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121

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: February 20, 2024, 10:25:18 PM »

Perouse ‘tricks’ Central: Prison move up to 6th in Tier 1 after 4-0 rout
T&T Express

A hat-trick from Nathaniel Perouse gave Prison Service FC a handsome 4-0 victory over Central FC when the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League Tier 1 competition continued on Saturday following the Carnival break.

In the second match of a double-header at La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Perouse opened the scoring for Prison in the 14th minute before Kevon Williams doubled the lead 14 minutes later.

Perouse scored again in the 46th and the 56th minutes to seal a comfortable victory for his team.

In the first match, hosts Terminix La Horquetta Rangers whipped Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic 2-0 with Tyrone Charles scoring both goals from the penalty mark.

Charles converted in the 73rd minute and doubled his team’s advantage from the spot in stoppage time.

The victory for Rangers (22 points) saw them overtake defending champs Defence Force (20 pts) and Miscellaneous Police FC (21 pts) to move into second behind leaders AC Port of Spain (25 pts). However, all three teams were in action after press time yesterday.

League leaders AC PoS were in action against Caledonia AIA while Eagles FC squared off against Police FC. Meanwhile, defending champions Defence Force FC travelled to Tobago to face 1976 FC Phoenix at Dwight Yorke Stadium.

While Rangers were “in good spirits” following the win, coach Dave Quamina said it “wasn’t one of our better games.”

“I think the break showed. We didn’t play to our best. We knew this game would have been a hard one and this team had a draw with AC and Defence Force, so we know they are a quality team and a hard working team but we came out with the victory tonight so we are in good spirits,” said Quamina.

For Point Fortin Civic coach Reynold Carrington, Saturday night was “frustrating”. He lamented, “I think we should have attacked the goal a bit more and we didn’t take the shots when we had it.”

Of the first penalty conceded, Carrington felt it was a “soft call” by the referee when the game was level. “That is how the cookie crumbles sometimes. We will lick our wounds and come back again,” Carrington added.

Meanwhile, the victory for Prison has given them some momentum as they hunt a top-three finish. They moved up a place into sixth spot on 15 points. Club Sando currently sit fifth (17 pts).

Prison Service assistant coach Leon Lewis said his players executed their plans.

“For the most part of the game, we did what we came out to do in terms of possession, squeezing the team further up pitch and finishing,” said Lewis.

“We still have work to do on our concentration because the better teams will not give you so much time and space on the ball and when you begin to lose focus in this league you will get punished for it,” he continued.

“It has been a lot of hard work for the last three weeks. We have been telling the guys that you have to finish and you have to score because if you don’t the other team will score. Good work by the team but going forward we still have a lot of to do in order to be competitive and finish in the top three in this competition,” Lewis added.

Central coach Shurland David noted “silly errors” in his team’s defence, saying they still have a lot of work to do.

“Too much of silly errors at the back. We are just giving away games,” said David. “It is not like we can get better players because we don’t have the budget, so we will have to work with what we have. We have to continue to work. It is very hard. It is a difficult position we are in and we can only work with what we have.”

TTPFL Tier 1 Scores:

Central FC 0 vs Prison Service FC 4 (Nathaniel Perouse 14’, 46’, 56’, Kevon Williams 28’)

La Horquetta Rangers 2 (Tyrone Charles (73’ pen, 90+8’ pen) vs Point Fortin Civic 0

122

Football / Re: FIFA appoints normalisation committee for Trinidad and Tobago football

« on: February 20, 2024, 10:12:35 PM »

Wharfe joins TTFA Presidential race
T&T Guardian

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL), Colin Wharfe, has entered the T&T Football Association (TTFA) presidential race.

Wharfe, officially announced his candidacy yesterday, declaring his readiness to contest the role after consulting with allies before deciding on a release ahead of the April 13 elections.

“This decision was not taken lightly. I have a long history of participation in local football, most recently steering the T&T Premier Football League, and being involved in crafting the medium-term strategy and plan for professional football,” said Wharfe in the release

“I had discussions with persons, within and outside of the football fraternity, about extending my involvement in local football administration. Their sentiments and encouragement have persuaded me to play a larger part in local football administration.”

He joins three other candidates, who have declared their intentions for the presidential role including president of the Veterans Football Foundation of T&T, Selby Browne, president of the Eastern Football Association, Keiron Edwards and Southern Football Association president, Dennis Latiff.

Last month at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the TTFA, at which 33 of the 47 members unanimously agreed to accept the changes to be made to the constitution, also invoked the right of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee led by businessman Robert Hadad, to call fresh elections and conclude the mandate handed to them by the sport’s world governing body- FIFA, in March of 2020.

Wharfe is currently in charge of the TTPFL which is in its first full season. He has worked with T&T Pro League clubs and was the chairman of the Steering Committee of the 2022 Tiger Tanks Under-20 Tournament.

Expressing his awareness of the concern for the state of football in this country, he stated that he was ready to do his part.

“Following the ratification of the TTFA statutes and the subsequent announcement of the date for executive committee elections, T&T football is rapidly moving from normalisation to normalcy. There is a desire for change and I believe I can lead the change. The statutes, along with their enabling policies and procedures, if fully implemented and rigorously adhered to, provide a framework and guardrails to bring about the desired change at the TTFA,” said the CEO of the TTPFL.

