Messages

61

Football / Re: Kennya Cordner Thread

« on: April 26, 2022, 11:43:45 AM »

 Unfortunately this scenario has played out many times before. Remember Samora? oh gosh all the talk of how he could have been a savior and valuable asset leading up to 2006.

Oh gosh doh furget Deleon? and I am sure there have been many others who for what ever reasons have snubbed national selection or have had their own personal stance.

At the end of the day, as fans we have an outsider's view but what happens among players and coaches are a perspective we are not privy to. If a player warrants selection and  if their  philosophy aligns with coach's expectations then it makes for a more compatible meshing of expectations.
 Ultimately, the coach has to make a call as what is most  beneficial for the cohesion and betterment for the team and if a ' star' has to  dimmed, then so be it.
Our football ethos has relied for too long on  having ' start boi' mentality as opposed to  formidable team structures- offense by committee defense by  committee.

Observing and reading about a player of this caliber achieving success would be enticing for anyone to advocate for her inclusion on the national team but if it comes with  a toxicity then do you really want to gamble on  a short term fix  over a long term build?

62

Football / Re: Andre Rampersad Thread

« on: April 26, 2022, 11:34:57 AM »

Looing like Tallman ' pimping ' this Rampersad  player for national duties? 

63

Football / Re: 2022 Concacaf U-17 Women's Championship Thread

« on: April 26, 2022, 11:32:44 AM »

I have never seen a  girls team at youth level look so bad ..... this has to be a coaching issue

How did the coach look?   

64

Football / Re: Impact of culture on our Success?

« on: February 14, 2022, 12:42:58 PM »

Now I grew up in an era -( 50'60's ) even though I eh fully grown up yet but at that time on massive intercol and north south rivalry  our football was  characterized by ' star boys' who had to ' beats' and entertained the crowd to the revelers shouts , tins cans and refrain of ' ...... WE Want  AH GOAL...)

today to some extent we still have a' star' quality among some players; less crow following and we not shouting for a goal we simply begging for anything that resembles a goal.

What has become of our football and what has to change culturally about the way we approach this game? I still bleed  and yearned to see TnT on the big stage; to dominate  regionally and to  be where Canada is today  in CONCACAF- taking down the traditional  giants. However I am not sure if all that I hope for is simply a fart in the wind- something stinks with our  system- from players who could simply desert an opportunity to represent to  management who cant figure out if  is hot air they blowing or  the labase stench that spending out the back.

65

Football / Re: Kennya Cordner Thread

« on: February 01, 2022, 05:05:13 PM »

Women Warriors' striker Kennya Cordner : I can learn a lot from Kenwyne
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).

VETERAN Trinidad and Tobago women’s team striker Kennya “Ya Ya” Cordner is eager to learn from former men’s team forward and captain Kenwyne Jones, during his stint as interim coach of the Women Warriors.

Jones, who took over from American Constantine Konstin on October 18 (his interim stint will last until November 30), guided the team to a pair of drawn results (0-0 last Thursday and 1-1 on Monday) against Panama, at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Cordner was the T&T goalscorer on Monday and, after being involved in the women’s squad since 2006, the 32-year-old Cordner is still willing to enhance her knowledge of the game.

“Kenwyne is a forward and I (am) a forward, so I can learn a lot from Kenwyne,” said Cordner, during Monday’s post-game zoom media conference. “He scored goals and I score goals.”

About Jones’ time at the helm, Cordner said, “It’s fairly new for him so, in time to come, with his knowledge, I think things would be better.”

With regards to Monday’s match, Cordner said, “We went out there and we fought for 95 minutes. Even though we didn’t come out with the win, we still went out there and put (our) best foot forward and we fought for each other.”

Looking back at the pair of matches against Panama, the slimly-built attacker said, “I think we did the best that we can because, having not played for two years and it’s a bunch of new girls, and having to come into a camp for a week to play two international friendlies, we did really well (under) the circumstances.”

