Topics

1

Football / Autopsy of TnT Football

« on: July 13, 2022, 08:10:46 AM »

As the autopsy continues on  yet another demise of a national team failed attempts, it looks like the easiest targets are: coaching, TTFA, and of course for some political pundits blame the government.

 While each element may have  contributory factors in success or lack of success- in my opinion a critical factor begins with the heart and soul of  the player. I  have coached for over 20 years and on a team you have the skilled players,  and you have some supporting cast that would run all day through a wall to provide the talent with opportunities.

Witnessing the Hattian and Jamaican teams on ' you tube' I was moved by the display of  comrade,  team desire, will, spirit and  team togetherness off the field, in the locker room. On teh field, you saw the same desire, will, determination and belief!!!

Sadly, I saw no evidence of this from our own- a leader was lacking-  witness the Jamaican Shaw- the team rallied around her leadership.
 Let's reexamine the whole picture- first our coaches,  we have talented players who have amassed experience playing abroad and under different coaches in charge of our teams-  coaches don't play the game-  coaches don't manufacture players. Give KJ the Canadian team to coach today and  if that team performs  lousy under his watch would you then  attribute that to coaching?

 Bring the Canadian women's coach  here in TnT give her the same team as we have now and if that team  is able to win under her  is that as a result of the coaching? See the point?

 As a coach you are given the hand you are dealt with-  There is only an infinite number of players in teh pool at the level required for team selection. If the players we selected were the best one can only imagine what the talent pool looked like.

As players there are certain intangibles that one cant teach- desire, will, determination - comes from within. Motivation to some extent can be instilled- circumstances- coaching. But a player's will desire to be better; to work at their game  to learn  has to be driven from the inside out.

Supportive structures- governing bodies - developmental programs-  technicians. funding,  communities, fans all in their own way play a vital role in instilling a sense of national pride and development of player and sport- Once more I look at the national programs and support in Jamaica.
We have many lessons to learn before we get once more to the top of the hill. We beer take off the ' duncy  cap;  STOP blaming and  focus our energies on SOLUTIONS.
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2

Football / Player selection Player choice

« on: June 19, 2022, 09:27:11 AM »

There are some interesting points being raised  in terms of player selection here.

Look if Trini born players who are plying their trade abroad  in any way possible achieved an opportunity as a result of playing for the national team do they owe TTFA or the general public for that matter service to the national team?

•   A player should have a choice  to decide whether playing for the national team is at the risk of being injured and  jeopardizing his livelihood. This begs the question- do  football governing bodies take out insurance policies- ( Lloyd's of London) to insure players and duly compensate them in the likelihood of an injury which could be career threatening?
  

It is disconcerting to see players who refuse  a call to duty for the national team yet quite understandable if they are obligated to  cub teams and or if they are not TnT  by birth. 
  How patriotic, motivated and opportunistic is the payer when making that decision if he is attached to a foreign club or foreign born comes into play.

Hence In my opinion it is imperative that player development and national team selection have amore robust structure to harvest local talent.
 Resurrect     - Regional rivalries- North - South for example.
Create a robust selection process locally  - with regional tournaments at least five time's throughout the year

 Foreign born  players - tryouts- with foreign camps and   team tryouts.
Ensure players are compensated for service and insurance are in place
 Representing the national team  should be an honor and a call to duty-  If as a result of representing the team a player  is able to advance their career or achieve  a club contract, I think their ought to be some stipulation that if called upon and selected for national duty, that this is deemed  reciprocal obligation.

 At the end of the day it is the player's choice, there is no  legal conscription to  serve national football duty but here is a moral imperative to  do what you can for your country of choice.



 

3

Football / Friendlies for NMT

« on: June 11, 2022, 10:31:12 AM »

MY question:
 Why is is so challenging to arrange  games against formidable opponents who are close to us?

I see Canada playing a friendly against Curacao yet we  are  ignored?

Venezuela is right there and no friendly? Imagine the crowd  at the stadium? Immigration could check for illegals hahahhaha

 We have  Surinam close by  as well?

