).
https://youtube.com/v/5JRYgBuNEs8
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Livesoccertv.com should be an option
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Livesoccertv.com should be an option
https://www.sportrar.tv/
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How come we doh have a single sports journalist that could give us a lil prematch analysis/predicted line ups, nothing?
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https://www.youtube.com/v/6uWZ6I8s73M
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Line ups please.
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Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana – A moment of truth and moments of denial
By Chambi Sey
A popular narrative surrounding the World Cup qualification match between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, to be played in the Dominican Republic this evening, is that of a mounting football rivalry between both nations. Before the narrative assumes mythical or legendary proportion, or gains cultural traction, domestic fans of the game ought to take a step back to reflect on the actual dimension of the competitive equation between both countries. Of 51 matches documented since 1923, the Trinbagonian cohort has lost a mere 15 per cent of the contests. Drawn affairs account for roughly 27 per cent of the total. A preponderance of the battles and victories has been celebrated in Port-of-Spain.
Having in 2006 conquered the quest of participating in a World Cup, the anticipation in Trinidad and Tobago was that there would have been a consolidation of footballing processes within the country and that its implementation would establish (1) a narrowing of distance between the Trinbagonian football product and the elite nations it idolizes and seeks to emulate and (2) an extension of the distance between Trinidad and Tobago and its Caribbean neighbors. This conception of the future also endorsed a rivalry that was exclusively binary and that solely pertained to a northern Caribbean nation famed for producing sprint stars and the music of Marley. Although the anticipation of repeated success should have been tempered by the experiences of that northern neighbor in various qualification cycles after 1998, and by the cautionary tales of other debutants, the anticipation of attaining repeated success was not entirely unreasonable or misplaced, particularly factoring-in that the 2006 World Cup should have marked the third occasion on which a senior team from the Land of the Hummingbird graced the world stage.
Despite the various maladies that have occupied Trinidad and Tobago’s national football, in the post-Germany period, the record of the Soca Warriors against Guyana, in 10 outings, manifests five wins, four draws and one loss. Attentive fans will recall that some of the matches in the middle category were influenced by imposed caution rather than expansive displays. Nevertheless, a record in which 90 per cent of the matches are not characterized by defeat is far from akin to the nominal or Pyrrhic victory with which Prime Minister Rowley branded United TTFA’s tour through the judicial system. While it is undeniable that Guyana’s lens of the competitive relation informs the Golden Jaguars that they have been undefeated on half of the match days post-2006, pretensions of a genuine rivalry actually emerged from a singular moment almost a decade ago. The inflexion point in perception of the competitive relationship was triggered by Guyana’s 2-1 defeat of the Soca Warriors in November 2011. That loss dented pride, smashed notions of progress, and begged for a sense of national team program redirection. Prior to it, the previous loss by a Trinidad and Tobago senior national team at the feet or head of Guyana took place in September 1977.
On the occasion of the 2011 victory, then Guyana national team coach, Jamal Shabazz trumpeted the significance of a Caribbean national team coach, who was indigenous to the Caribbean region, triumphing over a coach steeped in European preparation, African trophies and global recognition. Never one to falter in identifying where to insert momentous pronouncements, Shabazz acclaimed the victory as catharsis and reward for the unheralded labors of various Caribbean assistant coaches who had silently absorbed knowledge from the many foreign coaches who perennially graced the regional football landscape and then emerged to conquer their tutors. His comments were insightful, intended as visionary, albeit not broadly digested. How much progress has taken place since then?
A decade later, entering the match tonight, Guyana is buoyed by a non-Caribbean coach, with roots in neighboring Brazil, who has amassed an itinerary of coaching experiences in diverse locations and, conversely, Trinidad and Tobago is coached by an Englishman with substantial tenure in the twin-island republic and a curriculum vitae that essentially renders him a local coach, although he also bears a dabbling of extra-regional experience and an elite playing pedigree. In actuality, the sea change announced by Shabazz is only today taking root as Trinbagonian coaches position themselves at the helm of regional national teams. The cross-pollination of coaching nationalities within the Caribbean region remains constrained. On the other hand, the infusion of foreign coaches into the region has diversified in terms of country of origin. Notably, current Dominican Republic national team coach Jacques Passy, a former coach of St. Kitts Nevis, recently heartily expounded on Mexican television about the virtues of the professional rewards and abundant horizons of coaching a Caribbean team. Others have inquired. In this sense, where Guyana and Shabazz in 2011 located space to derail Trinidad and Tobago’s ambitions, the space of operation for Caribbean coaches is susceptible to being more restricted if the region cements a trend as a location hospitable to cultivating a coaching reputation. Also, although an aberration, the presence of Guus Hiddink at the other end of the scale tightens the arguments and the expectations. Nonetheless, it is not a bad thing for coaches indigenous to the Caribbean to be compelled to do more to stamp their authority on, and place in, the international game. Consequently, it is against this backdrop, and various postured and wily pronouncements by Shabazz, that a contemporary sense of a Guyana-Trinidad and Tobago rivalry has seeped into the national footballing consciousness.
During the immediate period in which followers of the Trinidad and Tobago national team hoped that travel arrangements to Germany would be supplemented with reservations for South Africa, Guyana national team coach Marcio Maximo was plying his craft in Tanzania. This period of his coaching experience is markedly interesting because it presents insights into his conception of football and because it occurred after having made an abbreviated entry into Scottish football as a Brazilian pioneer. In Tanzania he expressed foundational elements of the overarching signaling that he has alluded to regarding the football he wants to deliver to Guyana. He is a coach of clear ideas regarding methodological preparation and concerning the continuum of development on which junior players should be transitioned into the senior national team. Maximo was a realist in contextualizing Tanzania’s development challenges vis-à-vis its competitor neighbors and also pragmatic in formulating the placement of secondary school competition and programs within a development structure designed to bolster future national team prospects. For Trinbagonians this may be a surprising and curious perspective for a foreign national team coach to advocate, because Trinidad and Tobago is more accustomed to national coaches from abroad being critical of the SSFL’s infrastructure.