She is keen to pass on her experience to the younger crop of T&T players, having played in the United States, Sweden, Australia, Paraguay and, since 2018, in Norway (with IL Sandviken).

“I was happy to be back at home, because I haven’t been home for 22 months,” said Cordner.

“To be able to come back and give for Trinidad and Tobago women team, after experiencing so much in Norway, and seeing how different they do stuff, with my experience, to be able to transfer to this team, and allow these girls to see how hard work does pay off, it feels really good to be back here.”

Midfielder Chelcy Ralph, who plays for Ball State University in Indiana, United States, spoke about the difficulties in playing during the covid19 pandemic.

“It is very difficult having to be tested every other day but, as a team, we are very dedicated in what we have to do, and we’ll remain humble and respectful of the covid19 (protocols),” said Ralph.

“It’s a great experience for all of us to join together, because we haven’t been together for (some) years. Yes, we have a lot of work to do but it’s a great start.”

Panama’s coach Ignacio Quintana, commenting on Monday’s match, said, “It was an exciting game where any team (could have won). That’s the beauty of football, two teams making all the effort to win. The result was 1-1.

About the team’s week-long stay in Trinidad, Quintana said, “It’s okay for us and we enjoyed, a lot, our stay here. We enjoyed the opportunity, the experience and we’re grateful to the TT (Football Association).”

Yvamara Rodriguez, who was a second half substitute for Panama during Monday’s game, mentioned, “This game was a very aggressive and physical game. I felt that we kept connectivity with each other mentally. I think we’re quite happy with the result.”

I thought she wanted to learn so much from the coach? but eheh eh she done learning and turning she back now?

66

Football / Re: Women Warriors Thread

« on: February 01, 2022, 05:01:32 PM »

 Like  many players there comes a time when yuh shelf life  reaches an expiry date-  Its not that the players were not valued but I think the game and the direction is changing.

To be perpetually  keep on recycling players and hoping for success  is the manifestation of a deeper issue  that being the lack of adequate player development or national programs  to feed  into our national teams.

If you look at the men's friendly- you saw evidence of players whose better days are behind them and  in games like this when the stakes are low why not expose younger players to garner  valuable experience?

In the matches thus far, I would  surmise that the impact of these two did not change the games outcome significantly nor do I see  the omission of them moving forward as detrimental to future success.
 Thanks for the years of service but we need a revamp.

67

Football / Re: Dwight Yorke Official Thread

« on: February 01, 2022, 04:52:45 PM »

Maybe take on the challenge of TnT before you  aspire elsewhere- dare to go where others  have:"
Stephan Hart- Dennis Lawrence

Where others have avoided:

Stern John- Latapy


All these experts and we cyar put Humpty Dumpty aka TnT football together again?? nah sum thing wong

68

Football / Re: Stern John Thread

« on: January 26, 2022, 12:52:34 PM »

what is wrong with the development of football players in the WI? we have to be continually hunting for foreign talent in all these islands.

Is there a developmental program for footballers in the WI?

Exactly the issue- Most  of the nations focus on the ultimate WC/ Gold Cup performances with  instant  individual players as oppose to  putting in place  programs to develop successful teams.

69

Football / Re: Stern John Thread

« on: January 26, 2022, 11:27:03 AM »

what is wrong with the development of football players in the WI? we have to be continually hunting for foreign talent in all these islands.

70

Football / Re: Thread for Bolivia vs T&T (21-Jan-2022)

« on: January 26, 2022, 11:25:12 AM »

At the best of times we does play like we need oxygen; or lacking gas- so  this is no big deal-  cut arse fuh so as we field an amateur    squad .
 Next up fuh practice and players tuh look and evaluate?