I realize ranking and the politics of opponents are factors but  I do think we need to start looking at what is happening in our yard if we are to be a force in the region.

4

Football / Recycle versus development

« on: September 16, 2021, 09:03:52 PM »

Very interesting phenomena I am observing in most of our athletic programs.There seems to be a reliance on recycling athletes who have past their prime. Witness the make up of our recent olympic team, our netball team, and national football teams.

What is this trend indicating about our athletic programs? Look at our neighbours JA- is li,e they have an athletic factory.

We had  7 years since 2014 to develop formidable players  for the some s national team yet we are  looking at veterans to anchor this team? Look at the shift and success of Canada's menand womens team- youthful and successful.
How do we get there?

5

What about Track & Field / I love T&F but where are our Youths?

« on: August 20, 2021, 04:14:36 AM »

I love track and field since  my youth- running in informal village games - sprinting down streets  during Sunday church events.
Clamouring around TV to watch  international  events in the 60's watching athletes representing T&T on the world stage feeling that sense of pride- what accomplishments from our small country.

Then my career allowed me to share my passion- coaching track in Canada- experiencing being part of a system supporting youth athletics- what a novel idea!
Today I am up in the wee hours of the mornings to watch the u 20 youth world championships in Kenya- astonished by the mere presence of three athletes so far from T&T while Jamaica continues to have a presence in multiple events - sprints hurdles etc and doing well- non traditional track countries like India in multiple track events and I ask myself WTF has happened to our program? Where the F are our athletes  who are on scholarships abroad?

Could someone shed some light on why we are so under represented at an event like this?

6

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Brother Resistance has died

« on: July 21, 2021, 02:03:06 PM »

 Trinidad Daily  Express
Brother Resistance has died
Wayne Bowman Jul 14, 2021 Updated Jul 14, 2021 

Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance)


Cultural icon Brother Resistance passed away last night at WestShore Medical Private Hospital, Cocorite.

Resistance (Lutalo Masimba), who was president of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) had been ill for some time, but never stopped or slowed down his presidential duties or cultural and social activism.

Resistance was also a pioneer of rapso, a sub-genre of calypso developed in the 1970s and he served as a mentor to many of today’s popular rapso artistes. He was a founding member of the Network Riddim Band.

The Queen’s Royal College graduate from Laventille was also very active in the Black Power movement during his days as a student at  The UWI.

7

Football / Whet's Next for the TTMNT?

« on: July 18, 2021, 09:22:03 PM »

 Well with no  WC22 and no GC, what's next for the team in it  evolution? I am seeing signs of progression and some talent to work with. We could be more:
 1. assertive on offence
 2. Close down faster on  opposition space
  3. more aggressive on offence
  4. stronger on the ball- we are getting pushed off the ball too easily
 5. Find that  center that  holds up defense and  is a threat  up the middle
 6. creative midfielders

I think with  what Eve is doing he may be staring to build a strong local squad . I like his authenticity- He  does not come across as  being bombastic; egotistical; or knows it all. If anything, he has to be open to possibilities and not be short sighted when it comes to  talent from all areas.

I hope we could see a focus on:
 1. a strong local development squad
 2.  revamp of  regional rivalries- North South- east west- Tobago squads
 3. Regional competition  for team selection-
4.  Foreign players will have a squad and will have to  be part of a regional team selection
 5. No automatic  '  friend ting' to make squad. Have to compete to make team.

Hope we could have some friendlies against regional rivalries to keep a local squad game sharp. Best of luck moving forward- WC 26 we coming with a bang!

8

Football / How and What coaches say could reval a lot....