Maximo has brought aspects of this discernment and cultural meshing to his responsibilities in Guyana. In a manner, it is what has prompted a critic to ponder whether he has trampled on the margins of false prophecy. One of Maximo’s strengths has been mastering intercultural hurdles and cross-cultural challenges while tying domestic football priorities to practical objectives that do not compromise professional coaching practices. However, as Maximo has grown in the coaching profession, so too has his commitment to convictions and decisions. As such, although his exclusion of a sentimental national team favorite from the Golden Jaguars squad has irritated segments of the Guyanese population, Maximo is not in the least perturbed by the decision because he is absolutely certain of the type of football he proposes.
This evening in San Cristobal, Guyana has a game plan that is inversely related to the number of preparation matches it has accumulated, but it is a proposal that is grounded in the mental processes of its perceptive coach. In addition, the good news for the Guyanese-Brazilian alliance is that Trinidad and Tobago’s match preparation has not placed the Golden Jaguars at a tangible disadvantage. However, Trinbagonian fans are hopeful of a Soca Warrior match plan that is coherent, anticipatory and flexible. Most of all, under circumstances in which the race to three points is significant, astute fans of the Soca Warriors wish to see an expression of playing identity, ambition and conviction that is a strict departure from its most recent rendition.
In the post-2006 era there are certain tactical proclivities that have plagued the Trinidad and Tobago national team, despite the identity of the coach at the helm of the squad. Without argument, some coaches have been better at managing the habitual tendencies than have others. Not one has been able to manage them without occasional vacillations in performance. One or two of them have been unable to either comprehensively identify the issues, treat with them sufficiently, or to suppress the negative tactical proclivities at pivotal moments. Fundamentally, it is these details that Guyana seeks to exploit in the Dominican Republic tonight on a calculus based on two tenets. The first tenet is that a phenomenon repeated often enough constitutes a pattern and the second tenet is that resumption and resurgence of a pattern is aided by periods of collective inactivity and a lack of opportunity for negative reinforcement. The competitive inactivity of the Trinidad and Tobago national team is well-documented and even in the pre-COVID 19 period, there was an insufficiency of national team football during the international calendar.
Maximo and Guyana will be insistent in seeking to play the ball in between Trinidad and Tobago’s lines, thereby nullifying a cadre of players relevant to impeding its forward actions. They will attempt to play to advanced positions with minimal delay or distraction while being economical with lateral movements of the ball. Although Guyana will not be a direct team, on selected indications direct probing balls will be issued. Midfield contention is expected to be an initial and persistent inquirer of Trinidad and Tobago’s resistance. As such, in compact spaces in the Guyanese half, and in explorable spaces in the Trinbagonian half of the field, Maximo’s Guyana will be exploring what movements attract and preoccupy the Soca Warriors’ central defenders. Despite the foregoing, there is a concrete opportunity tonight for the Soca Warriors to emphatically dismiss Guyana’s ambitions. Not only does the weight of the record lean to Port of Spain, but despite the fundamentals of the Jaguars’ intentions, Guyana must be mindful of Trinidad and Tobago’s prowess on the flanks. The center of the park will reveal Trinidad and Tobago’s truths and the flanks will negate the advantages. Any sense of rivalry will reside in the parity of the battle posed by what is anticipated to be differing approaches to solving a puzzle.
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Read an article in the Guardian today stating that one of our players tested positive for Covid yesterday and the game could be postponed. I haven't seen anything on here so I guess the game's still on.
T&T player tested positive before Guyana showdown
by
Walter Alibey
Yesterday
Thu Mar 25 2021
Final Warm up T&T’s defender Radanfah Abu Bakr, left, warms up with the his team-mates ahead of Thursday's crucial World Cup Qualifying match against Guyana in the Dominican Republic from 7 pm tonight. It will be the opening match for both teams in Group F.
Courtesy TTFA Media
It will be a showdown in Santo Domingo on Thursday night at, 7 pm T&T's Soca Warriors will be up against Guyana at the Pan American Stadium in San Cristobal.
However, there appears to be some level of uncertainty about if the match will be played or not, after a T&T player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) after PCR testing was done on all members of the team contingent on Wednesday.
According to the TTFA release: "The individual tested positive and was immediately isolated at the team’s hotel. All Covid-19 protocols are being followed and he is presently awaiting a re-test for confirmation purposes."
Guardian Media Sports was informed on Wednesday that the player will be re-tested on Thursday and if the test comes back positive a decision will have to be made.
The release continued: "Strict contact tracing was then performed and all primary contacts have been quarantined, they would then be tested accordingly following the player's re-test results. The player is asymptomatic at this time. The TTFA also respects the confidentiality wishes of the player."
In the meanwhile and staying match focused, T&T has now dismissed the torture of a loss of home advantage as the game was expected to be T&T's home game, and the players are now singing, in one chorus, the need to get maximum points from the contest.
Coach Terry Fenwick will not be at full-strength but will be more than 75 per cent ready, with most of his overseas-based professionals back, namely Levi Garcia (club AEK Athens), midfielder Sheldon Bateau (Mechelen), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin), Daniel Phillips (Watford), Nicklas Frenderup (Stjørdals-Blink- Norway), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Churchill Brothers- India), and Ronald Primus who also plays in India.
