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How about Terry Fenwick to work with... the devolopment, the identification, the training and promotion of a locally based National squad?
Just to add some objectivity to the mix-----have the powers to be ever consider a foreign-local kinda fella by the name of Terry Fenwick? In terms of experience as a player, knowledge of the game, familiarity with the local players and coaching credentials where does he stand relative to our present appointments? Would he be a good fit? With Stephen Hart around, would he not be a valuable asset to our rebuild in some capacity?
A magical combination???Latapy and Terry Fenwick can lead T&T.
A unified coaching staff
Now I know everyone may-not agree with me here. But given the current situation I feel we need to build more than just a team of players to take the field. Building a team of staff members is just- if not more important for any success we will have.
And just for the record. Latapy does have my 100% support as T&T head coach and I hope he pulls it off. However, we never found or shall I say never developed a replacement for him on the field and therefore having him play in our next 3 or 4 games is vital for our survival in this campaign. Same with Yorke. Anyways, having Latapy on the field at this point in time is a no brainier. Russell should get a shot at head coach but after our 2010 WC campaign.
Furthermore, we continue to make too many silly mistakes after we were so successful in 2005/2006.
For instance;
We are always under prepared.
We never learn from our mistakes.
We always look for the quick fix.
We take forever to settle a team.
Proper diet is also another concern.
We have to build a balanced staff team, just like players they all have to be moreorless on the same page. Thinking and supporting of each other and working together trying to figuring out problems together. Sometimes to many cooks spoil the soup. So a good staff team is needed. We cannot have a team of staff members who is always taking a bit off each other. This is a recipe for disaster. We also have to think long-term. A staff that will compliment each other is very important.
We need members who will;
A) Work out problems as a team.
B) Support and respect each other.
C) Creative thinkers to help organize, franchise and promote T&T football.
With all the talk on the forum lately (Latapy/Fenwick). Below are just some of the benefits and none benefits of having Latapy and Fenwick work with each other.
BENEFITS of Fenwick.
1. He has lived in Trinidad for 8 years so he knows the players, league and culture very well.
2. He has had great success in coaching in T&T with San Juan Jabloteh.
3. He has great disciplined and organization and also have us at heart.
4. As a player he has graced the highest stage of football.
5. He is a great long term coach that is very passionate about his job. This is not about Jerry Hosepedales or San Juan Jabloteh. Fenwick did what he had to do in order to be successful. He did have running’s with the TTFF in the past but I do not see a problem with it because Fenwick was asking for a calendar to work with.
6. He does his homework when it comes to scouting and analyzing teams.
7. He has a knack for bringing out the best in young players. And also discovering young talent. Hence the reason we have so many San Juan Jabloteh players on both out Under 20 and Under 17 teams respectively.
8. He is a great motivator.
9. He has won silverware with Jabloteh for 7 years straight. His first year he wasn't as successful as it was more of a recruiting/learning process.
10. He has managed to get foreign contracts for 18 players already.
NONE BENEFITS of Fenwick.
1. He does not have the experience of coaching at international football.
2. He is a no nonsense coach. And I don't know how good his relationship with the TTFF and certain players will go down.
BENEFITS of Latapy.
1. He is one of our most respectable players and will definitely bring heart and soul to T&T football on and off the field. His vision and knowledge for the game is also a plus.
2. He have coaching experience at Falkirk.
3. Players will always look up to Latapy and he can use this to be a great motivator and a role model.
4. Will get the support from Dwight Yorke. Another T&T legend. No doubt both Russell and Dwight should play some part on and off the field for T&T (officially).
5. Has played at a high level.
NONE BENEFITS of Latapy.
1. He does not have the experience of coaching at international football.
2. Two or three games as head coach is insufficient and could do him more harm than good "if" he is to be evaluated by the TTFF on just 2/3 games.
3. How will Latapy play 2 roles. Coach and take the field as a player.
Together both Fenwick and Latapy would be a great investment for T&T. Leo Beenhakker came here in 2005 with a desire to succeed and with a point to prove. To show the world that he has accomplished the impossible and that his resume speaks for itself. My question is, if we bring in another big name coach will he have that same desire and determination to take us to South Africa and possibly beyond ?
Had it been me as TTFF head I would have considered the following;
A) Head Coach - Terry Fenwick
Straightforward, disciplined, organized, professional attitude, fighting spirit in him and have T&T at heart. It is also good to have a foreign coach involved at some capacity to enable us proper team selection.