« on: June 12, 2021, 10:03:29 AM »

 In scanning  to pick up some vibes about  what coaces  are saying as they get ready to  lead their team in competition  can provide some insights as to - mental  preparation, confidence, caution, respect and team approach. Consider tthe foillowing from the Canadian Press- June 11 2021:
Canada headed to Haiti on Friday, looking to minimize its time in Port-au-Prince ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier.
The two teams meet again Tuesday in suburban Chicago with the series winner advancing to the final round of qualifying in CONCACAF.
While travel to Haiti is not recommended due to the pandemic and possible civil unrest, footballing authorities gave the green light to stage the first leg of the second-round playoff at Haiti's Stade Sylvio Cator in Port-au-Prince. Haiti has already hosted Belize and Nicaragua in qualifying play.
Canada coach John Herdman said his 70th-ranked his team was "excited" to face No. 83 Haiti.
"We're just focused now on what happens between those white lines," he said in an interview. "Everything else is just noise. We know we've got people in place to keep us safe."
Herdman said while the travelling party had gone through COVID-19 testing ahead of departure, it found another round of testing awaiting in Haiti.
"Which is a surprise," he said. "And honestly a bit of a concern. That was a new thing last night."
"We'll adapt to whatever they throw at us," he added.

"What we believe is that we've taken the necessary steps to mitigate as much risk as possible … and done the best job possible with the governing bodies that we're working with," Montopoli said in an interview. "And potentially additional support that we as Canada Soccer see and feel is required for our team

Canada is 7-2-2 all-time against Haiti but lost last time out, blowing a 2-0 lead in a 3-2 loss in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Gold Cup in Houston. Haiti also beat Costa Rica at that tournament and took Mexico to extra time in a 1-0 semifinal loss.

"It showed the strength of that Haitian team and that we have to respect," said Herdman.

"Two years later, we're a stronger unit … We're a more talented team. We're stronger collectively and ready to go," he added.

The Canadians only found out they would be headed to Port-au-Prince on Tuesday in the wake of their 4-0 win over No. 136 Suriname and Haiti's 1-0 victory over No. 147 Nicaragua. The result meant Canada won Group B and Haiti took Group E.
Herdman calls Haiti his team's toughest opposition to date in qualifying.
"For sure," he said. "I think Suriname were tough in a different way. Suriname had higher quality but Haiti is a real team … They're a connected team. They have a very clear identity and one of those styles that teams don't really want to play against. You have to have the right mindset going into a game against Haiti. They're like that Wimbledon or a Burnley, that sort of direct football. They'll want to create a chaotic game.
"So for us it's pretty clear, It will be a tough match. But (we're) excited. This is what the guys want. They want this test. They want to show they can play against this team in these conditions and heat on a (artificial) turf field, maybe in a bit of a monsoon in Haiti. That's the exciting part, that's the adventure for us to be able to rise up to that challenge."
Defender Scott Kennedy agreed.
"I'm taking it on as an experience,: said the 24-year-old from Calgary, who plays for SSV Jahn Regensburg in the German second tier. "I'm not really sure what to expect. I know it's more of a Third World country but we're there to do a job. We're all professionals. So we'll get in, do that and come back to Chicago and finish the job."
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies said he believes the necessary steps have been taken to get the team in and out safely.

"We're ready and we're excited for the two legs coming up," he added.
The Canada-Haiti winner advances to the final round of qualifying in the region, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. Two other second-round playoff victors will join them in the so-called Octagonal, along with Mexico, the U.S., Jamaica, Costa Rica and Honduras who had byes to the final round.

The top three teams after the final round-robin book their ticket to Qatar 2022 with the fourth-place finisher advancing to an intercontinental playoff. The Canadian men have not made the final round of CONCACAF qualifying since the lead-up to France '98.
Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2021


Ah boi lessons can be learnred from reading how excited , how ready and juts a general feeling of cautious optimism. Juts compare these  to how or what were said  prior to our games- it was constant complainging about the lack of friendlies,  conditions, not being able to play at home- keepo in mind Cnada played their games aganist Surinam in a netural site in US and willdo the same againg Haiti in the return,.

That is what  focus out to sound liek as you go into these types of qualifications- Experienced thoughtful coaches would instill this kind of approach. Ah boi look at how Haiti and Jamacia  is  up there and we are  swimming at the bottom of the sea feeling on scraps.