He went on to cite his tenure in leadership roles during his professional career, which emphasizes his qualifications for the position according to Wharfe in the release.

“I bring a wealth of business leadership experience that is applicable and transferable to this job, he said.

“These were developed and nurtured during my 30-year career at one of the top professional services firms in the world; where I held senior leadership positions in the region and managed the local branches of several global client accounts.

“I possess the skills to advance the work that has already begun and of which I have been a part, so I decided to run for the post.”

He continued, “I feel compelled to seize the opportunity to lead an expanded team that will propel T&T football. I fervently believe that football can be a driver of societal engagement and national transformation, at a time when multi-faceted approaches are needed.”

He added, “Discussions are currently being finalised with individuals to comprise a diverse and professional team, and ‘The Slate’ will be revealed as we move ahead toward the elections.”

123

Football / Re: 2024 SSFL Thread

« on: February 20, 2024, 10:02:00 PM »

'Green Machine' move to SSFL Big 5 playoffs summit
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

St Augustine Secondary (four points) moved to the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 championship division playoffs when they got a slender 1-0 win away to Blanchisseuse Secondary on Friday.

With three of the five teams in the Big 5 playoffs gaining promotion to the 2024 SSFL premier division season, there is little or no room for error in the short round-robin competition. St Augustine, who earned a 1-1 draw in their opening Big 5 game against South championship division winners Moruga Secondary on February 2, made their visit to Blanchisseuse count as Nkosi Fuentes sealed the three points with the lone goal of the match in the 65th minute.

St Augustine have a slim one-point lead in the standings ahead of Tobago championship division winners Signal Hill Secondary, who registered a 3-2 comeback win against Moruga in their first game of the playoffs on Friday.

Playing at the Moruga Secondary compound, the hosts took the lead against Signal Hill when Andell Maurice scored in the 25th minute. The visiting Tobago team did not back down, though, and they equalised just before the half through J'Meke Watkins. Signal Hill stormed out to a 3-1 lead in the second half, with Watkins doubling his tally and Jermaine Morgan finding the back of the net as well.

With five minutes of stoppage-time being played, Moruga tried to mount a miraculous comeback with a late goal from Diego Philip. However, the boys from Tobago came away from the South land with the precious three points.

Both Blanchisseuse and Moruga have collected one point after two matches. Central championship division winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal high School, who were on a bye, also have the solitary point.

The Big 5 playoffs action continues on Tuesday when Signal Hill host Miracle Ministries and Blanchisseuse host Moruga Secondary. Table-toppers St Augustine will be on a bye.

SSFL Big 5 playoff standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

1.St Augustine*2*1*1*0*2*1*1*4

2.Signal Hill*1*1*0*0*3*2*1*3

3.Miracle Ministries*1*0*1*0*0*0*0*1

4.Moruga*2*0*1*1*3*4*-1*1

5.Blanchisseuse*2*0*1*1*0*1*-1*1

124

Football / Re: Republic Bank National Youth Football League Thread.

« on: February 20, 2024, 09:46:31 PM »

Evolution FC making their mark in Edinburgh 500
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

ALTHOUGH they are a relatively new club that were registered in July 2022, Evolution FC are ready to make their mark on the local football scene and are targeting a successful campaign in the 2024 Republic Cup National Youth Football League (NYFL) which kicks off on February 24.

Through the collaborative efforts of co-directors and coaches Husani Thomas and Kern Cupid, a former national senior team defender, the Evolution FC project came to life after both men navigated the restrictions of covid19 in 2021 with their coaching methods. What started off with small training sessions with a handful of children in the Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas area soon blossomed into something far greater as the numbers gradually increased with the lifting of outdoor restrictions early in 2022.

“(The journey) started with coaching during covid19, and then Kern and I decided to formulate the club. We thought about a few names and we landed on this one,” Thomas told Newsday.

“We said Evolution is what represents us best in terms of our vision. Our vision is, when a player comes to us, no matter their ability, skill level or age, by the time they come to us and spend time with us, they must evolve into a better player, a better person and a better contributor to society.”

With sessions at their Edinburgh 500 recreation ground home venue, Thomas and Cupid, together with fellow coaches Khafra Anderson, Alana Aqui and Brendon Burke, have extended the Evolution FC membership to roughly 250 youngsters within the span of two years.

In their setup, Evolution FC have players from ages four to 23, and they also have approximately 20 girls in the club, most of whom participate in the under-8 age group.

The club sustains itself via a $200 monthly fee which is paid by members in the various age groups, and Thomas says Evolution FC are actively seeking sponsorship to assist the club in the long run.

“We have strong principles as young men and human beings too and we try to instill those and pass those on to the kids so when they join us, they must be able to contribute positively to society,” Thomas said.

“We have visions which are aligned with the paths we have taken as young footballers and young men who are passionate about the game and wanting to improve and wanting to achieve goals, no matter what they may be.”

Apart from contesting the Republic Cup tournament in 2023, when their under-15 team got a quarter-final finish in the Trinidad leg of the competition, the club also hosted their first one-day football tournament (Evolution Cup) last April and intend to host the second edition on March 23, 2024.

Evolution FC players entered the RBC Race For The Kids 5K in October, with the club also hosting an online SEA workshop and a first aid course for parents and more senior members within the club’s setup.