B) Assistant Coach - Russell Latapy
Experienced player. Great knowledge on and off the field, clam and straightforward as well. Latapy can also assist with developing our next midfield general. Focus on helping our midfield become better.
C) Assistant Coach - Dwight Yorke
His attitude towards T&T is second to none and his experience will definitely be a big plus. He can also focus our helping our strikers become better.
D) Goalkeeper Coach - Lincoln Phillips and Shaka Hislop (for all teams, both men and women)
Our two most successful keepers we ever produced with great knowledge and experienced.
E) Defensive Coach - Stuart Charles Fevrier
A very calm person with good experience at coaching and at playing at the back. He has lived and played in T&T for over a decade and knows the T&T players and league very well.
F) Fitness Trainer - Ato Boldon
Ato have graced the highest stage of athleticism. He knows what it take to be on top form. He can also help our players build speed and mental strength.
G) Technical Director - Lincoln Phillips and Stephen Hart.
Lincoln has worked with some of the best. He has the knowledge and experience to take us to the next level. Stephen Hart also have the experience to help us reach at a higher level. Both men are thinking minds and should make a pretty decent team. Both men is also capable of good analysis of teams and I am sure if given the support and tools to do their jobs they will get it done.
H) Under 20 Coach - Zoran Varnes
Have great success with our current under 20 team. Time will tell how will he will do in the future. He loves T&T and definitely have as at heart. He can also assist with the T&T senior team.
I) Under 17 Coach - Anton Corneal
Did nothing wrong thus far and deserve a crack at it that's providing he keeps his father out of the picture.
J) Under 15 Coach - Bertille St Clair
Bertille is a very serious coach. He is great with young players and will nurture them into better players and better individual making easier for the next stage of their lives.
Both Marvin Andrews and Anthony Rougier should also be involved with team togetherness, prayer, mental and physical training and also motivational speakers.
With the following team there will be no stopping us. I can guarantee you this, but time and support is needed. A team that will work hand in hand with each other making the transition an easy one for the next level.
Depends on what is the outcome of our 2010 campaign we should have a clearer picture off whom should be at the helm. I probably would have stayed with the above staff members with a little "re-arrangement" (maybe) and give them time to see how things progress. But it all depends on how well we do and perform after the 2010 campaign.
We do not have the money to keep a big name coach in T&T for any long periods. This is why I feel we have to make the best with what we currently have in order to move forward. Getting the right staff who have T&T at heart is a good stepping stone for a bright future.
Just my view. Feel free to add your thoughts.
You might want to reconsider that Anton Corneal position Flex. After seeing the under 17 in action if they make it out of that group I will be shocked !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Terry Fenwick continues to flop in Belgium. CS Vise have now lost 10 of their 15 matches played to date even losing one match by 10 goals.
Fenwick who took charge of the Third division club which is a standard considered semiprofessional by some, seems to be having a stream of misfortune. Fenwick first order of business was to raid former club Central FC of four players; Willis Plaza, Rundell Winchester, Elton John and Kevon Villoreal.
After 3 months Plaza and Winchester were back in Trinidad, as the coach seemed to have failed on trying to serve as coach, agent and unofficial manger of the players.
Plaza and Winchester arrived in Belgium on one way tickets and no work permit, upon arrival the work permits where settled which allowed the players to play after a couple weeks of not being able to. However, things never got better; accommodation was not up to par, the duo even went days without electricity due to unpaid household bills by the club.
Car and wages were a few other empty promises that were never fulfilled, even though the players had no drivers license. After months of being frustrated despite having 4 to 6 excellent games, both returned home on flights paid for by a third party, and to add insult to injury, the signed in French settlement contracts didn't state want they were told it stated.
Plaza claimed “I was told by the club's translator and Fenwick that the contract stated I would be paid for the months I played and it was terminated due to the club's inability to pay".
The contract when translated in fact stated that the player left due to personal reasons and that the club owes nothing to the player.
Plaza and Winchester are rumored to be back with Central FC and Villaroel and John to return home soon. The player’s failed Belgium outing is an eye opener to other players thinking about plying their trade abroad solely on promises and not done in a professional and ethical manner.