They will all join forces with an equally determined bunch of local players that will be led by talented midfielder Duane Muckette.
on Wednesday, both Hyland and Garcia told the media that the game will be a tough one, but they believe the team will come away winners. According to Hyland: "It will be a difficult game. It;'s the first game of the World Cup qualifiers. Guyana is a tough team from the last Gold Cup game. I did not play that game but from watching from the stands, they have a lot of players in the lower teams in Europe. And they're a team that's trying to be at the level as T&T, so we know we have a tough clash."
The Guyanese held T&T to a 1-1 tie in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 in the United States, and have since recruited Brazilian coach Marcio Maximo for the qualifiers.
The defensive midfielder admits the challenging times being posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but said, football is now taking place with the pandemic so they have to focus on the task ahead, saying "Tomorrow is a very important game for us. We need to do our jobs and let God do the rest."
Meanwhile, Garcia who has just returned from an injury is eager to deliver. "I am really excited, it has been a while, so I really want to deliver, and most importantly, try to get as many victories as possible. We all know that there is no easy game and as a team, we're trying to gel together, deliver what the coach is trying to implement, and hopefully, we can get together tomorrow and get a victory."
Today's opening match will be followed by another three days later against Puerto Rico on March 28. T&T is playing out of Group F alongside the Puerto Ricans, the Guyanese, Bahamas and St Kitts/Nevis, with only the winning team advancing to the second round of the qualifiers.
T&TMen's Senior Team Squad
Goalkeepers: Adrian Foncett, Marvin Phillip, Nicklaus Frenderup, Denzil Smith
Defenders: Noah Powder, Leland Archer, Justin Garcia, Neval Hickshaw, Sheldon Bateau, Aubery David, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Robert Primus, Joevin Jones
Midfielders: Duane Muckette, Michael Poon Angeron, Andre Boucaud, Daniel Phillips, Judah Garcia, Khaleem Hyland, Marcus Joseph Jr
Forwards: Levi Garcia, Ryan Telfer, Willis Plaza, Sean Bonval, Jabari Mitchell, Brent Sam.
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I getting Haiti vs Belize on Sportsbay. Haiti leading 1-0. 65’
TT schduled at 7
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Read an article in the Guardian today stating that one of our players tested positive for Covid yesterday and the game could be postponed. I haven't seen anything on here so I guess the game's still on.
Update on that. (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExWAmxVWQAox2RV?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
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Guyana's Team Sheet
(https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/165053941_3801565273290383_1692407795340003378_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=pGiocN5s7pYAX_MXlqZ&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=0efc5c88c3b9e4e3a1e32c64be1714b8&oe=60820830)
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Haiti 2-0 final
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Read an article in the Guardian today stating that one of our players tested positive for Covid yesterday and the game could be postponed. I haven't seen anything on here so I guess the game's still on.
Update on that. (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExWAmxVWQAox2RV?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
:beermug:
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Any streams?
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExXCEB1XAAYCHM0?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExXDDlkWYAQ6BqY?format=png&name=4096x4096)
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I dunno theres any streams but I thinking to set up a ratch. lemme know if to.
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Hmmm no muckette in the team at all. Looks a good mix tho so calling it early. 3-1
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Muddass stream sticking.. Haiti game no problem, TT game, Covid
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Well done Levi
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Peacock has the stream
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Peacock has the stream
So doh bother with a google meet then?
Edit...2 nil.
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Any streams?? don't have peacock in the UK
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Radio commentary i95.5 FM with heart attack andre baptiste.
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https://meet.google.com/zeq-ykap-ukn
We go wuk this until told otherwise
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Who scored the second goal?
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http://www.hesgoal.com/news/76206/Trinidad_and_Tobago_vs_Guyana.html
Decent stream
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Who scored the second goal?
Bateau
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Hope someone post the game afterwards, these Luce streams are annoying.
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Radio commentary i95.5 FM with heart attack andre baptiste.
I know Andre does get bwah for the sides he choses in local football, but he commentary is f**king hilarious!
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Jones miss a penalty
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Levi picked the ball up confidently to take the penalty or did I imagine that? Two consecutive matches. The brothers Jones may have set a Guiness record of some sort.
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http://www.hesgoal.com/news/76206/Trinidad_and_Tobago_vs_Guyana.html
Decent stream
Thanks
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http://www.hesgoal.com/news/76206/Trinidad_and_Tobago_vs_Guyana.html
Decent stream
Thank you!!
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Tefler scored...3-0 HT
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3-0 at the half.. if you got peacock.. it’s showing in there btw.
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Phillips looking top shelf.. I happy with the team play, some defensive blunders doh. The goalie doh panic, Yet.
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Halftime discussion. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51m72v7MixY)
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Nice save at the end of the first half.
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Don't forget to eat garlic and aspirin before tuning in Andre Baptiste commentary.
3-0 is a pleasant surprise
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Decent first half, The Boys looking compose , Work in progress
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surprised by d score lil bit but glad, only now glimpse this on one football, did forget clean....how dey look otherwise
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http://www.hesgoal.com/news/76206/Trinidad_and_Tobago_vs_Guyana.html
Decent stream
[/quote}
Thanks! It on Peacock Premium in the US too,
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Phillips looking top shelf.. I happy with the team play, some defensive blunders doh. The goalie doh panic, Yet.
He really does look like a very good player
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Frendy is kicks but he special
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Telfer needs to STFU and cool it
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Good start boys
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:beermug: :applause: we move !!!
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Telfer needs to STFU and cool it
seem like he is the best we have as of now
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I like how the keeper looks confident coming off his line.
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Nice start fellas.
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Phillips looking top shelf.. I happy with the team play, some defensive blunders doh. The goalie doh panic, Yet.
He really does look like a very good player
yes but this is Guyana remember people ....