71

Football / Re: Chris Birchall Thread

« on: December 24, 2021, 08:38:20 AM »

Congrats
NEXT move

PRESIDENT- TTFA   drumroll

72

Football / Re: Women Warriors Thread

« on: December 01, 2021, 09:37:39 AM »

These ladies are artists- they love to draw-

73

Football / Re: Home of Football Thread

« on: November 27, 2021, 08:26:19 AM »

What does it profit ah man if he going thr HoF? It appears each TTFA  believes that a monument to their legacy could also fill gaps in their lockets-

Please let's not see the HoF follow the same fate as the Centre of Excellence - these should be public institutions  not private ventures  for those seeking to profit from football in TnT

74

Football / Re: Women Warriors Thread

« on: November 20, 2021, 09:15:48 AM »

Where’s the roster 

tBD pending:

Availability of players with documentations
Bookings of flight by NC
availability of funds for players
Availability of funds to feed players
The status and payment of all coaches
Selection of  players  finishing exams
Availability of players who have " Jim boots" to travel with

Pick any of the above and you will u derstand that is how  football business is done in TnT

75

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?

76

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

« on: September 08, 2021, 06:49:02 AM »

How do we get back on " track"? what is happening locally and with athletes on international scholarships?

I read about the lack. Ofathletes not meeting Olympic qualifying standards yet I witnessed athletes from lesser known track and field countries competing with some horrid times-  I saw sprinters from countries like India and Kenya at least getting international exposure and we are sending over the hill and in some cases injured athletes to compete?

We do have some knowledgeable folks who knows what it takes to get our athethes to where we ought to be-
Let's reexamine our national program from the school to community level and begin in earnest to build rather than critize.
Instead of asking what the country can do ask what can you do for your land of birth! instead of asking where is the next great one or who is there to coachbegin with who is there andbuild what meets the eye.

77

Football / Re: Jamaal Shabazz Thread

« on: September 08, 2021, 06:36:55 AM »

Sounds like a football coup

78

Football / Re: Angus Eve Thread.

« on: September 08, 2021, 06:31:55 AM »

Congrats to Coach Eve on the appointment- you know the shelf
life of national coaches in TnT is little under three years. It's a results dictated position with little or no glory.

However  here is a golden opportunity not to just coach two teams but to build a men's national football program. Hopefully the consistency in implementing a system of play a  competitive philosophy and a culture of success could be nurtured and cultivated locally.

Choose assistant coaches wisely - maybe someone who has garnered some international experience with innovative strategies- No former coach of St Lucia please!!'  no recycling of old
Let's be progressives d build a formidable program from now with2026 in mind- every practiceeverygamefrom now on shouldbe like a qualyfing 2026 match.
Good luck and best of success in days to come.

79

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

« on: August 22, 2021, 12:03:17 PM »

Never have been so proud of Jamaican  athletes accomplishment on the world T&F stage- what their  junior and senior women are doing is astonishing.

We inT& T could learn a lot from " put of many one"
Yet we struggle with " Together we Aspire Together we achieve"
Since a certain opposition leader was in power and through a policy of divisiness  and public stupidity of disrespect we just can't seem to find a way to be back.

80

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?

81

Football / Re: TTFA appoints senior women's team coaching staff

« on: July 29, 2021, 07:01:53 PM »

TTFA appoints senior women's team coaching staff
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

THE T&T Football Association (TTFA) has appointed its senior women’s national team staff which will work alongside head coach James Thomas.

Thomas will lead a team consisting of Charlie Mitchell (assistant coach and performance analyst), James Baird (goalkeeper coach), Joanne Daniel (manager), Terry Johnson-Jeremiah (equipment manager), Atiba Downes (strength and conditioning coach) and Aqilya Gomez (rehab specialist).

A statement issued by the local association on Wednesday said the positions were filled using a robust recruitment system of candidate reviews and interviews by a selection panel consisting of TTFA technical director Dion La Foucade, women’s football director Jinelle James, former national player Richard Chinapoo and coach Thomas.

The panel reviewed the candidates’ applications and created a short list for each position. The short-listed candidates were then invited to an interview process where they were assessed on their credentials, tactical knowledge, coaching style and ability and willingness to learn.

Downes and Gomez were evaluated using a similar process under the guidance of the TTFA’s Return to Play Medical Committee.