Dear TTFF,
If yu had these options available to you to begin the rebuild for 2018, would you consider a staff would the following:
Assessing/monitoring local players: Terry Fenwick
Technical Director: Stephen Hart
Assessing/monitoring European based players: Dennis Lawerence
Co-coaches: H.Charles, S.Hart
All things considered.....TTFF if yu could make this happen fo rthe good of TnT would you do it?
I want to see Fenwick get a chance. The man deserve something back for his efforts and loyalty to tnt football over the years.
people we just cyar make a request for any and any coach just so. How could we say we want ah European, or African coach just so..... I think there are other mitigating factors to consider rather than the coach's ethnicity.
Unbiased/objectivity will be one of those qualities
Better yet what do we want to see in a coach for our national program?
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=18636.0
Success in the pro league- check does that equals success at an international level? Does it warranty the salary he covertly negotiated?
How any other local coaches attained success but we're not awarded or paid that amount to coach the national team?
Why dint Hart or Lawerence bring himonstaff?
Bybeef is not with what he can potentially accomplish but on what he is actually been paid- I find it strange that no one sees the. Gross negligence in 20k us $$$ a month
I shutter tothink what Lawerence was being paid or Hart?
Latapy was making 30,000 US a month and Lawrence was 20,000
What did they accomplished?
Stuart Charles, de same.
Fenwick is de best local coach for T&T right now and Derek King who is his assistant.
Good choice by Wallace.
Fenwick: T&T football team hampered by lack of $$
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
NATIONAL men’s football team coach Terry Fenwick has said a lack of finances has affected preparations for his squad, as the qualifiers for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup loom.
“We’re moving ahead as best we can, but I think everybody recognises here, that we’ve worked for a complete year almost, without any funding whatsoever,” said Fenwick, during an interview on Monday. “We still haven’t had one red cent from the TTFA (T&T Football Association), from FIFA, nothing.”
Fenwick said his own Football Factory had assisted the national training squad with equipment, while they have received drinks, water and ice from a few well-wishers.
“It’s only so far we can go,” said the former San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC coach. “A lot of the things that we’ll like to do are subject to budgets that are not in our hands (but) the normalisation committee's. We’re just awaiting word from them.”
In March, FIFA removed the TTFA executive, headed by William Wallace, and implemented a normalisation committee, chaired by Robert Hadad, because of the mounting debts by the local governing body.
FIFA suspended T&T from international football in September, after Wallace and his executive challenged their removal in the local High Court, instead of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. It lifted the suspension in November.
The T&T team resumed training a few weeks ago and were involved in a practice match against a "select team," coached by former T&T midfielder Travis Mulraine, at the Police Barracks, St James on Monday morning.
“We won the game 8-0, against an older side, with an Under-23 team that I selected,” said Fenwick. “We’re doing what we can within the (covid19) restrictions.
“It’s important that people recognise that we’re doing this without a budget, without any money. It’s with the good intent of a lot of people, coaches included, that are turning up and helping out, without being paid.”
Asked about the attitude of the players, bearing in mind the financial struggles, and the impending Christmas period, Fenwick replied, “All of these kids have been training their socks off. We’re trying the best we can for the TTFA, the normalisation committee, to give the kids a stipend, something to take home for Christmas.
“It’s been very difficult for myself and my staff because these kids have come out, they’ve given their all. We (won Monday’s game) because my players were efficient, strong and structured, and playing to a game plan. But we’re under pressure because we haven’t gotten a budget.”
Kamla retains leadership of UNC
By Gail Alexander (T&T Guardian).
Incumbent United National Congress (UNC) leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar last night claimed victory in the UNC’s internal polls, saying there was a clear trend that her Star slate was going to win when the official results come in.
Her leadership challenger Vasant Bharath conceded shortly after she spoke saying, "Members of United National Congress have voted in the National Executive election, and the Lotus Team accepts their decision. We congratulate the Star Team of candidates, led by incumbent Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and wish them all success during their term of office.
We offer to be of assistance in the urgent and extensive exercise of rebuilding and renewing the UNC. “
Bharath however strongly slammed a number of irregularities which he claimed occurred in the election.
Persad-Bissessar spoke around 9.30 pm last night when the majority of votes coming in from polling stations around T&T showed her slate was ahead of Bharath's Team Lotus slate.
UNC election management team chairman Ramesh Persad-Maharaj told Guardian Media the trend last night was that the Star slate was the winner.