Hope the next coach could  learn a thing or two or brings a quality of experience,  motivational abilities to inspire confidence trust and focus on teh players.
 Lets nit settle for the closet  at hand or any  promises to ole boys. Lets do due diligence and get the best for TnT.

Lets help our committee and se if we could provide them with a sampling  orf extratc of what and how  successful coaches are motivating their teams to success.

9

Football / comparative analysis-Past Three Head Coaches

« on: June 07, 2021, 07:48:26 AM »

It's a. new day- I hope  there was no lost of life attributed to TnTfailurei this years WC campaign. Besides the emotional outbursts and prefunctionary scapegoating forapubliv shaming of the coach our lives will move on.

Putting all this aside I would be interested if someone cou,d do analalysis of the last three most recent senior men's head coaches and measure their success over 5, 19 or 15 games in terms of:
Wins versus losses
Quality of team play
Team selection/ composition -balance youth versus veterans- foregoing versus local
Compete every style of play
Team improvement
Which coach had success regionally - inWC campaign and Gold Cup.?
Given the experience of each which one doyou believcould work best with our current team?
Then surmise what attributesthey had that warranted success and why were they let go?

10

Football / We are not in this alone-Brave Warriors

« on: March 23, 2021, 11:01:04 AM »

Over the past few months, many fans, including myself have  questioned, the government stance, team selection and make up and the governance  of the TTFA. Not all are without just cause. however today I was reading an article from TSN webpage regarding the Canadian Men's national team- I found some very interesting comparisons to  what is happening with  our team as well. SEE BOLD below:

Canada Soccer announced the roster Tuesday, delaying the announcement until all the players could arrive in camp and meet COVID-19 protocols. The games, both to be held in Florida because of pandemic-related travel restrictions, mark the oft-delayed start of World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF region.


Assembling the roster from around the globe given the current conditions has not been easy.

"What a mission to get that roster in, what a mission," coach John Herdman said with a sigh. "It's been crazy."

The Canadians, ranked 73rd in the world, open Thursday against No. 169 Bermuda in Orlando before facing the No. 193 Cayman Islands on Sunday in Bradenton in first-round Group B play. They will have to play at least 18 more games if they are to make it to Qatar 2022.

Ten of the 24-man roster are 24 or younger, including the 20-year-old Davies. There are two teenagers in Theo Corbeanu and Jayden Nelson, both 18.

The roster has a combined 343 caps with Atiba Hutchinson (84), Milan Borjan (49), Samuel Piette (49), Cyle Larin (31) and Junior Hoilett (27) accounting for 240 of them. Davies has 17 caps.

Seven players — Corbeanu (Woverhampton Wanderers), Ricardo Ferreira (unattached), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United, Frank Sturing (FC Den Bosch), Joel Waterman (CF Montreal), Alistair Johnston (Nashville SC) and Cristian Gutierrez (Vancouver Whitecaps) — are uncapped.

Another seven have single-digit caps.

"The goal is always to select the best players — players playing at the highest level, players in form, and then to also look at some of the prospects," Herdman said when asked about the youthful roster.

"It is a young team and it is where we're at … There is a lack of experience in here," he added in an interview. "I mean that's normal and there's some things that we're going to have to learn together. But at the same time we've got some really experienced guys in Atiba Hutchinson and Junior Hoilett and Milan Borjan. Those guys, that sprinkling of veterans gives us that wise head and, I think, a real strong leadership core."

So having read this, I will personally  take some chill pills and hope for the best  and  encourage our TnT players to do the best they can in representing TnT during this global  pandemic. You are brave and dedicated Warriors.

11

Football / World Cup illusion

« on: March 10, 2021, 08:17:37 AM »

Dreams hopes fantasies and desires- then there is reality. From the inception of a WC, every football nation has yearned for this Holy Grail. Every minnow to giants among nation believe that they have what it takes. However, the fact remains that i reality there are predictable nations who will  come close and those who will go through a formality of qualifying only to shatter the hearts of a nation.

