Messages

1

What about Track & Field / Re: CARIFTA GAMES 2024

« on: April 03, 2024, 06:11:46 PM »

Yeah. In Jamaica if you're fast in high school, you end up going to one of the big track and field schools. These schools are also connected to the track and field clubs in Jamaica. So there's a seemless transition from elementary to high school to college or pro. Nothing like that exists in TT in track and field.

Ato will tell you that the transition from college to pro or high school to pro is damn hard. This is one area where we lacking.

2

What about Track & Field / Re: CARIFTA GAMES 2024

« on: April 03, 2024, 03:51:04 PM »

@Deeks don't forget about Woodruff. He ran anchor and outpaced the Jamaican. Jamaica has a slight lead and Woodruff beat the Jamaican about a half step.

Btw, Janae De Gannes BROKE the Carifta record in the long jump. How alyuh ain't mention her? She even won the Austin Sealy award and anchored one of the relay teams to silver.

Each year we sinking in this competition. Look at 2010 Carifta games and see how we slid down the table.

Plan for next year, put an emphasis on all them kids who won silver. There were about 7 events where Jamaica was just slightly better than us. This resulted in us getting the silver and Jamaica getting the Gold.

Tyrique Vincent is special. He needs good coaches around him. He has the physique to be a world class athlete.

There's around 5 or so athletes that represented TT but go to school in Jamaica. I believe they all medalled.

Dorian Charles also a multi event athlete in Jamaica. Jamaica building their sprint factory by bringing in the Caribbean talent to run in their schools. Brilliant Jamaica!!

3

Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: April 03, 2024, 03:10:29 PM »

@Frico, these guys don't get it.

Soca Warriors as a brand is dead. Its a lame and corny. Whoever chose that name might not have realized that Soca is only popular in the Caribbean.

Real talk, time to change the name. Soca Warriors sounds like a "try harder". It's a weak brand. They shouldve talked to a branding expert to come up with something stronger. Not choose something that follows Jamaica. @ Frico, they will rebrand if Jamaica does. And I don't see Jamaica doing that because Brand Jamaica is doing a damn good job impacting the psyche of the next generation of athletes.

These responses to keep the name is no surprise. TT society revolves around 2days of party. Everything in TT is somehow connected to Carnival. I think that needs to change to if we want to see the results in football and Track. Right now I think TT will only win medals in Carnival and Soca. I know some of alyuh go be vex. But think about what I saying. Sometimes we need to question the things we value and make the changes we need for progression.

So we can keep going with the Socca Warriors. Almost 20 years and we still being called Socca Warriors. Embarrassing 😳

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: April 03, 2024, 08:34:21 AM »

@Zandolie yuh kind of missing the point. Brazil nickname is not the "Samba boys, or Samba warriors".

You're 100% right on the rebranding and complete overhaul. We need a brand that is exciting, causes fear and something that is known. It's 18 years since Germany, and still many of them commentators calling we "Socca Warriors", thinking that "Soca" is a corruption of the word Soccer. That's embarrassing.

Soca has not achieved the international recognition like Reggae. Still decades away. Time for a new name, new brand. . New mentality.

5

What about Track & Field / Re: CARIFTA GAMES 2024

« on: April 02, 2024, 05:09:07 PM »

We losing athletes to Carnival and all the other related distractions.

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: April 02, 2024, 02:55:26 PM »

@Deeks I'll give you that one. But which one will give you that "killer instinct "? The drive to put the nail in the coffin? Not Soca.

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 31, 2024, 08:07:49 AM »

@Frico I was thinking last night. Fellas does say how our football lacks impetus, or lacks conviction. Soca always gives you that feeling that everything go be ok. I feel there's a connection there. What yuh think?

8

Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 30, 2024, 06:36:54 AM »

@Contro, I see some of your points. But if Calypso was so catchy, it would have survived the push from the Monarchy. It would have been more resilient. Remember the US media did that to hip hop in the 80s. but they realized hip hop is a force that cannot be stopped.