Persad-Maharaj declared the first position for the Star slate around 7.30 pm.
Star candidate Bheemal Ramlogan won the post of Tobago regional co-ordinator with 13 votes.
Lotus team contestant for the same post, Barrington Thomas, polled two votes.
Approximately 120,000 voters were eligible to vote at the 78 polling stations located in T&T’s 41 constituencies.
No official voter turn-out figure was given last night. Up to 10 pm, Persad- Maharaj said there had been a reasonable voter turnout.
Speaking last night, Persad–Bissesar said her team would be monitoring proceedings until the wee hours of today, "But the trend is very, very clear that the Star team will win this election – a trend....but we must await the official final results from many of the stations.”
Persad- Bissessar said there had been some voter suppression due to COVID restrictions and there were some reports of voter intimidation at certain polling stations – but there hadn’t been major issues.
Persad- Bissessar said the way forward for the party under her leadership was to lead the party in going after the real political enemy, “The PNM Government..to take out! Take them out…!”
She said she’d focus on making the UNC stronger, staying focused and together and to continue to be united.
Persad Bissessar now remains in charge of the Opposition UNC for another three years until 2023.
Bharath in his speech, however added, “In acknowledging the announced results of the election, we note there were widespread irregularities, just as we had feared and to which we had alerted the national community."
“Scores of people whose names were not on the revised list of electors were permitted to vote at several polling stations. Several lifetime members were debarred from exercising their franchise.
In one case, a veteran party operative – who had previously served as presiding officer in one of the houses of Parliament – brought in several non-financial members who were permitted to cast their ballots."
“In some cases, prominent and active campaigners for the Star Team performed as election officers, including as Presiding Officers. Revised lists of electors were provided only to candidates and activists of the Star Team. There were many cases of voters being verbally abused, bullied and intimidated at polling stations.”
Bharath added, “At least two Members of Parliament were seen openly campaigning among members who were lined up to cast their votes. Paraphernalia of the Star Team were distributed within the precincts of some polling stations. It is most ironic that these gross abnormalities took place at the hands of an incumbent Political Leader who had lobbied for independent observers for the August 10 general election. “
“Further, the leader had declined to concede defeat in the general election and had claimed for several days that there were electoral irregularities.
For weeks before the election, Team Lotus had publicly complained about the absence of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Our documented objections were never addressed. With the electoral process behind us, I urge all party members not to engage in recriminations.
He added, "Antagonism and reproach would only harm an organisation that requires the commitment and united purpose of all its human resources in order to displace the failed PNM at the next general election.
"I implore Mrs Persad-Bissessar to embrace and integrate all party supporters and sympathisers in the essential organisational restructuring that is required if the UNC is to become a viable political force.
A major initial assignment should be to determine why there is such apathy among members, as evidenced by the abysmally low voter turnout."
Just before polls closed at 6 pm Bharath also wrote election team chairman Persad-Maharaj officially claiming of a number of matters demonstrated “manifest unfairness in the internal election process.”
In a statement earlier in the day, Persad-Bissesar had said
she expected her slate would emerge victorious "despite the petty games and underhanded tactics being utilised by opponents".
Persad-Bissessar has helmed the UNC since January 24 2010. When she won that leadership election with 13,932 votes over UNC founder Basdeo Panday's 1, 359 and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj's 1,072 votes.
After her PP Government lost the 2015 general elections, she won UNC’s leadership with 17,502 votes against Bharath (1,305) and Dr Roodal Moonilal (1,821 ). After UNC’s modest improvement in 2016 Local Government polls, she won 2017 internals: 20,328 votes to Christine Newallo-Hosein’s 114 and Chanda Bhaggan’s 45.
VASANT'S COMPLAINTS
Vasant Bharath’s letter to the election team chairman added, “These matters are also evidence of your inability to manage an electoral process."
He cited: "In Couva South, Moruga Tableland, and the Port-of-Spain cluster, persons whose names were not contained on the "final list" as specified in the rules were allowed to vote. We were informed that you personally made calls to the respective presiding officers and instructed them to "write-in names" on the list to allow these persons to vote.”
* Throughout all constituencies, voters complained about being harassed by electoral staff to "vote the Star" this includes both presiding officers and deputy presiding officers. This harassment also took the form of electoral officers actually being in close proximity of persons while voting. This is no doubt a result of the biased selection of electoral staff which you unilaterally appointed without any fair process.