What is the possibility of TnT ever even coming close to a quarter final play? We can't even with any conviction lay claim to be a regional dominant force or a giant among CONCACF!
 
This farcical attempt every  four years to build some hope is quickly becoming a nightmare  of a dream - an illusion of sorts - The entire fabric of a WC is in many ways a highly organized- ooops orchestrated event with back door bidding wars- alleged payoffs for hostings  and money being allegedly laundered among different levels of executives and governing bodies - all under the guise of FIFA- "Foreign Investors For All"

It is rather a grand delusion that invites and supports those who play the odds and cheer for the u derdog hoping against all that the perennial favourites or top five nations will suffer a humiliating defeat. Given the overall structure and inequities of funding, player talent, resources and opportunities, the advent of a Caribbean nation ever appearing  in a final two is at the best a football mirage.
The farcical show and fracas of qualifying  standards and Playoffs is once more evident to keep minnows at bay and  reserve the rite of passage to the WC to nations of privilege - Depraved nations are left to seek desperate measures to attempt to equal the playing field- the recent announcement by Jamaica to immerse their team with foreign nationals who because of lineage is good enough to represent- YnT is no different- we put our hopes that those from far away lands will bring us a prepriev for our football local debacle.
These actions once more support the giants and further constrict the growth development opportunities and hope of local football.
Our association pays a coack20k US to coach a national team and then the ultimate betrayal occurs when the team is not good enough- recruits are brought in- there is something fundamentally flawed in how this occurs every  four year cycle?

Could the TTFA  take the money spent on coaching select top players send then abroad for playing and development and let them be the core of the national team- each year local players who earn a qualifying standard will be sponsored by TTFA to earn an opportunity to a foreign contract. This is fully disclosed and understood-  the illusion of trying to home grow talent  pay a coach ridiculous amount to break an illusionary spell  can be averted.

The drunken and hypnotic madness that we can rise among the ranks in this decade seems to be just that- with the present state of foot ball intnis nation our dose of reality lies in finding some semblance of glory if we could win a fete match against the likes of Anguilla- a country on the brink of starting their own illusion of  some day parading on the WC stage.

Let's inoculate against the illusion - watch the WC on our television sets and relishintne thought that there maybe better hope for us if we were united as Caribbean nations and have a regional team- like cricket
 to have any consistent regional representation at a WC.

In terms of its operation and control of governing ,bodies, its loyal insiders, the bidding process, alleged corruption, could FIFA  be akin to  a MAFIA like  body operating what appears to be legitimate governance and total  control of football?
what is the  possibility of cooperations brining nations together to host a world tournamentversion of a WC? A nonsa ction FIFA event?

12

Football / Impact of culture on our Success?

« on: January 24, 2021, 07:48:47 AM »

How much of an impact is the success of our National teams on our culture or personality?

I will not indulge in attempting to complete a dissertation but to invite " ole talk" on observations about the intangibles which exist within the control of the individual athlete and the atmosphere he finds himself in.

Some foreign coaches have labelled elements of our culture as one characterized by laid back attitude  / and a proclivity  for liming/ and partying. If we accept this as part of what is innate to our athletes? What would it take for them to thrive I this  environment? Many have and we have had  international success!

But how do we sustain it? Harness this success and thrive? We have had many successful footballers who developed their talents from our local schools and leagues, go abroad and achieve success but upon returning to these shores have defaulted to patterns undisciplined actions required to sustain successful performance.
Intne past, how many times have our national teams had to leave the island during carnivalto for focus on playing qualifiers?

How many of our players are able to maintain the personal discipline / drive to adhere to training and lifestyle skill development required to be at the top of their game inTnT? 

If they desire to be Professional athletes , it would require more than  the possession of natural talent, which sets them apart , but an enduring  discipline and competitive drive to rigorous daily practice and training when all others are liming , partying and indulging.