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happy for the win
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Pretty decent game guys...we will get better with more games under the belt...Levi has really matured. Tefler is a work horse, Phillip is a work horse as well, with experience he’ll be a huge asset! We finally have a real goal keeper, and that Poon Angerson fella run his legs off. This team is a definite work in progress. Could have been 5-0 with better composure. Molino was definitely missed! Well done. 3-0...
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Phillips looking top shelf.. I happy with the team play, some defensive blunders doh. The goalie doh panic, Yet.
He really does look like a very good player
yes but this is Guyana remember people ....
It will only ever be who in front u eh. So good first game by the youth 🙌🏾
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Phillips looking top shelf.. I happy with the team play, some defensive blunders doh. The goalie doh panic, Yet.
Really? Or yuh happy with the goals?
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Well done T&T! Poon-Angeron was decisive and confident, Judah Garcia and Powder will build confidence with experience. Overall the younger generation held their own
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Telfer needs to STFU and cool it
seem like he is the best we have as of now
Very possibly, and he put in some hard work tonight. The Guyanese were grabbing him and trying to hack him down. But we need him card free!
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Pretty decent game guys...we will get better with more games under the belt...Levi has really matured. Tefler is a work horse, Phillip is a work horse as well, with experience he’ll be a huge asset! We finally have a real goal keeper, and that Poon Angerson fella run his legs off. This team is a definite work in progress. Could have been 5-0 with better composure. Molino was definitely missed! Well done. 3-0...
+1
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trini_stallion
Yuh mention "composure",the best word to sum up quite a lot of our Mid Field game where we losing ball tooeasily,and as you say more composure needed up front.We won it with a team that didn't play the best football.
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Definitely an improvement from the last game. The goalkeeper was confident and anticipates well. He was only tested once. The defence looks decent and the midfielder Poon Angeron was good even though he almost made a lethal mistake in front of the goal. The penalty miss and the yellow cards should have Fenwick a little worried. They moved the ball well in possession. But we should remember that this was Guyana.
Standouts: Poon Angeron, Aubrey, Frederup, Phillips, Levi, Hyland, Telfer
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http://www.hesgoal.com/news/76206/Trinidad_and_Tobago_vs_Guyana.html
Decent stream
Thank you for that link. It worked well. You literally saved the day for me.
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This was a scrappy game but a good result St Kitts & Nevins would be another test for them.
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80th min Panama 0 - 0 Barbados. Latapy might pull it off.
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Substitutions should probably have come on a different timing bearing in mind the next match.
If I am Puerto Rico's coach, I wouldn't be especially impressed although the difference between me and the PR coach is that I don't have the headache of figuring out the next step. He certainly will be expecting to be more organized than Guyana.
I am disappointed that we did not impose our qualities on the opponent, despite the somewhat imposing score.
Frenderup added value.
Judah was positively Judah.
Not thrilled by JJ's penalty fiasco. Potentially very costly on a different stage.
Won't mention any other individual names because everyone played a positive part.
Looking forward to Hyland squeezing the best out of his squad.
I want to see Fenwick look in the mirror and acknowledge that we are still on the way up the mountain. We are not on the way home. Share the load, TF. There will be bigger challenges. Celebrate the three points but recognize we didn't play or deliver a recognized brand of football.
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Soca Warriors whip Guyana 3-0.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors defeated Guyana Jaguars behind three first-half goals (3-0) in their opening-round 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Pan American Stadium in San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic on Thursday night.
The Soca Warriors moved to the top of Group F and ahead of St Kitts & Nevis which defeated Puerto Rico 1-0 on Wednesday night. The latter will host T&T on Sunday.
The Soca Warriors opened their account when midfielder Levi Garcia, who plies his trade for AEK Athens in Greece, opened the scoring after he robbed two defenders on the goal-line and fired a right-foot shot into the goal beating goalkeeper Akel Clarke for placement in the eighth minute.
Eight minutes later, defender Sheldon Bateau extended to the T&T lead when he scored when he raced into the penalty area behind the defence and the ball hit his body and raced into the goal of a Garcia's freekick from about 25 metres out.
Midfielder Jovin Jones got an opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet penalty spot after defender Trayon Bodd fouled striker Ryan Telfer, who attempted to dribble past two defenders. Jones right-foot shot was save by the keeper's out-stretched right-hand which diving to his right, and on the rebound, Jones again had his second attempt saved by the keeper's right and his third attempt all in one play, went out of play.
However, two minutes from half-time, Telfer, then made it 3-0 when he challenged the keeper for a ball that was played upfield by the T&T goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup. The Guyanese keeper Clarke missed judged the fight of the ball and was caught outside the penalty area and in his attempt to retreat into his area the ball slipped through his hands and legs and Telfer kicked the ball into an open goal.
Guyana had two good chances in the first half but the T&T defence which was well marshalled by goalkeeper Frenderup, who earned his first national cap along with Daniel Phillip withstood that pressure.
The second half was an even contest with both team building plays but not executing effectively. However, the second stanza was dominated by players from both teams being showed Yellow cards, two from T&T Telfer and Phillips, while and two from the opposition.
Meanwhile, the concerns within the T&T senior men’s football team camp ahead of the match on Wednesday about a possible coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak turned out to be false.
This after a retest result for the previously unnamed player was received and was deemed negative yesterday.
In keeping with T&T Football Association (T&TFA) medical protocol and best medical practice, the media release said: This player would remain isolated from the squad until a second consecutive negative result has been achieved.
Isolated training and travelling privileges would be allowed to maintain social distancing from the rest of the squad and strict hygiene practices as best as possible at all times.
Once a second negative result has been achieved, this player would be reintroduced into team activities and eligible for participation in the second World Cup Qualifier against Puerto Rico on Sunday.
Full Results
Trinidad and Tobago 3 (Levi Garcia 8, Sheldon Bateau 16, Ryan Telfer 43) v Guyana 0, Estadio Panamericano, Santo Domingo.