* In Naparima there was no electoral ink for the start of voting. Further, a female senator was constantly giving instructions to the presiding officer on what to do during the electoral process which resulted in one of our candidates, Kamani Ramraj, being prohibited from entering the station.
* Several MPs and senators were allowed into the polling stations and were resident within the station for large parts of the day. In the case of one MP, she was seen taking in a list for the Presiding Officer.
* Numerous persons, who are lifetime members, were not allowed to vote despite presenting their membership card. This demonstrates clearly that the membership list was sanitized prior to the polling day.
At 330 pm, the presiding officer at the La Horquetta/ Talparo created a polling division and placed a new ballot box in a separate area of the station for the collection of votes. This resulted in Team Lotus having no representative to view this ballot box or determine how many votes were put into this ballot box. This action is highly improper and seems designed to ensure that ballots would be entered into the overall count without any form of scrutiny.
We are receiving further instructions on this matter and will continue to place the same on the record. Further particulars on these matters will also be provided."
Victorious Star Team
POLITICAL LEADER – Kamla Persad-Bissessar
DEPUTY LEADERS – Dr Lackram Bodoe, David Lee, Jearlean John
CHAIRMAN – Devendranath Tancoo
VICE CHAIRMAN – Kadijah Ameen
EDUCATION OFFICER – Clifton De Coteau
PARTY ORGANISER – Ravi Ratiram
ELECTIONS OFFICER – Don Sylvester
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICER – Nicholas Morris
POLICY AND STRATEGY OFFICER – Sean Sobers
TREASURER – William Archie
RESEARCH OFFICER – Monifa Andrews
SOUTH REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR – Shanty Boodram
NORTH WEST REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR – Eli Zakour
CENTRAL REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR – Imam Rasheed Karim
NORTH EAST REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR – Nei
FIFA lifts suspension of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association
FIFA.com
After taking note of the recent decision of the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal and the express wish of the members of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for all associated legal claims brought by parties purporting to act in the name of the organisation to be terminated, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to lift the suspension of the TTFA with immediate effect.
This means that all of the TTFA membership rights have been reinstated and TTFA representative and club teams are again entitled to take part in international competitions. The TTFA may also benefit from development programmes, courses and training provided by FIFA and/or Concacaf. Moreover, FIFA member associations may again enter into sporting contact with the TTFA and/or its teams.
The members of the TTFA normalisation committee, which was installed by decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 17 March 2020, will proceed with their duties. FIFA regrets the stances and actions taken by the members of the removed Executive Committee, which negatively impacted all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago Football. Such actions greatly misdirected the attention of the normalization committee and hindered its work and execution of its mandate. FIFA is, however, confident that the normalisation committee will now be able to focus on the execution of its assigned tasks.
RELATED NEWS
FIFA lifts TTFA suspension.
By Gyasi Merrique (T&T Guardian).
Following what has been described at a "fruitful discussion" between FIFA and the Normalisation Committee representing the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, FIFA has agreed to lift the TTFA's international suspension.
A statement by FIFA explained its decision:
"After taking note of the recent decision of the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal and the express wish of the members of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for all associated legal claims brought by parties purporting to act in the name of the organisation to be terminated, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to lift the suspension of the TTFA with immediate effect.
This means that all of the TTFA membership rights have been reinstated and TTFA representative and club teams are again entitled to take part in international competitions. The TTFA may also benefit from development programmes, courses and training provided by FIFA and/or Concacaf. Moreover, FIFA member associations may again enter into sporting contact with the TTFA and/or its teams.
The members of the TTFA normalisation committee, which was installed by decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 17 March 2020, will proceed with their duties. FIFA regrets the stances and actions taken by the members of the removed Executive Committee, which negatively impacted all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago Football. Such actions greatly misdirected the attention of the normalization committee and hindered its work and execution of its mandate. FIFA is, however, confident that the normalisation committee will now be able to focus on the execution of its assigned tasks."
Meanwhile, press release put out by the Normalisation Committee this afternoon noted that the TTFA's "membership rights in FIFA will be reinstated in time for Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the 2021 (CONCACAF) Gold Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers."