Commenting on the process, Thomas said, “For us to get back to being competitive on the international stage, it was crucially important that we provide the players with a safe, respectful, competitive and challenging learning environment, and to do that we followed a thorough and rigorous recruitment process for all staff positions.”

Thomas was appointed national team coach in April. He holds a UEFA A License and a UEFA Elite Youth A License, previously served as assistant coach and performance analyst of the Wales women’s team. He also worked with the Wales national performance squad, as well as Wales' Under-19 and U-17 teams.

He added, “For our team to perform at a level acceptable for the nation and its fans, we need them to become learners. Learning every session, every day, every game to become better players.

“For this to happen, we needed to surround the players with staff that also are dedicated to their own learning every single day and continually wanting to better themselves.

“We cannot ask and expect the players to push and challenge themselves to be better every day, if the staff don’t do the same. We have to be the standard setters.”

All of the selected candidates were then recommended to the normalisation committee for appointment and accepted contractual terms that were affordable to the TTFA, given its financial constraints.

Mitchell, the only additional member of staff who is a non-resident, will be available for training camps and competitions and his services as a performance analyst will also be made available to other national teams such as the senior men.

Over the last few weeks, a training pool of approximately 60 players across T&T underwent medical assessments with the assistance of TTFA’s partner HealthNet Caribbean Limited and fitness assessments, overseen by Movements Mechanics, to determine baseline health and fitness levels.

Thomas is scheduled to select his final local training squad in early August after holding training sessions in each island. This was facilitated with the support of the Tobago Football Association.

Additionally, the TTFA will be launching the Women’s National Team Coach Mentorship Programme very soon to increase the platform and opportunities for women coaches.

This will provide opportunities for ex-national players through FIFA’s Women’s Development Programme for coach education and development.

The candidate will also be mentored by Thomas, work with the newly appointed staff as an assistant coach and benefit from workshops and pitch side training in performance analysis and overall coach development.

Thomas said that there are nations much smaller than T&T on the FIFA Rankings that are ranked much higher because these nations and their coaches recognise the importance of coach development and education to benefit their national teams.

He said, “This is why I have also suggested and been working behind the scenes for a few weeks on a women’s national team coach mentoring programme for talented local coaches, and I’m really encouraged that the TTFA has been so receptive to the proposal.”

“I want to leave the women’s national team and the coaches dedicated to their development, within the T&T women’s football arena, in a stronger place than I found it.

“I believe this mentorship programme can improve both the players and coaches for the benefit of the National Teams for years to come, which is something I am hugely passionate about.”

I am not familiar with any of the coaches named to this program so I will not comment- I have one question:

Do we have any qualified females that could have been considered as an assistant ?

82

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.

83

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guatemala (18-Jul-2021)

« on: July 18, 2021, 11:52:02 PM »

Its so easy to be critical than to be correct-  I putting this to rest as  expectations were close to what was expected given the turmoil , the preparation and the availability of players, I think the team availed itself well. I am encouraged by the  progression on the youthful and primarily local  flavor. We are short in some attacking players and  in  being assertive and stronger on the ball but with these youths those things will come.
All the best Warriors- I like how allyuh hold allyuh own. Is not like we got blown out. El Sav is the only team that give we little headache.
 Doh sweat we coming back stronger. Eve ah know you eh getting ' the kinda  dough that 'Pull stones ' partner getting but yuh hung in there and  kept the team morale up. Experience  at this level is  all good . You deserve some time to build on what you have going here.
 All the best to all Warriors and fans- I gone till next time.

Rubbish, you are a shameless troll. angus played 5 games won a decisive game drew three and lost one, he was under the same set of circumstances as fenwick due to injury and inavailability, in fact he had molino, hodges, reon moore and frenderup who missed the last two games, yet of the 5 games, fenwick lost a friendly to the usa, won two games and drew two but was dismissed.

 terry had to deal with the same set of circumstances due to covid and all the other difficulties surrounding it, so no excuses, just be a man and accept that eve isn't ready for this level. and parking the bus against mexico is no great feat, it would have been better to lose to them and turn around and won the other two games. i call that a wasted effort. i say no to angus as well.