125

Football / Re: FIFA appoints normalisation committee for Trinidad and Tobago football

« on: February 20, 2024, 09:33:33 PM »

Ramdhan wants new blood managing T&T football
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

Despite the issuing of fresh elections by the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee last week, the sport is not yet in a safe place and will not be until there are changes in the people lobbying for positions to lead it, Ramesh Ramdhan said yesterday.

However, his entry into the administration of the sport as the general secretary of the T&T Football Association (TTFA) in 2019 was short-lived, as the sport's world governing body- FIFA intervened to cut short the William Wallace-led administration which had only been in power for three months.

Ramdhan, who was the first referee from the Caribbean to officiate in the World Cup Finals (Japan-Croatia) during the 1998 World Cup in France, also had a short stint in the same position within the normalisation committee before his departure from the sport which he claimed owed unpaid salaries for several months.

The normalisation committee, led by businessman Robert Hadad, last week, issued an April 30 date for fresh elections of the TTFA, leading to the usual off-the-field battle among administrators.

To date, only three candidates - Selby Browne, the president of the Veterans Football Foundation of T&T, Keiron Edwards - president of the Eastern Football Association, and businessman and Southern Football Association president Dennis Latiff have shown an interest in leading the T&T football public.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports on Thursday, Ramdhan issued a football card that would prevent all candidates from even considering the elections, noting that he had 'no confidence' in any of them. He said he believed that former TTFA Special Advisor Jack Warner was the most successful administrator in T&T, and urged whoever the new administration is, to seek advice from Warner if they wanted to be successful.

"There are not enough people involved in football presently, who could make a significant contribution to change our direction. I think we need people outside of the normal association and membership, who could impact football in a different way. It has not worked in the past, and apart from from FIVA vice president Jack Warner, who was a one-man show and who had resources at his hands, I think we need a group of people collectively, who really have an interest in football and not personal agendas," Ramdhan said.

Warner, who also held the positions of CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president, has been banned from football for life and is also indicted on corruption charges by the US authorities, who are seeking to have him extradited.

However, Ramdhan said, "I think too many of our people who are involved in football right now have their own agendas, it's friendship, it's where you from, it's all kinds of different things. I can call people from outside of the current crop of association members to come and really make a proper contribution to football."

Ramdhan said: "Any contribution Mr Warner has to make in football will be useful, and I am saying that it is the most successful administration, given all the negatives that people put on the table where his administration is concerned. I think Trinidad has seen success under Mr Warner, albeit all that was said about him. Warner has a wealth of knowledge in football, especially in the marketing of the game, and the way he promotes the game, but he didn't go beyond it, which I wanted him to do and set up academies and so on and take it from the grassroots level up, but there was too much to be done at the top and he wanted quick success and he didn't see that then."

He added, "In his point of view, it was important in getting a team to the football World Cup. People might say we have the best chance now to qualify for another World Cup in 2026, and yes they have a possibility of several teams from the CONCACAF region that could possibly be in the World Cup, so yes we have a great chance. Between now and 2026, it takes somebody with experience, who has done it before to help us down that road, and I feel that in some way, whichever administration comes into office, they should seek out Mr Warner's advice on how to get there."

126

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: February 16, 2024, 07:16:14 PM »

T&T U-20 football coach: We must beat St Vincent – No disrespect
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago under-20 men's football coach Brian Haynes says his team's main focus ahead of this month's Concacaf under-20 championship qualifiers is their opening game against St Vincent and Grenadines (SVG), at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on February 23.

T&T are placed with Dominica, SVG and group favourites Canada in group D. Only the group winner will advance to this year's Concacaf under-20 championship, to join the five other group winners from the qualifiers and the region's six highest-ranked under-20 teams: US, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.

Haynes said his team will have no room for mistakes once the qualifying campaign begins.

"We are preparing for the first game. That is it. Nothing means anything unless we play that first game and do what we have to do to win that game," Haynes told T&T Football Association (TTFA) media at a training session on Thursday.

"No disrespect to St Vincent or whoever we are going to play, but that is our focus – winning that first game."

After their opening game against SVG, the young Soca Warriors play Dominica on February 25, before ending the group with a meeting against Canada on February 27. All group D games will be played at the Mucurapo venue.

Haynes admitted to knowing little about T&T's opponents.

"(We have not been able to get much information on other teams), which is fine. It is really quiet out there.

"It makes me more determined to prepare my team the way we have to play."

On Wednesday, Haynes' 21-man squad for the qualifiers was announced, with seven foreign-based players being included. The team also features 11 members from coach Shawn Cooper's T&T team which competed at last year's Concacaf under-17 championship. The foreign-based players include goalkeeper Ailan Panton, striker Larry Noel, attacking midfielder Derrel Garcia and English-born flanker Rio Cardines, a Crystal Palace youth player.

Haynes said the inclusion of the foreign-based talent has raised the intensity of the squad.

"The level of professionalism is one thing, and the level of play is another thing. The body of work these guys bring to the group is awesome," Haynes said.

"They are not here to be casual. They are here working hard and giving their best. What it has done is lift the level of all the players."

Haynes said the process of trimming his squad was a difficult one and he likened the feeling to "getting rid of kids you own."