The Bureau of the FIFA Council took the decision to suspend the TTFA on September 24 after the previous administration of the TTFA, led by former president William Wallace persisted with legal action in T&T's high Court challenging FIFA's appointment of a normalisation committee in March of this year. Such action was contrary to and a breach of article 59 of the FIFA Statutes.
The TTFA was granted victory in the matter on October 13 by Judge Carol Gobin, who deemed that FIFA's decision to activate the normalisation was improper and made in bad faith.
However, 11 days later Chief Justice Ivor Archie and Justice Nolan Bereaux overturned Gobin's ruling when they determined that the lawsuit brought by Wallace and his United TTFA team had contravened the TTFA’s constitution.
Facing a TTFA Extraordinary General Meeting to decide whether the TTFA should recognise FIFA's normalisation committee, Wallace stepped down as TTFA president, clearing the way for the committee chairman businessman Robert Hadad to initiate discussions with FIFA.
Below is the Normalisation Committee's statement in full:
The Normalization Committee recently held fruitful discussions with FIFA and we are pleased to deliver the good news that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association's suspension will be lifted and its membership rights in FIFA will be reinstated in time for Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the 2021 Gold Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. This could not happen without the decisive contributions by numerous T&T stakeholders in signaling their desire for a new chapter for football in our country. However we have a long way to go and there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that this return to competitive action, in all age categories, is sustainable. The Normalization Committee is committed to that undertaking.
The Committee was appointed to:
• run the TTFA’s daily affairs;
• establish a debt repayment plan that is implementable by the TTFA administration;
• review and amend the TTFA Statutes (and other regulations where necessary) and ensure their compliance with the FIFA Statutes and requirements before duly submitting them for approval to the TTFA Congress; and
• organize and conduct elections of a new TTFA Executive Committee for a four-year mandate.
We have already made some positive headway over the last few months through dialogue with the players and coaches and are committed to strengthening these relationships. This is one of our first priorities. The financial and governance issues of the TTFA are looming large, but we believe that together, we can put Trinidad and Tobago football where it needs to be on and off the field. We look forward to meeting with the various constituencies to work towards a structure that ensures that we begin winning again. It is even more imperative now that we work together. Football is a family, a community. We must heal together. Trinidad and Tobago football needs the help of all of its stakeholders working together shoulder to shoulder - the players, coaches, administrators, corporate supporters and our loyal fans. We look forward to your continuous support in exchange for our commitment to deliver growth and success in Trinbago football.
No Trinidad vs Tobago match until FIFA decides
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
The proposed football friendly between Trinidad’s senior footballers and those from Tobago has been shelved as national men's coach Terry Fenwick awaits, hopefully, FIFA’s reappointment of the normalisation committee to manage T&T football.
Fenwick had proposed the practice match for the current FIFA international window to keep national players in some competitive action amid the current FIFA suspension.
FIFA gave the TTFA until December 18 to withdraw all its legal challenges against the governing body and get its statutes in accordance with FIFA's. The former was done by former president William Wallace after TTFA members last month voted overwhelmingly to reject his presidency and accept the normalisation committee.
Itching to get his players on the field for the first time since his appointment in December 2019, Fenwick proposed a Tobago versus Trinidad friendly. He was also eyeing a friendly against Grenada around November 28-29, if FIFA lifted the ban. FIFA World Cup qualifiers kick off in March 2021 and a spot in the Gold Cup could also be stripped from T&T if the ban is not lifted.
Fenwick said on Sunday, “First things first, we’re hoping that the normalisation committee is reappointed by FIFA to run T&T’s football. This is important for us to have some direction at the top. From there, once we can speak to the powers that be, all we would need is some sort of financing to get it done. We have no choice but to take it one step at a time.”
On November 4, FIFA acknowledged the TTFA membership’s decision to accept the normalisation committee. FIFA said it welcomed the decision and was assessing the matter internally.
Fenwick remains cautiously optimistic FIFA’s decision would be a speedy one to facilitate a return to normalcy between the local association and the international body.
“I think it’s just a matter of FIFA having time to sit down, discuss and make a decision on it. I don’t think it’s a big thing – I hope not, anyway. We’re hoping that before the end of this week we would have some sort of direction. We can only hope,” he said.
On Monday, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Fenwick resumes full team training with locally-based players and some who recently returned from their respective international club duties.
The English-born coach was allowed to hold training at the St James Barracks grounds last week after the Prime Minister gave elite sporting teams permission.