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (4-1-2-3): 21.Nicklas Frenderup (GK); 2.Aubrey David, 12.Robert Primus, 4.Sheldon Bateau (17.Justin Garcia 46), 15.Neveal Hackshaw; 18.Michel Poon-Angeron; 8.Khaleem Hyland (captain), 19.Daniel Phillips; 11.Levi Garcia (20.Noah Powder 68), 7.Ryan Telfer (13.Brent Sam 75), 3.Joevin Jones (10.Judah Garcia 75).
Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 22.Adrian Foncette (GK), 5.Leland Archer, 6.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 9.Willis Plaza, 14.Andre Boucaud, 16.Marcus Joseph Jr, 23.Jabari Mitchell.
Standbys: Denzil Smith (GK), Sean Bonval, Duane Muckette.
Coach: Terry Fenwick
Guyana (4-2-3-1): 22.Akel Clarke (GK); 5.Miquel Scarlett (2.Bayli Spencer-Adams 64), 15.Terence Vancooten, 3.Matthew Briggs, 23.Kadell Daniel; 8.Sam Cox (captain), 14.Daniel Wilson (12.Pernell Schultz 70); 11.Callum Harriott (9.Kelsey Benjamin 75), 7.Keanu Marsh-Brown (6.Jobe Caesar 64), 20.Trayon Bobb (17.Omari Glasgow 64); 10.Emery Welshman.
Unused substitutes: 1.Kai McKenzie-Lyle (GK), 18.Shawn Adonis (GK), 4.Jeremy Garrett, 13.Nicolai Andrews, 16.Ryan Hackett, 19.Nicholas Mc Arthur, 21.Nathan Moria-Welsh.
Coach: Márcio Máximo
RELATED NEWS
Soca Warriors off to winning World Cup qualifying start after beating Guyana 3-0.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
T&T MEN’S football team got their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign off on a winning note when they brushed aside Guyana 3-0 on Thursday, in their Concacaf Zone Group F fixture at the Estadio Panamericano, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.
Levi Garcia, Sheldon Bateau and Ryan Telfer got their names on the scoresheet for T&T, as they took advantage of an under-par Guyanese squad on a day and uneven surface.
With the result, T&T moved to the top of the five-team standings with a superior goal-difference of plus-three, compared to St Kitts/Nevis’ plus-one. St Kitts/Nevis edged Puerto Rico 1-0 at the Estadio Panamericano on Wednesday.
Garcia, who has been in fine form for his Greek club AEK Athens, capitalised on poor defending to break the deadlock, after seven minutes.
Wing-back Aubrey David’s long ball was chased down by Garcia, on the right flank. Garcia spun between defenders Kadell Daniel and Matthew Briggs before drilling his left-footed shot past goalkeeper Akel Clarke.
The Guyanese team, coached by Brazilian Marcio Maximo, featured seven English-born players (Daniel, Briggs, fellow defenders Miquel Scarlett and Terence Vancooten, as well as midfielders Samuel Cox, Callum Harriott and Keanu Marsh-Brown) and a Canadian-born striker (Emery Welshman).
T&T’s coach Terry Fenwick handed fellow English-born player, 19-year-old Daniel Phillips, his international debut and the defensive midfielder gave a mature performance, while a surprise selection between the uprights, Denmark-born Nicklas Frenderup, looked mostly assured.
Garcia had a hand in T&T’s second goal. In the 15th minute, the winger swung a freekick from the right which grazed the left hip of central defender Bateau and nestled into the back of the net.
Guyana had a couple of chances to trim the deficit.
In the 23rd, Marsh-Brown intercepted a poor clearance from Phillip in the penalty box, but his deflected left-footed effort went wide. Five minutes later, Welshman got a through ball from his skipper Trayon Bobb but could only watch in agony as his right-footed drive struck the post, with only Frenderup to beat.
Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz awarded T&T a penalty in the 35th when Telfer was brought down by Marsh-Brown, but Joevin Jones was thwarted three times by Clarke, a former St Ann’s Rangers, Central FC and North East Stars goalie.
Clarke dived to his right to deny Jones’ first effort, used his right hand when Jones tried to chip home the rebound, while the third try smashed off Clarke’s right leg.
Frenderup was alert to save a right-footer from midfielder Daniel Wilson, after he capitalised on a weak pass from Michel Poon-Angeron.
Guyana were made to pay for their mistakes when Telfer smashed his right-footed shot into an open net, two minutes before the half-time interval, after Clarke failed to hold a long ball from Frenderup.
Both teams made changes in the second half and the tempo was not the same. In a rare attempt on goal, T&T substitute Brent Sam met a ball from Poon-Angeron but he headed straight at Clarke.
This game was played in the Dominican Republic, instead of T&T, due to the government’s covid19 quarantine regulations.
T&T will continue their World Cup quest on Sunday when they meet hosts Puerto Rico at Mayaquez while Guyana will remain in the Dominican Republic to face Bahamas on Tuesday, at Santo Domingo.
Watch Fenwick's Post-Match Comments following T&T's 3-0 win over Guyana (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sXswn5lgtU)
Watch Hyland: It's a Positive start to our World Cup campaign (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlY5_8u9dCU)
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Anybody have copy of the replay? Missed it bec if work but I want to see how the formation looked and some of the new players. Glad we’re off to a good start and have some young players in the mix.
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Phillips looking top shelf.. I happy with the team play, some defensive blunders doh. The goalie doh panic, Yet.
Really? Or yuh happy with the goals?