Indeed good conversation

9

Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 30, 2024, 06:33:02 AM »

@Deeks. We ain't blaming the name. Soca Warriors as a brand is like a paper tiger. Time to change it. It does not sound powerful at all. It's a weak brand. The majority of the teams that we play outside of the Caribbean think that Soca is a corruption of the word Soccer.

A change in identity might be what we need. I know yuh love your Soca Deeks, but think about Soca and think about if it really reinforces a warrior mentality that is needed on the field. Soca is a pacifier. Sure it puts you in good spirits. But it doesn't give you a killer instinct side like what you get with hip hop, reggae, rock music. Look at the UFC and listen to the music the fighters walk out to when going to the  octagon. It's always music that is hard-core. Music that encourages you to KICK ASS. Soca does not have the same impact on the athletes psyche. I think is once on UFC or Bellator a fighter walk out to Bunji "We ready". You see my point Deeks. Soca is not warriors music. It's pacifier music. It does not encourage the listener to revolt.

Next time you go to the gym, listen to some hard-core hip hop then try Soca. You'll see which one pushes you more.

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 29, 2024, 12:23:28 PM »

@Frico much respect for that. I'm sure others on here would agree too.

I like TNT dynamite. It's loaded with double meaning. Connotes explosion, danger and everything to create a brand to fear. It will also help identify Trinidad and Tobago by TNT. The fact that we came back after conceding a goal to win 3 of our Nation League's games, it fits well.

Drop Soca Warriors. It was good then. Just like how Strike squad was good back then. But maybe the way forward to improving our results, starts with taking on a new persona.

Thank you Frico. We'll see who is willing to argue that Soca Warriors strikes fear. Most of them teams outside of the Caribbean don't know what soca is. Drop it please.. Drop it please

11

Football / Re: Youth Football Thread

« on: March 29, 2024, 10:50:52 AM »

No way. Did the parents and children know they were going to have to find accommodations when they arrive? I can't see how a mother or father go jump on a plane with their children knowing that they ain't have no where to stay? Unless they were deceived by the club officials.

12

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 28, 2024, 02:23:33 PM »

Yeah Thomo. Luke Singh could also play the cdm position. He plays CB and also wingback. Those are the perfect qualities to transition into the CDM role.

Only thing Thomo, some of them guys you mentioned are bit young. I not saying that they can't contribute. But I say anyone around 24 to 27 is what we need. These U19 and 20 year olds might not be ready for concacaf. Especially if they coming from EU or UK

Deron Payne, needs a call up. How Angus miss him? He might be a good convert to that cdm role.

13

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 28, 2024, 02:17:50 PM »

@soccerman, you're right. I thought we were on the verge of scoring after conceding. That is what happened when we played in the Nations League group stage. I really thought the goal was coming. And there were bright chances between the 68th and 85th minute.

Tyrese Spicer is looking like a good find. But we need a creative running type of midfielder to assist Daniel Phillips and Andre Rampersad. One who can tackle, run with pace and be creative. The Reggaeboyz have about 3 of them. Auvray can play that role. But he needs the stature. I think when he develops, that role can be for him.

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Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 28, 2024, 12:50:28 PM »

We're not in a bad place for 2026. I had faith in Angus, but when I seen the substitution for Andre, I knew that would be trouble. Andre is a good battler. He knows how to identify and break up the situations that cause goals.

We were in the game even up until the 80th minute. I sensed that Canada was about to concede.

Angus tried his best. If I was Angus, my wishlist would include:

Another CB (at least MLS level)
Another CDM (at least MLS level)
Another CAM (at least MLS level)
Maybe a left or right back

I was pleased by the play of Shannon Gomez and Andre Raymond. Andre Raymond has good football intelligence. He's in 4th division Portugal. Either he need a new agent or that team must be paying him big. I think he's perfect for an MLS team.

Remember where we were last year around this time. We weren't supposed to get this far. When I seen the competition in the Nations League, I did not think we would make it out of the group. Especially after the Gold cup performance.

