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« on: October 27, 2014, 01:51:52 PM »
As much as I hoped for the women's team to qualify for the world cup, as it stands now, I am forced to concede that the ladies will not qualify....even with a thousand tries.
The Trini mindset is simply too strong, and I use that word very loosely, to allow for the team to qualify. Let me explain....
The national U21 team with Yorke, Nixon, Eve et al were the first team from Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for a world competition. No bonuses were paid, the team was well supported and funded without the fanfare of present day. The U17 and U20 boys were similarly supported and qualified accordingly.
Our next world competition qualification after the U21 tram was the 06 warriors.
To qualify, the team had to hire a proper coach who promptly rid the team of the vast majority of local based players and instead went with those who were plying their trades abroad. With that single move, he eliminated the 'Trini Mentality'. The first step to qualification was successfully taken. Only after qualification was secured was a bonus promised and given by the gov't of the day. No bonus payment was made because they got to the hex or the playoffs.
In 89, the Trini mentality was in full effect. Celebrating before we played USA, it is now well known that the team travelled from deep south on a proverbial victory ride to the venue even before a ball was kicked in anger. Of course, the Strike Squad did not qualify.
Fast forward to present day and the women's team. Doing well all along, despite lack of support from fans and gov't alike. They do relatively ok against USA and boom the gov't decides to pay a bonus. For what? The girls didn't achieve a single thing as yet. But the Trini mentality, so absent prior to the gov't intervention, suddenly kicked in and began to permeate through the team. First bite at the cherry....failed. Second bite...had the lead and direct qualification in sight...Trini mentality kicks in stronger...we celebrating....eventual failure. They will not succeed at the third bite....it simply is down to the Trini mentality.
We celebrate mediocrity....'aye we in a position to qualify, lewwe celebrate and pay ppl like we done qualify'. 'aye, look we get a bronze medal...lewwe name stadium and have tv show'.
I always was in favour of celebrating achievements...gold medals, victories, titles. Not almost succeed.
Real teams and players don't celebrate third and fourth....they despise it. And don't give the 'we is only a small country' argument. If thats the case then play in a small country tournament.
Unless this mentality is removed....we will never qualify for a world competition again....never