Happy with the win. True, didn't se any particular tactic, but the individual quality was more evident than the previous fete-match. A US strength team would have definitely capitalized on some of those chances we gave, and probably would have created more chances, yet, it was most reassuring to see a few passes being strung together. Yes it was Guyana, yes they have to be better, yes, goals may not come as easy, however, as a confidence and bonding builder it served the purpose. Hyland led well. The debutants were encouraging. We still need proper shots on goal stats, hopefully with this individual and squad improvement, the coach can now earn his money and devise some strategies, rather than fake conducting on the sidelines. As imposing as he was, still would like Levi (and JJ) to do some defensive and inside coverage, so Telfer don't have so much ground to cover by himself, but definite improvement. Let's hope they all can continue on the up.
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After being on hiatus
I decided to take in the match. Congrats on the win but it was not cohesive, well played football which is obvious given the fact these players have hardly played together in a while or at all.
Keep in mind its Guyana, the real opposition hasn't started yet.. tbh I also dont know what style, brand of football fenwick is implementing?
Anyone care to share their thoughts on that?
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After being on hiatus
I decided to take in the match. Congrats on the win but it was not cohesive, well played football which is obvious given the fact these players have hardly played together in a while or at all.
Keep in mind its Guyana, the real opposition hasn't started yet.. tbh I also dont know what style, brand of football fenwick is implementing?
Anyone care to share their thoughts on that?
you just answered your own question even before you asked it mate. it’s too early to tell what brand he plays, and BTW who cares, as long as it’s a winning brand then I’m happy. and a lot of people is resorting to “ it’s only guyana” sentiment, well tell me when was the last time we best guyana?
had we loss or drew the game then people would be crying on the coach and singing a different tune and saying “we can’t even beat guyana” fire fenwick and bring back steven hart. you really cannot please trinidadians no matter how hard you try.
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Somebody please post the game, I would love love to see it.
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WATCH: Post-match comments by Trinidad and Tobago senior MNT coach Terry Fenwick following a 3-0 victory over Guyana in the opening World Cup qualifier played in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic on March 25, 2021.
https://youtube.com/v/6sXswn5lgtU
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WATCH: Post-match reaction by Trinidad & Tobago senior MNT captain Khaleem Hyland following a 3-0 victory over Guyana in the opening World Cup qualifier played in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic on March 25, 2021.
https://youtube.com/v/PlY5_8u9dCU
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A clean sheet...wow...bravo...warriors
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WATCH: Post-match reaction by Levi Garcia following Trinidad and Tobago's 3-0 victory over Guyana in the World Cup qualifier played in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic on March 25, 2021. Garcia notched the opening goal.
https://youtube.com/v/VOSPUJKjlbs
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Stabroek News: The victory was Guyana’s largest defeat against Trinidad and Tobago since September 2008. (https://www.stabroeknews.com/2021/03/26/sports/soca-warriors-defang-hapless-golden-jaguars-3-0/)
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Meanwhile Curacao looking the team to beat but is "only SVG" dooooo yeah
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Good job Warriors, nice to get a clean sheet BUT don't get complacent we still need to improve. I hope Hyland is fine, that injury looked worrying.
Also I would like to see Fenderup not play the fool with the ball like that one time.
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https://youtube.com/v/lyv5ZM9xj98
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Style is one thing, this strange version of qualification requires results.
3 goals
Clean sheet
I'll take that result and on to the next. Ideal start and ideal opponent to kick off, Guyana was poor especially in that first half which we took advantage of. Let's see what the PR game brings.
Results in itself will build confidence and belief, we just need to get out of this group. If we keep the nucleus of this squad playing the cohesiveness will get better as the opposition gets more difficult.
It won't be easy but its a start.
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Style is one thing, this strange version of qualification requires results.
3 goals
Clean sheet
I'll take that result and on to the next. Ideal start and ideal opponent to kick off, Guyana was poor especially in that first half which we took advantage of. Let's see what the PR game brings.
Results in itself will build confidence and belief, we just need to get out of this group. If we keep the nucleus of this squad playing the cohesiveness will get better as the opposition gets more difficult.
It won't be easy but its a start.
I agree. There is just too much criticism for a team just trying to get together and getting a win. It was a good start and a confidence builder. Hopefully, as the team continues t play together they develop better chemistry and cohesion. But we cannot be too critical given the past year. Adding Molino when he is healthy would certainly help. Also, very optimistic about the younger players who got opportunities - Powder, Judah Garcia, Daniel Phillips, and Poon-Angeroon. With experience playing together and facing increasingly better teams, they will only get better. I will always support my team win or lose.
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TF, please sort out that penalty taking situation now. Thanks
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One of the things I found very cool. Frenderup play was exactly as his highlights reel. Thanks for any possible nod, Kelvin.
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One of the things I found very cool. Frenderup play was exactly as his highlights reel. Thanks for any possible nod, Kelvin.
IMO, he is our best option. He should be our No.1 while we mentor Denzil Smith for the future.
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Garcia: Nothing more positive than winning start.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
European-based T&T senior men’s football team winger, Levi Garcia said there is nothing more positive than the 3-0 win over Guyana in their 2022 Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday night.
Playing at the Pan American Stadium, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, the 23-year-old Garcia scored for only the second match in 28 matches in national senior team colours to open the scoring against the Guyanese “Golden Jaguars” with a lovely individual goal, squeezing past the defenders and the end line and then firing home in the seventh minute.
It was his first goal since a double on debut against St Vincent and The Grenadines on March 25, 2016, exactly five years ago to the date, in a 3-2 win also in World Cup qualification.
A free-kick from Ryan Telfer deflected off centre-back Sheldon Bateau’s thigh and into the goal in the 15th minute to extend the Soca Warriors lead.
Joevin Jones then failed to extend the lead from the penalty spot and was twice denied on the rebound as well before an alert Telfer pounced on an error from Guyana goalkeeper Akel Clarke in the 44th minute, with the goalkeeper fumbling an attempt to collect and Telfer able to finish into the open net.