He said the players were gutted to be released from the final squad, but he assured them of their significance in getting the team to their current level.

Haynes promised "possession-oriented" football with a purpose and he said it was imperative for his team to keep clean sheets in the qualifiers as they have a competent defensive group.

"(The fans) are going to meet a bunch of players who are very hard-working. Second of all, they are going to meet a bunch of players who play for each other.

"Thirdly and most importantly, (the fans will see) a team that wants to win and entertain T&T."

The under-20s have had mixed fortunes in friendlies against Jamaica's under-20 team and a locally based T&T men's team in the last few weeks, recording one win and two losses. From 4 pm on Saturday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, Haynes' team will take on another friendly outing when they meet T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier two team QPCC.

127

Football / Re: TTFA News Thread.

« on: February 14, 2024, 04:03:44 PM »

Football poker: Candidates cautious about TTFA slates; NC to go April 30
By Garth Wattley (T&T Express)

The time for declaring slates for the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) elections has arrived, but potential presidential candidates are keeping their cards close to their chests when it comes to their slates.

April 13, has been set as the date for the Extraordinary Congress at which TTFA members will elect a new nine-person executive according to the revised constitution, thus ending the tenure of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee (NC) headed by businessman Robert Hadad.

Yesterday, the TTFA gave formal notice to members of the convening of the Extraordinary Congress on April 13.

In addition, a TTFA release yesterday, also stated that according to correspondence from FIFA, the NC’s tenure has been extended to “30 April 2024, at the latest to facilitate the appropriate timeline for an election in accordance with the TTFA Statutes.”

In a letter announcing the election date to members on February 3, the TTFA said the process, “will be facilitated by a short extension of the NC’s mandate.” The previous extension given to the NC had it going on March 31.

In giving a timeline of events leading up to the elections, the release yesterday stated that at or before 11.59 p.m. on February 28, “candidatures for any of the nine executive committee positions must be submitted to the TTFA General Secretariat by recorded post, by email with delivery notification, or delivered by hand in exchange for confirmation of receipt in accordance with Article 8 par. 2 of the TTFA Electoral Code.”

The period for submitting nominations and slates of candidates is now in effect.

On the weekend, three men who have publicly indicated their desire to run for president—Kieron Edwards, Dennis Latiff and Selby Browne—were busy sorting out their teams. And none were yet willing to publicly name members of their slates.

However, Eastern Football Association (EFA) president Edwards expressed confidence in his group. “I think it’s one of, if not the best,” he told the Express. “It would be a mix of members representing the membership in the widest way, as well as professionals that could lend to football and have a sense of football too, not just an account for an accountant’s sake.”

Edwards explained, “It would be an accountant that has some ties to football. If it’s a lawyer, it would be a lawyer with some ties to football. It would be a professional with expertise but still understanding football.”

Southern Football Association (SFA) boss Dennis Latiff had been trying to get potential rivals to join his slate, but he said this won’t happen now. “Most people want to have their own slate. We can’t agree on some things,” he said.

However, according to Latiff, he is still spoiled for choice. “More and more people want to come in and join up...I kinda overwhelmed right now...I’m talking about the quality of people that want to come in,” he said.

Meanwhile, Browne, head of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFTT) is looking to settle his team by this weekend. “We have the names for all the nine posts,” he declared.

“Actually we have more than one name (for some positions) but the final (selections) will be determined at our meeting on Saturday,” Browne intimated.

And he, too, is pleased with the people willing to work with him. “We have a good pool. A mix of experience and youth, competent in their respective fields,” he said.

128

Football / Re: NLCL U-19 Community Cup Thread

« on: February 14, 2024, 03:42:23 PM »

QPCC, Point Fortin top NLCL U-19 groups ahead of quarters
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

QPCC and Point Fortin Youth Academy topped their respective groups when groups A and B of the 2023/24 Next Level Consulting Ltd (NLCL) under-19 community cup concluded on February 11 (Carnival Sunday).

QPCC amassed 29 points from their 12 matches to top group A, with Point Fortin racking up 23 points from ten matches to finish atop the six-team group B. The top three teams from groups A and B both booked automatic spots for next month’s quarter-finals.

At the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, QPCC took their season’s tally to 53 goals when they got a thumping 6-0 win over the cellar-placed Cantaro United, who finished group play without a point to their name. Both Luke Correia and Steven Griffth scored a double for QPCC, with former TT under-17 player Aydon Caruth also finding the back of the net for the Parkites.

In the second game of a doubleheader in Malabar, Athletic International Academy (AIA) consolidated third spot in group A when they hammered the fifth-placed Malabar Young Stars by a 5-1 margin. The St Anthony’s College attacking pair of Theo Crovador and Jean-Marc Thomas scored two goals apiece as AIA finished the group phase of the competition on a high. AIA ended the group on 24 points, two behind two-time reigning champions Soccer Made Simple (26 points) and five points back of group winners QPCC.

Caledonia (20 points) maintained fourth spot in group A when they got a huge 7-2 win over Blast FC in a nine-goal affair at the Morvant recreation ground. Keiron Hinds scored a hat-trick to lead the Caledonia charge, with Leikwon David also registering a double to leave the visiting Blast team empty-handed.