How do coaches instill this? We have witness  many national coaches come and go- some foreign born some the sons of our soil who achieved success here and abroad all with the intent of imparting this success- some achieve a degree of success and others fell short. We have seen other countries - even within our region accept and have employed the services of our nationals for their programs yet these same nationals  were  not able to have an impact or influence the success of our players?

Do we have a flawed system? Or is it the atmosphere in which our players reside to blame? What are the factors required to develop nurture and sustain our success? Which factors reside within the control of players? Which factors do we need to revamp?
 What cu.tural shift ought to occur? Born in the 50's seeing our minnows on the international stage in the 60's - PanAmerican games- taking on World Giants Brazil in Trinidad- were feats of marvel! What happened in the ensuing years over the past two decades outside of 2006? These are serious questions our best football minds should be asking. Not that they have not been asked- I recalled either in late 90 ,d a series of symposiums to address football concerns- now I am suggesting that in the pursuit of excellence mYbe the ministry of sports  could begin a revamp of our programs, the governance  e trusted to oversee these programs  and examine supportive measures to e ha e and support individual development of our athletes.

Pouring money into a  drain will not fix the leaks- it just goes to those with hallucinating  mind numbing  thinking  of filling their own coffers or erecting monuments like HoF or Centre of Execellence  in the name of betterment but may just be some erection to placate their own midlife deficiencies or personal gains.

Today during this current COVID situation is a time there the external elects in the culture could be subdued and  the focus and discipline instilled, if I am a local player with dreams of making the national team only to know that all my effort and sacrifice will be for nought pe ding the arrivals of foreign players what is my motivation? If I am a foreign player knowing that I am a shoe in on the team what is my motivation?
I both instances the default to partying and liming is so readily available that no coach or program could influence me.

Folks is time for a revamp of our thinking , governance and levels of support if we want to sustain the 2006 level of achievements.

13

General Discussion / Storming of the White House like the Red House?.

« on: January 06, 2021, 09:12:38 PM »

 Well well well- white power in action- ironically with a mantra with black origin- " by any means necessary"
 
Internal terrorism- imagine if that was a black mob? Imagine if that  were Muslims? Imagine if this was a mob  of immigrants?
Lawd this action exposed so many things wrong with USA- the inequalities  the utter disgrace for democracy -

Nice nice a leader who called for this action- a real leader could have stood up on the steps and tell supporters this is not the way but he still on about a fraudulent election- he must be drinking Grey Goose.
Coming to think of it we had someone here inTnT also trying to incite demonstration with allegations about the election-
Yuh know how TnT like to " follow fashion"  - guard we Red House - funny when dat happen in USA - the self rigitious start to claim the actions are something that only happens in " banana republics" well take that
This is the result when idiots vote for inept divisive leadership- we had one right here who only weeks ago
Inciting followers to " take them out" referring to the government- these rhetoric from leaders should not be acceptable and should be grounds for inciting hatered and violence yet we have idiots still  voting to keep them in power.
This is not what we need from a nation who upholds the standard of highest democracy!!! Shocking- Who is the biggest banana in this republic?

14

Football / The best thing for our Football

« on: November 13, 2020, 09:15:44 AM »

To put a new spin or to reframe all the hoopla surrounding our football.The adversity our players are facing in times of uncertainty could be the best thing  to motivate them moving forward in my opinion.

Now we could purge all the vile and insidious elements by focusing on progress with a clear sense of purpose.it is this resolve that will  take us through to a new path. A good coach , could use this situation to rally players by:
- creating a compelling vision
- establishing a clear sense of purpose
- instilling a sense of belief
- providing a focus on achievement

There are those within and those from the outside that would relish in our demise  however this is the time to prove our worth to rise above all this distraction and to stand up for the legacy of those who wore the national colours to prove that a minnow could roam among giants in the football world.
undertaking practice sessions now is  the start of this  focus on progress and putting our energies where it ought to be.
 I would even suffice to say that we needed this blow up to show how quickly dreams  hopes and futures could be taken away from you.My message to each player with a desire to represent TnT is that take this as a personal mission to dedicate to the goal of being the best at learning and developing as a player and person for TnT.