Speaking to T&T Football Association (TTFA) Media after the match, Garcia, who has netted four goals for AEK Athens in the Greek League this season, since his move from Israel’s Beitar Jerusalem at the start of the year, said he was pleased with the result.
“I’m happy for the team, the fans back home and as I said before we wanted a positive start and there is nothing more positive than this result.
“I’m also really happy to get a goal and there is nothing bad about that as well.
He added, “Personally, coming from such a long flight to get to the Dominican Republic was pretty difficult, to begin with, but hopefully I will be able to fully recover for the next game, but otherwise I’m grateful for the score today (Thursday).
Concerning the administrative problems which have been plaguing local football for the past 12 months, which resulted in a Normalisation Committee being installed, Garcia who also played in Holland with AZ Alkmaar, Jong AZ and Excelsior said, “We are all professionals and with all the negative around, we tried our best to be positive.
“It was a difficult task at hand but we took it as men and we went out and executed.
Asked how pleased he was about his performance, the nippy left-footed Garcia added, “I feel good about myself as my game is to take on players and I’m really happy I was able to do it.
Despite it being the team’s first match in the campaign and only the second with coach Terry Fenwick, Garcia said the team gelled well.
“Overall, as a team the communication among the guys was great, we had a plan and it was well executed I think.
“Everyone was together, we stayed focus and did our jobs.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s second match against Puerto Rico, who was edged out 1-0 by St Kitts and Nevis in their opener on Wednesday also in the Dominican Republic, Garcia said he was hoping for more of the same.
“We got the positive start and hopefully we can continue like this, stay focus and stay as professionals and do our jobs."
Watch Garcia: We want to keep the momentum. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOSPUJKjlbs)
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WATCH: Post-match comments by Trinidad and Tobago senior MNT coach Terry Fenwick following a 3-0 victory over Guyana in the opening World Cup qualifier played in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic on March 25, 2021.
https://youtube.com/v/6sXswn5lgtU
To much my players my players my players omg Terry btw terry is saying the passing and movement was excellent and football pundits in trinidad saying we did not control the game and our passing dicipline was off in the second half.... :-\ :-\
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Anybody who saw de game could give ah Touches game report on the game and each player go be appreciated?
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Mr. Fenwick by now you should be saying, Back home instead of back in Trinidad.
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My pardner back says, every team has had problems due to covide. He said all the games show a lack of match practice. But irony enough TT may have an edge on the other teams because they did practice more than the teams in their group and also got a walloping from the US in the game in Florida last couple weeks ago. So TT appears psychologically more prepared than Guyana. I don't think Guyana played a practice match. He said Guyana looked rusty, especially with their lineup of English and Canadian players.
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WATCH: Belgium-based defender Bateau says T&T aimed to start ruthlessly against Guyana. Notes that the players enjoyed the match.
https://youtube.com/v/ucuuBlvx14k
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Looking at the highlights . Guyana must be kicking Dey self for dem 3 goals. Give ways, even if TT worked for them. I feel they will do we some favours if we handle our end.
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WATCH: SportsMax's review of the T&T-Guyana outing. Tangential mention of Tom Saintfiet's progression of Gambia to the next phase of World Cup qualification. Discussion of St. Lucia's non-participation in World Cup qualifying and of the insufficiency of St. Lucia football federation president Lyndon Cooper's response to the matter.
https://youtube.com/v/gm9d_x9e9qE
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The morning after: Guyana captain Samuel Cox reflecting on TT vs Guyana. (https://youtu.be/fFU61hwboEw)
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Grateful for win, but coaches want structure in attack, defence
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
"Grateful for the win but concerned about the poor approaches to the team's attack and defence" is how coaches Ron La Forest and Shawn Cooper summarised Thursday's 3-0 win for the T&T Soca Warriors over Guyana in their opening World Cup Qualifying match in the Dominican Republic.
The strength of the Guyana team did nothing to warrant coach Terry Fenwick to describe the performance as excellent, the duo believes.
The Guyanese last held the Soca Warriors to a 1-1 tie in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA in 2019, but under Brazilian coach Marcio Maximo, the Guyanese have been in a period of development and transition.
The coaches, La Forest and Cooper, both former national coaches at different levels, have said the performance and strength of the Guyana team made it difficult, or near impossible to point out the flaws of the T&T team.
"There was no structure in the attack moving forward as a unit, neither was there any organised approach in defence. The team which comprises mostly of the country's overseas-based players attacked the Guyanese constantly but it was all due to individual play. We had a lower line of concentration, yet there was a large space between defender Aubrey David and his defence, but the Guyanese didn't have what it took to exploit it," Cooper explained to Guardian Media Sports on Saturday, a day before the team goes into action against Puerto Rico in its second game of the campaign in Puerto Rico later this evening at 5 pm.
La Forest said he is hoping that the win will help to improve the team's chances in the other games, however, he said the team could find itself in a difficult position against quality opposition if there is no organise approach to attack and defence in the campaign.
The win pushed the T&T team to the top of Group F, with St Kitts/Nevis earning a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico on Wednesday night, and the Bahamas was expected to open their account against St Kitts/Nevis on Saturday.
Only the winner of the group will advance to the second round of the qualifiers, where they will square-off with the winner of Group A, comprising El Salvador, Montserrat, Antigua/Barbuda, US Virgin Islands and Grenada.
Both coaches are expecting the T&T team to progress to the second round but believe more has to be done in attack as it will get progressively tougher going forward. Fenwick will have the entire team that represented the country against Guyana to select from for Sunday's match.
RELATED NEWS
Sancho: Much to be done against Puerto Rico.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).
WHILE PLEASED with T&T’s 3-0 win over Guyana in their opening 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifier, former national footballer Brent Sancho believes there’s still much to be done in preparation for the bigger competitive challenges which lie ahead.