With their fourth-place finish in the group, Caledonia will now meet group B’s fourth-place team, Made in La Brea, in a playoff match at the Mahaica Sporting Complex, Point Fortin on Thursday for a spot in the quarter-final.

Point Fortin did not need to kick a ball to secure top spot in group B on Sunday, as they won their game against table-proppers Moruga FC by default.

Gasparillo Youths (22 points) finished a close second in group B as they came from behind to get a 3-1 win over Kamillionare FC at St Mary’s recreation ground in Moruga. Kamillionare got a 15th-minute lead through Kemarley George, but Gasparillo responded in emphatic fashion as Jerrell Griffith scored three unanswered goals to complete the comeback win for his team.

In a battle between the third-place Central Soccer World (CSW) and Made in La Brea, the former team displayed their dominance as they stormed to a 5-1 comeback victory in Balmain, Couva. Jalon Jones opened the scoring for Made in La Brea in the seventh minute, but CSW took full control of the game thereafter as they led by a 2-1 margin at the half before adding three more goals in the second half. Jelani Stoute scored in either half for CSW as they finished group play on 19 points. Made in La Brea ended the group on 13 points.

In group C action in Tobago, Ball Blasters Youth FA (12 points) continued their perfect run with a 2-1 comeback win over Eagles FC at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet. Jarion Dennis scored in the 38th minute for Eagles, but second-half goals by Imanhi Forbes and Mario Pereira cut their flight short. Ball Blasters will be Tobago’s sole representative in the quarter-final.

129

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: February 12, 2024, 02:14:06 PM »

Haynes pleased with CONCACAF U-20 Championship schedule
T&T Express

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S Under-20 men’s football team head coach Brian Haynes is excited at the schedule released Saturday ahead of T&T’s opening CONCACAF U-20 Championship match against St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on February 23, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS), from 6 pm.

That match is the second of a double-header and will be preceded by the encounter involving Canada and Dominica at 3 p.m. In the round-robin formatted tournament, T&T will then next take on Dominica on February 25 from 6 p.m., following on from the first match on that day between Canada and SVG at 3 p.m.

However, T&T’s most difficult match is poised to be the final one on February 27 against Canada, from 6 p.m. St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominic clash from 3 p.m. that day. All tournament matches will be played at the HCS.

Haynes is extremely upbeat about the timeline of matches. “So excited we are going to be getting ready to play this tournament,” said Haynes.

“And looking at the schedule—me and the staff have been looking at it and getting excited at the fact that we will be the team who will be playing the last game (every match day), so we will get an opportunity to see the teams and how to play them.”

Haynes stressed that his team would be looking to secure victories in their first two games against SVG and Dominica, respectively.

“It is the same thing that we are looking at in trying to win these games and then looking forward to play against Canada who we think—we are the dark horse and they are big team in the group, and we are very excited to see that we get to see them play first and we get to play them last and we get to play at home.”

Haynes added it would be exciting for his charges to be playing the last game each match day because “we are going to make sure we entertain the crowds, so we bring them back for the next game and then for the last game as well.

“It is a plus in that we get to see the teams we are going to play before we play them and we are going to try our best to use our home field advantage with the (overseas) guys coming in,” Haynes concluded.

130

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: February 10, 2024, 01:33:25 PM »

Angus Eve lauds recent training camp, targets professionalism, consistency
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

Angus Eve, coach of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, said “professionalism and consistency” were some of the targets at a four-day training camp which ended recently. The camp was attended by 35 players, featured first-time invitees German-born Keenon Erfuth, 21, and Denmark-based Marc Gangia, 26, and mainly local-based players.

The squad trained at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar from Monday to Thursday as part of preparations for the upcoming Copa America play-in versus Canada, which takes place in Frisco, Texas on March 23.

“I thought it was excellent,” Eve told T&T Football Association media on Thursday. “The exercises were exactly what we wanted to do. We worked on ball possession, rotating midfielders, creating space for wingers and strikers. What we were working on we were happy with it.”

“We’re just building to where we want to be. The camp has been a huge success. We exposed a number of players to what we do as a staff and how we want to play football. We want to play in this attacking style.”

Alongside newcomers Erfuth and Gangia, Eve also recalled to the national set up the likes of John-Paul Rochford, Andrian Foncette, Kaihim Thomas, Brent Sam, Jamal Jack and Isaiah Lee.

But the core bunch comprised of several T&T squad members who featured during the nation’s Concacaf National League quarter-final journey last year. They included T&T Premier Football League standouts Denzil Smith, Justin Garcia, Real Gill, Kevon Goddard, Reon Moore, Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron, Ross Russell Jr, Alvin Jones and Christopher Biggette.

This was one of Eve’s first training sessions held for his local crop of players ahead of the Canada playoff. He was keen to get back on the training pitch for the first time since the 2-1 victory over USA in the Nations League last November.

Eve also spent time on explaining the importance of professionalism and intensity during matches.

“Sometimes when the game is going well we tend to drop our intensity and have a lack of professionalism. But once they could maintain that intensity – because international football is a lot different from the two practice matches we played.

“But I think it’s a work in progress. It’s some young kids that we invited here today. The professionalism and the consistency, and to continue to do the right things over and over, is what we’re trying to achieve here.”