Angus is there for another 2 years. If he is to be replaced, who other than Hart do we have in mind? I seen an interview with Hart. He's not coaching now. I'm sure the lines of communication are open.

2026 we coming

15

Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 28, 2024, 11:38:52 AM »

I think the soca warriors need a rebranding. Drop that name soca warriors. Soca does not fit in line with a warrior mentality. If anything soca is there as a pacifier.

Rebrand the name as TNT dynamite. Let's not follow Jamaica and name the team after music.

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 28, 2024, 11:35:19 AM »

@Contro

That was a good write up. It enlightened me. I did study Caribbean society in University. However, I did not pursue a minor or anything with it. My degree program only allowed 4 Caribbean courses toward my degree. So I couldn't go in depth like you.

I agree with your points. But calypso decline is connected to the rise of Reggae. Calypso was the #1 music in the Caribbean. But it's decline in popularity correlates with the rise of Reggae. I do think that Jamaica was opened up more to the world than other islands. Also, with Jamaicans going abroad with more numbers than Trinbagonians, they exported their culture. I think factors like Jamaican immigration also contributed to popularizing Reggae and quieting Calypso.

I wouldn't put it past the Monarchy to blacklist Calypso, but I don't think they had to. The rise of Reggae was enough to capture English and society ears.

One thing that I learned from my Caribbean studies professor, is that after independence in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica as a nation was keen on separating themselves from what was a "West Indian" identity, and creating a Jamaican identity. Trinidad was not so adamant to do so, as about 50% of the Afro Trinidadians have lineage that comes from Grenada, St Vincent, Barbados, etc.

My question to you Contro is if the Monarchy was so interested in stifling calypso and Trinidad, why did they allow Nottingham Carnival to take place right in their own backyard ? Is your answer to this the revenue that the Carnival brings in into England?

It's a good discussion we having here Contro. I know with some fellas on here these things does sometimes turn ugly. Why I say this is because 20 years ago I didn't know the things you and I outlined here. I'm sure many on here reading this as new information. So much love brotha

@Reggaefan, big up for the win. They look good for 2026.

17

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 23, 2024, 05:38:35 PM »

The performance wasn't too bad. They stayed relevant in the game.

We do look good for WCQ. We need another reliable CDM. Andre was battling hard. The goal scored on his side when he came off.

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Football / Re: Triumph or Tragedy - Trinidad & Tobago vs. Canada - The game has been decided

« on: March 22, 2024, 04:57:07 PM »

The feeling in Canada is that the Canadian team is much more talented than TT. Still there are some pundits that feel that the expectation for Canada to win might be their downfall.

What I see happen when teams like Canada, US or Mexico play the JAs, the Haitis, and the TTs, their anxiety kills their gameplay if they don't score early.

The longer Canada goes without scoring, the higher TTs confidence raises. The USA and JA game showed that yesterday.

19

Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 22, 2024, 10:25:48 AM »

This might not be the best place for this but here it is.

Quick history session Contro. By the way, I shared the same sentiment. .

From 1900s to 1930s Carnival was co opted by the colonial government. The calypsonians use to sing songs that poked and discredited the British government. They were concerned that calypso would open the eyes of the people in Trinidad and reject colonial/British government. To prevent that, the colonial government began to offer monetery gifts and awards to calypsonians, who did not sing about the colonial british government. They encouraged the calypsonians to sing about island life, rum and other things that would not raise the consciousness of the people. They also switched carnival from August to February to coincide with the Christian lent. This is where we get some of these house negros, who don't know their history, saying things like Carnival is French influenced. . Or the belief that Carnival  somehow came from Europe and not the Caribbean/Africa.