Actually I go back to the old board and have been around for awhile
Why do t you just go hang out with your buddy and pull stones

84

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guatemala (18-Jul-2021)

« on: July 18, 2021, 10:41:59 PM »

We let 5 points evaporate during the tournament. 5 points would have won the group.

Young team young team- these are growing pains
I hope in a year or so  that narrative will change

85

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guatemala (18-Jul-2021)

« on: July 18, 2021, 10:25:13 PM »

 Its so easy to be critical than to be correct-  I putting this to rest as  expectations were close to what was expected given the turmoil , the preparation and the availability of players, I think the team availed itself well. I am encouraged by the  progression on the youthful and primarily local  flavor. We are short in some attacking players and  in  being assertive and stronger on the ball but with these youths those things will come.
All the best Warriors- I like how allyuh hold allyuh own. Is not like we got blown out. El Sav is the only team that give we little headache.
 Doh sweat we coming back stronger. Eve ah know you eh getting ' the kinda  dough that 'Pull stones ' partner getting but yuh hung in there and  kept the team morale up. Experience  at this level is  all good . You deserve some time to build on what you have going here.
 All the best to all Warriors and fans- I gone till next time.

86

Football / Re: Post A Positive Inspirational VIBES POSTINGS ONLY for Player/Team

« on: July 18, 2021, 10:18:21 PM »

Thanks for the fighting spirit- sense of pride and a willingness to fight for TnT. Keep  focus on the  journey; the learnings along the way and the acquisition of skills, mental toughness and professionalism to get to the destination.

We have had some close games-  leading up to this. Let's work on finishing- getting hungry and assert  our will on others.
Best of luck moving forward. I will be taking a break from this.

87

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!

88

Football / Re: Post A Positive Inspirational VIBES POSTINGS ONLY for Player/Team

« on: July 16, 2021, 08:37:18 AM »

The power of belief- the capacity of confidence and the will and determination can yield and manifest positive results-
 Keep your heads up visualize success and play as if you were a number 1 FIFA ranked team- what would that look like? How would you approach the game?

Stop harping on the limitations of the past month but on the Ira les of what can be given this opportunity- starts with a belief in self and others around you.

89

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guatemala (18-Jul-2021)

« on: July 16, 2021, 08:28:48 AM »

Anther test coming up- Guat did put up a fight against Mexico and had some offensive attacks going- at this stage in our development no team is a pushover- even today if we faced Anguilla or Bangadlesh we would be in for a test.
Hope to see improvements in:

striker position- some one has to step up and create havoc in the box
 We need to be more of an offensive threat
3. Our offensive build up and attack have to be evident as we press forward and keep pressure on defence
4. Need some creative flair up front
5 - our midfield trio needs some work- not defensively on the ball not offensively controlling or setting up the attack

90

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs El Salvador (14-Jul-2021)

« on: July 16, 2021, 08:17:08 AM »

WATCH: Trinidad and Tobago Interim Head Coach Angus Eve speaks with local media after Trinidad and Tobago's 2-0 loss to El Salvador.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/8crQwz94gA0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/8crQwz94gA0</a>

I have generally been pleased with the coach's candid comments on the games so far. However I'm not buying into the comment that El Sal being further ahead in WC qualifications  compared to TNT is a factor. Mexico is in  also further ahead and  ranked in World top 15.
For years our national teams have been plagued with weak defensive structures and players- our Achilles heel. However there seems to be some focus to rectify this. The defensive lapses against El Sal. exposed us here again.
What I'm seeing from this team which is troubling are:
1. A lack of a legitimate striker
2.  No major offensive threat
3. Our offensive build up and attack  except for the Montserrat game is stymied  for the most part.
4. We need some creative flair up front
5 - our midfield trio needs some work- not defensively on the ball not offensively controlling or setting up the attack