T&T have two practice matches against Jamaica in early March in Trinidad. The Reggae Boyz’s trip to Trinidad follows the Soca Warriors tour of Jamaica last year for two friendly matches. The camp also serves as preparation for the Jamaica clash.

A live-in camp in Texas follows, ahead of the Copa American playoff.

“This exercise has gone a long way for us to analyse some of the players who would be probably ready for that. Jamaica is already in training in a local camp over there too. It would be a good workout for both teams,” he said.

T&T Training Squad:

Kaihim Thomas, Reon Moore, Jamali Garcia, Christopher Biggette, Jabari St Hillaire, Kevon Goddard, Justin Garcia, Brent Sam, Nathaniel Garcia, Justin Sadoo (all of Defence Force), Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron, Liam Burns, John-Paul Rochford, Isaiah Leacock (all of AC PoS), Real Gill, Shervonez Hamilton, Kai Moos, Jamal Jack (all of Club Sando), Alvin Jones, Robert Primus, Adrian Foncette (all of Police FC), Daniel David, Ross Russell Jr, Isaiah Lee (all of La Horquetta Rangers), Luke Phillips, Denzil Smith, Justin Cornwall, Mark Ramdeen (all of Point Fortin Civic), Mickaeel Gordon (1976 Phoenix), Rhondel Gibson (Eagles FC), Keenon Erfurth (VFR Neumunster/Germany), Marc Gangia (Dalum IF, Denmark), Jonathan Assue

131

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: February 10, 2024, 01:27:51 PM »

T&T U-20 coach happy despite loss to senior men, close to picking squad
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)

T&T UNDER-20 men's football coach Brian Haynes is close to selecting his final squad for the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifiers.

T&T will host Group D of the qualifiers from February 23–March 2. T&T will play Canada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. The winner of the group will advance to the 2024 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championships.

On Thursday, the T&T Under-20s lost a practice match to the men's senior team 2-1 at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima.

In a T&T Football Association release, Haynes said, "With the staff, we have already narrowed down what we are looking at and what we are looking for, and the gaps we are able to fill and the gaps we are able to strengthen...It is starting to come together now and it feels more like a team. It's not 40 players any more, now we just have 25 in the camp and it is awesome."

Haynes said the practice match was beneficial. "Very, very good for me. I am so thankful for (Soca Warriors coach) Angus (Eve) for doing this because it does nothing but to help the young players. To play against experienced players, to play against composed players, to play against players who know how to play the game properly – it's always good to get those type of games."

Getting the opportunity to play against senior players taught his players what is required to be competitive, said Haynes. "It might be a humbling experience, but at the same time it is a very good experience going into what we have ahead of us...I don't care who we play against, we probably won't get (to play against) players who are that skilful and that experienced, but we can learn from it and understand how much more we have to work to get to that level."

Giving more details about the match, Haynes said. "It showed our defensive frailties, it showed when teams who are good on the ball, teams who know how to use space and teams that know how to switch the point of attack at will, it shows that we need to get more prepared for it.

"We have to work on being much more effective on offence. I think we do a good job getting the ball from the back to the midfield and to the top of the 18-yard (box), but the final product has to become better ."

132

Football / Re: Tobago Football League Thread.

« on: February 10, 2024, 11:46:41 AM »

Alfred: Tobago football before elections
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

Tobago Football Association (TFA) president Everton Alfred is staying clear of the coming elections of the T&T Football Association to be held tentatively in April until football on the island is the way it is supposed to be.

His board of members, comprising himself, Desmond Alfred- 1st Vice President, Carel Percy- 2nd VP, and Ronald Duke, the 3rd VP will meet with several items on the agenda to be discussed, including the elections and a discussion on the recent amendments to the football association Constitution which were all accepted at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on January 28.

Alfred assured that he is one person on the island who is anything but interested in the election of a new executive for the T&TFA, however, he said he is more than willing to work with anyone who is elected.

“I am not interested in having any slate or being on any slate. I expect that the people seeking election will visit us and make their presentations. As far as I am concerned, I am willing to work with anybody once the interest of Tobago football is being taken care of,” Alfred explained.

“For me, I have to make sure that my house is clean first before I can go outside. On the island here, I know that we have to move Tobago football forward. At present, it is not where it ought to be,” Alfred said.

The longstanding Tobago football administrator is already tackling the regular issues of referee-bashing and ridicule in the game, by putting together a forum that will treat the issues between players and referees can be dealt with.

He described it as a critical issue in the sport that has to be dealt with. Another concern for him is the construction of a quality Tobago football team for both boys/men and women/girls that will help serve the interests of T&T football.

In addition, the Tobago FA will also focus on clubs being compliant, as well as the new Safeguarding policies. So far, the coming T&TFA elections, the final mandate given to the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee back in 2020, has generated huge interest with a few candidates making clear their intentions.

Already Keiron Edwards, the Eastern Football Association (EFA) president has confirmed his interest in being the new TTFA president, as well as businessman Dennis Latiff, the Southern Football Association boss, who told Guardian Media Sports that he is now in the process of putting together his slate.

Also expected to vie for the leadership of football in T&T is Selby Browne, the Veterans Football Foundation of T&T president, and Brian Jordan, the promoter and founder of the NLCL Community Youth Cup. Colin Wharfe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the T&T Premier Football League is also rumoured to be a possible contender, but he told Guardian Media last week that he is consumed by the demands of the T&T PFL.