Fast forward to mid 1960s. Calypso was still the music of the Caribbean. Jamaica as a society had embraced calypso so much that calypsonians were going to Jamaica to perform, make records and so forth. One famous Trinidadian named Lynn Tait showed up in Jamaica for a concert and eventually decided to stay. His stay in Jamaica would reshape music in the Caribbean. This is a very touchy subject for Jamaican who don't know. Lynn Tait laid the foundation for what we have as reggae in the mid late 1960s. Many documentaries about reggae music credit Lynn Tait as the guy who got the wheel moving to create Reggae. In fact in 2010 Portia Simpson commemorated Lynn Tait at a ceremony at the national stadium in Jamaica for being the pioneer to Reggae.

Now to speak to your point about calypso losing popularity because Trinidad became a republic is not that simple and a bit far fetched. Calypso lost its popularity or lost its position  from being the music of the Caribbean for 3 main reasons. First it was the rise of Reggae music. Second was the popularity of Bob Marley. Third was the context and political climate in the 70s.

Calypso tried to put a face of on the music like Bob Marley and Reggae. It was a failure. Sparrow is not, and I say this again NOT anywhere near the level of Bob Marley. He will never be. The guy who probably could have been the Bob Marley of Calypso would have been Maestro who died in a car crash. He was young, vibrant and rebellious.

In the late 60s and going into the 70s, many countries in Africa and the Caribbean were ridding themselves of colonialism. The rebellious nature of Reggae music and the message of love is what resonated with people outside of the Caribbean much more than the messages of Calypso. Also Calypso was mainly being written for Caribbean society, way of life and for carnival. This did not fit in with the global audience like Reggae music was.

England and English culture is what gave Reggae music the platform to go global. Reggae music fit in well with the civil unrest  that was happening in England in the 70s and 80s.

So brother, Calypso was not penalized because Trinidad became a republic. It's the rise of Reggae, popularity of Bob Marley and the global context that propelled Reggae past Calypso.

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 21, 2024, 07:55:39 PM »

@contro, which crown? Yuh mean the monarchy?

I don't think the FIFA execs sat down and purposely agreed to give Jamaica a bligh. Things ain't that planned out.

As much as I agree with you on some things, your opinion about Jamaica getting a bligh because they are still being a constitutional monarchy, is very very far fetched.

But, I will tell you that Jamaica is a country that has been 'opened up' to the world. Mainly because of their accomplishments. But also because of their proximity to English culture.

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Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: March 21, 2024, 05:07:09 PM »

USA 0 - 1 Jam scored at the 35 second mark

Jamaica is playing without 4 starters  including Leon Bailey.

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Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 15, 2024, 03:46:54 PM »

I agree with contro to a certain extent. But I don't think it is that ubiquitous. I do think that strings can be pulled behind the curtain to make sure we stay struggling. But, I don't think that Eve is going home on evenings thinking of ways to sabotage the team. If it was that simple, he can easily choose a squad of pro leaguers for the Canada game. Based on who is available, this is probably the best squad on paper, minus 2 guys who could have been included Spicer, Gilbert..

Buffonge looks like a good addition to the midfield. But I seen he was called up to Antigua. But he did not play. So there might be an opportunity to grab him because he does not have a cap for Antigua.

We make this Copa, you'll see how more players Trinbagonians roots show up. This is what Jamaica is experiencing now. Although we might not have the numbers like Jamaica, we will see this happen to us.

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Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 14, 2024, 12:09:11 PM »

I would have picked Ranjitsingh over Foncette. Also Luke Singh over Russell.

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Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 14, 2024, 11:46:09 AM »

Here it is:

Goalkeepers: 1.Christopher Biggette (Defence Force), 21.Adrian Foncette (Police FC), 23.Denzil Smith (Club Sando FC),

Defenders: 2.Aubrey David (CS Cartagines—Costa Rica), 3.Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers), 4.Jesse Williams (Chattanooga FC—USA), 5.Robert Primus, 16.Alvin Jones (both Police FC), 6.Andre Raymond (GD Vilar De Perdizes—Portugal), 14.Shannon Gomez (San Antonio FC—USA), 17.Justin Garcia (Defence Force);