On Thursday, T&T eased past Guyana 3-0 in their Concacaf Zone Group F qualifier at the Estadio Panamericano, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.
First half goals from in-form midfielder Levi Garcia (eighth), defender Sheldon Bateau (15th) and striker Ryan Telfer (44th) separated the two nations and earned T&T three precious points in their opening first round fixture.
Sancho welcomed the squad’s improved performance which came on the heels of a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of USA, on January 31 – T&T’s first official international friendly in over a year, owing to the covid19 pandemic.
“It was a good result and a good start to the campaign. I was a bit surprised how poor the Guyanese team was seeing that they’ve been quite a challenge for us throughout the years.
“Taking everything into consideration, there’s still a lot of work to be done. All of the teams in Concacaf that I’ve looked at seem a bit rusty and lack fluidity.
“It’s expected because no one in the Concacaf region outside of USA, Mexico and maybe Costa Rica have played friendlies leading up to this. So we would expect the rust what we’ve seen.
“There are things I think we can do better as it relates to building out of the back (defence) and game control,” said the defender, who was part of the T&T team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Sancho thinks the team needs to find ways to become more fluid and dominating on the pitch. The Central FC owner said that it’s still hard to come to terms with the fact that, in 2021, and leading up to the Guyana game, T&T weighed doubts on whether they could have pulled off a victory.
According to him, T&T usually brushes past Caribbean teams at this phase of the tournament in preparation for tougher opposition in the latter rounds.
“It shows you how far off we have dropped and shows you the kind of work still that needs to be put in place.
“I think a lot of the off-the-field issues did not help and it would have added to the pressure which would have fell on the shoulders of the players heading into this one.
“When we went 3-0 up, I thought we would have come out in the second half and really dominate and press home the advantage.
“I think we struggled in the second period but getting the result was more important. Guyana gifted us the result, in the way they played, because two of the goals were given to us,” he added.
Sancho, however, lauded Garcia’s ability to confidently run at defenders and create goal scoring opportunities.
The former Sports Minister called on Garcia to maintain consistency in his game if he wants to reach his fullest potential.
“I felt the younger players on the night were the ones who impressed, in particularly Levi. I think he has reached a stage in his international career that he now has to put in more consistent performances.
“He is probably playing at the highest level of any T&T player and it showed in his performance last night.
“The thing is, like players of that expectation, whether a Stern John or Russell Latapy, those players that they expect to deliver, Levi has to fall into that mode of delivery like they did.
“I think that’s where he’s at now. I was happy with his performance last night. I would like to see it all the time. He has to be a consistent performer for the national team,” Sancho said.
Meanwhile T&T face Puerto Rico in their second qualifier match, at home at the Mayaguez Athletics Stadium, on Sunday. They will, however, play on an artificial turf as compared to a grassy surface.
Sancho called for increased sharpness and, like the Guyana game, believes and early opening goal from T&T would serve as a good mental advantage for the Terry Fenwick-coached team, playing away from home.
“I do think it is one of those games that we need to focus on and ensure there are no errors. I think the early goal against Guyana helped settle the nerves. If we can get an early goal against Puerto Rico, I think it will put us on the right pathway to get three points.
“The only thing that worried me was that the second half performance (against Guyana) was poor. Normally when you’re playing these kind of games in quick succession, your second half of your first game sets you up for the second game.
“Because that’s the momentum you take into the second game. So I’m a bit concerned that was not there going into this game, which I think would a tough game in Puerto Rico.”
Soca Warrior cleared to play after 2nd negative covid19 test.
THE national senior team footballer, who tested positive for covid19 two days before T&T’s opening FIFA World Cup qualifier against Guyana, has since returned two negative PCR tests and will feature in Terry Fenwick’s 23-man line up for Sunday’s 5 pm clash against Puerto Rico.
On the eve of T&T’s 3-0 victory against the South American team, on Thursday, the TT Football Association (TTFA) issued a statement confirming a positive covid19 result from a national player. His identity was kept confidential.
Following Concacaf’s Return to Play protocol, the player was immediately isolated. While awaiting his second test, which eventually returned a negative result, contact tracing was done and all primary contacts quarantined.
However, the mandate states if the player returned two negative test results, the individual would be able to continue training and playing with the team. On Friday, the national athlete did just that and was included in the team for Sunday’s second first-round qualifier.
With this player boost, T&T are focusing on maintaining a winning momentum. Three first-half goals from midfielder Levi Garcia, defender Sheldon Bateau and forward Ryan Telfer were good enough to keep their opponents at bay.
The revamped squad return to action at the Mayaguez Stadium in Puerto Rico and are expected to face a tougher challenge against the hosts.
However, after Thursday’s win, flanker Noah Powder returned to his Major League Soccer outfit Real Salt Lake for treatment on a knock he sustained before the T&T camp. He will not feature in Sunday’s clash.
Additionally, Bateau is hoping to make Fenwick’s starting XI as he suffered a muscle strain in the opening period of the Guyana game.
Puerto Rico, on the other hand, have welcomed one of the United States League (USL) Championship’s top teen attackers, Alec Diaz, to their front line. The 19-year-old scored six goals and assisted twice in 855 minutes of play last season. This year, he’s a candidate to break into the Seattle Sounders’ attack for the coming season.
In their two prior friendlies against Guatemala and Dominican Republic leading up to the World Cup qualifiers, Diaz started both friendlies and played 143 minutes in total.
After Sunday’s duel, T&T have just over three months to prepare for their next FIFA World Cup qualifier. The squad returns on June 5 to play Bahamas and complete their first-round campaign, three days later, against St Kitts and Nevis.
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REVIEW: Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana
https://www.youtube.com/v/mWxUsPb8pTg