133

Football / Re: Ryan Telfer Thread

« on: February 07, 2024, 08:51:16 PM »

Halifax Wanderers sign Canadian/Trinidadian forward Ryan Telfer
hfxwanderersfc.canpl.ca

The Halifax Wanderers have signed Canadian/Trinidadian forward Ryan Telfer to a contract for the 2024 CPL season with a club option for 2025.

Telfer, 29, joins the Wanderers from USL Championship side Miami FC, where he scored five goals in 30 matches during the 2023 season.

“I have known Ryan for a long time and had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions; we’re excited to add a player of his level to our attack,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “He’s a left-footer that has loads of experience against tough opposition playing in some big games for club and country and has developed into a leader over the years. We expect Ryan to help us stretch the game and bring his ability on the ball this season.”

Telfer is a household name in the Canadian Premier League, having played from 2019 to 2021 with York United and Atlético Ottawa. He scored the first goal in CPL history on April 27, 2019, in the league’s inaugural match between York and Forge FC. In 49 league matches, Telfer has scored 11 goals.

“I’ve been interested in joining the Wanderers for a long time, going back to the start of the CPL, so I’m excited it’s finally happening,” Telfer said. “I’m looking forward to playing in Canada again and being on a team that is playing an exciting brand of football. Also, the atmosphere in Halifax has always been something I looked forward to playing in, and I’m happy to be on the home side this time.”

Able to play on either wing and a scoring threat with both feet, Telfer signed with Toronto FC in 2017 after playing at York University and Vaughan Azzurri. He made his MLS debut for Toronto in 2018, scoring his first goal on May 19 of that year against Orlando City SC. Over three seasons at the club (2017-2019), Telfer made a combined 58 appearances between Toronto FC and TFC II.

Telfer signed with Columbus Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro for the 2022 season, scoring three times in 12 regular season matches. He also scored in the league’s championship match as Crew 2 won the first title in league history.

“We are delighted to welcome a player of Ryan’s pedigree to the Wanderers, someone we have tracked for a number of seasons,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “His experience in this league, as well as his flourishing international career alongside our club captain Andre Rampersad for Trinidad & Tobago, make Ryan a valuable addition to the squad.”

Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Telfer spent his childhood in Trinidad and Tobago before returning to Canada as a teenager, qualifying him as a domestic player. He was called up by Trinidad and Tobago in September of 2019 and made his international debut in a CONCACAF Nations League match against Martinique. In 28 appearances for his country, Telfer has scored nine goals and tallied six assists. Alongside Wanderers captain Andre Rampersad, Telfer featured in Trinidad and Tobago’s recent 2-1 victory over the United States in November.

Full Name: Ryan Telfer

Age: 29

Position: Forward

Height: 5’11”

Birth Date: March 4, 1994

Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario

Nationality: Canadian/Trinidadian

134

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Levi Garcia

« on: February 05, 2024, 01:22:27 PM »

AEK Athens vs Astera Tripolis (February 4, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/AeGO4-NiEAk?start=101" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/AeGO4-NiEAk?start=101</a>

135

Football / Re: The Jack Warner Thread.

« on: February 03, 2024, 11:21:24 PM »

‘Nightmare is over’: Warner welcomes US Supreme Court FIFA ruling
By Rickie Ramdass (T&T Express)

FORMER FIFA vice-president Austin Jack Warner says he has no doubt that the “nightmare” brought upon him by the United States government, which accused him of bribery, money laundering and other fraud-related crimes during his time as an executive of football’s governing body, is now over.

His comment came following a ruling in the United States Supreme Court last week Friday in which the court held that prosecutors in the US overreached their boundaries when they applied laws of the United States to groups of people, many of them being foreign nationals, who allegedly defrauded FIFA, another foreign organisation, with its headquarters based in Switzerland.

“My lawyers have told me that my nightmare is over and I have every reason to believe what they have said. They are now working to pursue the matter further to see what redress I am entitled to. They have told me that my nightmare is over because the Supreme Court is not a court that you can appeal against. It is the final court in the US,” Warner said yesterday.

He was speaking during an interview on radio station i95.5FM, with sports commentator Andre Baptiste.

The radio station is a member of One Caribbean Media (OCM), which also includes the Express and CCN TV6.

The New York Times reported on January 27 that the Supreme Court last year limited a law that was key to the FIFA case. Last September, a federal judge, citing that law, threw out the convictions of two defendants linked to football corruption.

Now, several former football officials at FIFA, including some who paid millions of dollars in penalties and served time in prison, are arguing that the bribery schemes for which they were convicted are no longer considered a crime in the United States.

They are now seeking to have all their fines repaid, and also be compensated for the time they were made to spend in prison.

Overstepping boundaries

During the interview with Baptiste yesterday, Warner said he always knew that the US government was over-stepping its boundaries.

“I am in full agreement with the Supreme Court matter. I always knew that the US was wrong to attack and destroy FIFA and destroy people’s lives and so on just because they did not get a World Cup venue. It is utterly ridiculous for people to be imprisoned and to be charged being a member of a private organisation as FIFA and to be charged by the US government for what they did or did not do to stay in FIFA.