Midfielders: 7.Noah Powder (Northern Colorado Hailstorm—USA), 8.Daniel Phillips (St Johnstone FC—Scotland), 12.Kevon Goddard (Defence Force), 15.Neveal Hackshaw (Oakland Roots—USA), 18.Andre Rampersad (HFX Wanderers—Canada);

Attackers: 9.Nathaniel James, 20.Kaïlé Auvray (both Mount Pleasant—Jamaica), 10.Real Gill (Northern Colorado Hailstorm—USA), 11.Levi Garcia, 23.Judah Garcia (both AEK Athens—Greece), 13.Reon Moore (Pacific FC—Canada), 19.Ajani Fortune (Atlanta United—USA).

If we make copa, there'll be many Trinis coming out of nowhere with passports.

I expect Molino to sing a new tune if we get into Copa.

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Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 14, 2024, 11:42:28 AM »

How we looking. The good, Judah Garcia is included after 2 years.

The bad, Ryan Telfer is injured, so that was expected.
Sheldon Bateau, not included. No Obikwu or Dantaye.

Honestly, the center back position looks thin. Aubrey's fitness after 65mins is our achilles heal. That's where Sheldon Bateau can come in.

Gomez and Andre Raymond on the wings. Jones, Garcia and David in the middle. 5 in the back.

Rampersad, Phillips, J Garcia, and either Ajani or Reon Moore in the middle.

Levi at the top.

I hope Hackshaw is fit. Even if he is, he not ready to run hard against that Canadian midfield.

The selection wasn't too bad. Canada has higher quality players for sure. Theres a lot happening in their federation. I have faith though. We'll see.

Canada's overconfidence is going to work against them. They struggled against Guatemala. I think things will go in our favor if we plug up that defense.

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Football / Re: Levi Garcia Thread

« on: March 11, 2024, 05:11:43 PM »

I can't see anyone on Canada holding him. He'll terrorize the Canadian defense.

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Football / Re: Levi Garcia Thread

« on: March 10, 2024, 11:47:15 AM »

He's the brightest player we have now. We're going to need him for the play-in.

I wouldn't be surprised if a top European team comes knocking in the off season. Despite accepting a committing to AEK, he can still be purchased by another team. It happens all the time. His value is much higher than it was last year. Just some food for thought.

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What about Track & Field / Re: Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) News Thread

« on: March 07, 2024, 02:09:32 PM »

@Trini1 that's what they do for the Champs, the high school track and field championships. Grace and other companies sponsor the championships. The youths are treated like celebrities when they win. Them youths usually get the Carifta standards at their high school championships, that they dont even worry about Carifta too much.

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What about Track & Field / Re: Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) News Thread

« on: March 06, 2024, 06:39:32 PM »

Yep Trini. I know Jereem is a warrior. Seems that MLA has regressed since leaving the big camps she was a part of.

There's about 4 or 5 other standouts from the Carifta trials. For every 1 standout we have, Jamaica has about 4 or 5 standouts. There are a few Trinis living in Jamaica and attending high-school there. They will all make the Carifta standard just by virtue of being in Jamaica and getting access to the training there. .

By the way, watch out for Barbados. They are putting their ducks in a row. In fact they have some trainers who ran in Carifta and are now identifying athletes of bim heritage and training them in Canada and US. They've even coordinated with the Barbados track association and are very very organized. They might not win many medals at the Olympics. But there track team will be bigger than ours.

We have many athletes in TT that have potential, but after they see that the support is lacking for TT, they pursue becoming a soca carnival boy or girl instead of track.

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What about Track & Field / Re: Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) News Thread

« on: March 06, 2024, 02:00:57 PM »

Crickets.. crickets

That is the best way to describe track and field development in TT.

No medals for Paris. The team size will be around 12. I hope I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.

Here we go again with another diamond in the ruff. Tyrique Vincent. Brilliant athlete. Multi event athlete. Guaranteed medals at Carifta. Let's see how the TT track and field develops this youngster. He's special. No doubt