Fenwick expects a group of 30 enthusiastic players ready to train.
“Next week’s sessions would be a bit more intense, but we’re not rushing it. There’s no football on the ground in TT so we’ll take our time, get the players right. We’re right smack in the middle of the last FIFA (international) window before World Cup qualifiers, which is a big disappointment for us,” he said.
Fenwick said there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Last week’s light training sessions went very well. We could see some of these guys haven’t played or done anything for a number of months because of the local restrictions we’ve had. Fitness levels were a long way off.
“But the sessions were good. They looked like they were enjoying the work that we were doing. We kept it light but we’re looking forward to this coming week where we can step it up a notch. We’re training Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week.”
Fenwick also lamented not being able to train with more foreign-based players.
“There’s a lot of the players I’d like to include in my World Cup (qualifying) squad and because of the travel restrictions and the FIFA suspension I’m limited in this regard. All of my staff have worked diligently in the background with players that are overseas.
“We have been tracking down new faces and trying to bring better quality into the national squad. We’re going to need it because we literally might have just one full training session with these guys before World Cup qualifiers.”
He said amidst the myriad of challenges the management just has to push through.
“It’s very unfortunate and unfair in this respect, but we’ve got to do what we can with the hand that we’ve been dealt. We’re working hard on several passports to have them done before year’s end. Even then, we’ve got lots of hold-ups in Government and government agencies. We’re just doing what we can.”
Alberta that might work in Canada, but bobol country is ah different kettle of fish. I still think yuh right, even if yuh like me .i.e living outside to long, wishing that is how it should normally go.
I know Trinis who was backing and believing in Trump, so go figure.
Kamla from TnT could learn a lot from Kamala Harris whose mother was of Indian descent and whose father was Jamaican. Kamala identifies as Afro American- and speaks openly of that identity- see
" Kamala Harris- the unauthorized documentary
The maturity , the acceptance and the intellect Kamala Harris shows is sadly lacking from those who strive to seek political gains through divisiness destabilization and dysfunctional politics.
Listen tosh real Kamala- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XZ6bTsKIwI
Kamala Harris " The Truths we Hold"
Listen to her talk about UNITY- for all people - I urge all the old and newly elected MPs to listen and study this speech
Sen. Kamala Harris Presidential Capaign Announcement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frt81nmSbz8
When I could hear this time of sentiment in a TnT from elected officials I would say we have overcome the bs we getting now
A venture into no man’s land
By Rabindra Moonan (T&T Express)
THE recent ruling by Justice Carol Gobin in the matter between the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFA) and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) certainly generated a lot of interest in the national community. Differing views were expressed by those who looked at the narrow confines of the concept of the rule of law and others who looked at the broader and more practical picture of the implications of the ruling for local football.
The Express editorial yesterday (Page 12) surmised that the judgment against FIFA has kicked T&T football into no man’s land without an exit strategy. The editorial went on to say that it was a classic case of the mouse that roared and the resounding victory in winning the battle very likely means losing the war with dread consequences for local football, its players and legions of fans.
Perhaps the most assertive comments came from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who was at pains to remind us of his knowledge of Greek history. The PM quoted Greek King Pyrrhus who had said “Another such victory and we shall be utterly ruined”. Dr Rowley, in his usual cryptic style, reminded us that a pyrrhic victory is one that is offset by devastating losses. He added “we, boys and girls, are free to play by ourselves because nobody will be allowed to play with or against us. That means we can never lose.’’
If one had read Dr Rowley’s comments without knowledge of the TTFA/FIFA imbroglio, one could have easily believed that he was referring to the upcoming internal elections in the United National Congress (UNC). Here we have a leader who is using the letter of the UNC constitution to offer herself once more to lead the party, notwithstanding a series of electoral defeats.
The leader is surrounded by boys and girls who are free to play by themselves because nobody is allowed into the inner cabal. They were absolutely abysmal during the budget debate, reflecting ineptitude and childish incompetence but saved by blind loyalty. They continue to play in Parliament with their new devices, some more suited to be a poster girl for a popular brand of mattress while another can be seen as a bouncer outside places of ill repute. The boys and girls indulge in selfies showing off their arrival into the halls of the highest court of the land while some walk past their new vehicle bought with funds given as a birthday gift. These are the protectors of the leader, all out of touch with reality.
Dr Rowley, perhaps unwittingly reminded us of the powerful queen who wins the battle but the thousands of subjects lose.
Sadly this is the outcome of the UNC internal elections as the queen wins and the party is utterly ruined. A pyrrhic victory indeed as they venture into no man’s land without an exit strategy!
Brilliant.
Rabindra Moonan
San Fernando
Honestly, some of us are full of SHIT. So what if you dress differently for a carnival parade. What the f--k wrong with these people and cultural misappropriation. So you mean all these years masquerading as us sailors or roman soldiers at carnival time were cultural misappropriation. All these f--king people who bleaching, straightening their noses, wearing extensions, blue, pink,red, green dye colored hair, so what the f--k they they doing. Look some of you people. get a life!! I tired cusssing allyuh.
Hadad: I’m not in charge of football.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
THERE seems to be a level of indecision concerning who is entrusted with the role of running the affairs of local football.
On Tuesday, chairman of the FIFA-appointed normalisation committee Robert Hadad said “I’m not in charge” when asked about the situation regarding payment of salaries to the the TT technical staff members.
And ousted TTFA (TT Football Association) president William Wallace commented that the issue over who should conduct the affairs of the sport locally is before the High Court.
On Monday, the coaching steering committee, in a letter addressed to Wallace (who is the head of the United TTFA group that successfully contested the TTFA elections last November), said the normalisation committee (comprising Hadad, Judy Daniel and Nigel Romano) was unable to pay the coaches as FIFA has stopped its funding, in light of its suspension of the TTFA.
Last Thursday, FIFA suspended the TTFA in violation of FIFA statutes. The United TTFA was late in withdrawing its case against FIFA over its decision to remove the TTFA executive and install a normalisation committee in March.
Hadad, when contacted on Tuesday, said, “I have nothing to say to (anybody) about (any) topic.”
Pressed on the matter regarding the salaries for the technical staff members, Hadad remarked, “I have nothing to say. I’m not in charge of football. That’s for Wallace to do.”
He continued, “I have nothing to say for a long time. When this whole matter is resolved, then I might have a few things to say. At this time, talk to them.”
Asked if Hadad was ceding power to the United TTFA, Wallace laughed before responding, “All I can say is that it’s a matter before the court at the moment. But FIFA has been recognising (the normalisation committee) as the TTFA and FIFA has indicated that do not recognise me.
“Any funding that has to come to TT football has to come through him. At this point in time, I don’t know if that has changed, but that is the last thing I know, that is the TTFA as far as FIFA is concerned.”
Wallace pointed out, “I don’t know what’s going on at all. That is the matter that is before the court, to determine who’s in charge of local football. For the time being, the court seems to think the United TTFA are the people in charge but FIFA has a different view so that’s where we’re at.”
Asked if it’s just a virtual standstill, Wallace replied, “Yes.”
However, Wallace said, “(Hadad) was active and doing what he’s supposed to do. He was speaking to the coaches, he was getting money to pay staff, we never tried to stop anything. I never tried to stop the operations of the normalisation committee, except when they were going to call the (extraordinary general) meeting, which was illegal, because the court had a different opinion on that.”
Let's be honest, neither DJW nor WW did an admirable job when they were in charge.
You comparing 4 months to 4 years ?
In 4 months, questionable contracts to Terry Fenwick (he dictated his contract), Peter Miller, Ramesh Ramdhan nd the sponsorship with AVEC (which he was the only one who knew about it). He inherited a pile of rubbish but he added gasoline and lit the match.
Concacaf Statement – Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and the Gold Cup Draw
Concacaf.com
Concacaf has noted FIFA’s decision to suspend the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). This matter was discussed during an emergency meeting of the Concacaf Council last night, and the following was agreed:
For the purposes of the 2021 Gold Cup draw, scheduled to take place on Monday September 28, at 8:00 pm ET, Trinidad and Tobago will be drawn in the Prelims as planned.
However, they will only participate in the competition if the suspension imposed on the TTFA is lifted by FIFA by 5:00 pm ET on December 18, 2020.
If the suspension imposed on the TTFA is not lifted by FIFA by 5:00pm ET on December 18, 2020, Trinidad and Tobago will be replaced in the Gold Cup Prelims by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association as the next highest ranked team based on their 2019 Concacaf Nations League performance.