“I always knew that was an overreach, (an) overkill and I think the Supreme Court has justified what my thoughts have been in the matter,” said Warner.

Warner is currently facing extradition proceedings in this country to be sent to the United States to face the criminal charges he allegedly committed.

The proceedings are expected to come up for hearing sometime later this month in the Port of Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court.

However, given the ruling of the US Supreme Court, the extradition warrant that was issued by the US government in 2015 may be discontinued.

“I am feeling relieved. My life has been destroyed, my family’s life has been destroyed and I have spent tonnes of money on this matter. All I did was to tell FIFA that it is time to change the paradigm of giving the World Cup to Europe and South America. I said to them, ‘just go to the Middle East’.

“It is this that has caused me to be where I am today. The irony is that people in the Middle East, thanks to my efforts and others, Qatar (which hosted the World Cup in 2022) has produced one of the best World Cups this world has ever seen. So, I feel vindicated in a sense for what I have done, but the price that I have paid for that is overbearing,” said Warner.

He added that another issue he wanted to raise was the millions of dollars of taxpayers’ funds the State had spent paying attorneys to have him extradited to the United States.

“The US government wants to have me extradited to the US, then the US should engage lawyers here and spend their own money and not taxpayers’ money of which part is mine.

“Here you have a government of Trinidad and Tobago spending taxpayers’ money to try to get a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago sent to the US.”

Warner said his attorneys had sent a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Office of the Attorney General to determine exactly how much funds had been dispensed to attorneys up to the date of the request to have him extradited.

The State, he said, only provided some of the information.

It revealed that at least $7.5 million had been spent.

“They said they could not release the rest of information. That has forced us to take the AG to court and we have engaged the AG in the matter because we feel that a full revelation must be made to the people of this country of what the Government has spent on a trial to get its citizen extradited to another country,” said Warner.

136

Football / Re: Scouting for Talent Thread

« on: February 03, 2024, 05:45:28 PM »

Andover's Josh Chatee aims Trinidad and Tobago squad
By By Ken Gaunt (Andover Advertiser)

18th October 2023

AN ANDOVER man has moved 1,800 miles from his home to continue his football career in Sweden after failing to win a pro contract at Reading, writes Ken Gaunt.

For Josh Chatee, 26, the Scandinavian country has become almost a home away from home as his sixth season there is coming to a close.

The talented midfielder has two ambitions, one short term and one long term.

The first is saving his club Bodens BK, who play in the Swedish third tier,  League One North, dropping down a division.

The other is stepping up his bid to break into the Trinidad and Tobago national squad.

He is eligible through his grandfather and conversations have already taken place with senior officials.

Josh said: “ I am aiming towards next year and trying to make things happen. The most important part of that is to get a Trinidad passport.

“At the moment my club are in a relegation battle and it is also important for me that we do not lose our status.

“I want to be playing at a high level.  My contact is up next month when the season ends and I am sure we will have a conversation about that.

“But at the moment it is important we pick up some points in our last four games. That’s the goal.”

Josh admitted it was tough being told he wouldn’t get a contract after coming through Reading’s academy. But he soon shrugged off that disappointment.

“The football foundation helped me a lot,” he said. "So I went out to Sweden and I had three coaches in my three months there!

“But I decided to continue playing there and I enjoy the lifestyle in the country. Apart from a short spell with Portadown in Northern Ireland, it’s where I have developed as a pro.”

Josh intends to stay in Sweden until December and do some training before returning to a Hampshire winter.

He still retains a soft spot for Reading and knows some of the players and staff there, adding:  “The sports science team organised a fitness programme for me when I came home last season. It was a really nice touch.”

137

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: February 03, 2024, 10:08:08 AM »

Haynes looking for more consistency from U-20s
T&T Express

HEAD COACH Brian Haynes said he is seeking consistency after his Men’s Under-19 national team lost 1-3 to Jamaica in their friendly at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Thursday.

In a ten-minute span Jamaica scored three goals in the first half.

“I take the blame for (that) because I need to prepare them enough to be ready for any game that they are playing,” Haynes told TTFA Media.

He added the Jamaicans took care of their chances while his charges did not.

“Those things mount up and teams get momentum when you miss chances...it becomes harder on us,” Haynes said, adding the overall performance was “choppy,

“At times we controlled the game, at times we were out of control...they were too sporadic up and down, up and down and in games like these, at this time of the year when we are getting ready to go into a tournament, we need to have some consistency.”

Haynes said his charges performed better in the second half after he made a tactical change to the formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 to deny the Jamaicans space.

Describing his charges as a good cohesive group, Haynes said the goal going forward was to ensure the squad does not give away easy chances while fighting to regain possession.

“All we have to do is keep working hard no matter what happens. We concentrated for the most part...I am thankful it is happening now and not in the tournament,” Haynes reasoned. “While we didn’t win the game, the experience they got here is something you cannot get in practice.”

Foreign-based players are expected to try out for the squad, starting from the Carnival Camp which starts Carnival Friday and runs through to Ash Wednesday.

But Haynes said they would only be welcome if they make the team better.

“This group here has made me proud and I am saying I love it. We have good players coming from overseas...but we have good soccer players here in Trinidad...and if the guys that are coming in are not challenging these guys, this is what I am going with.”

138

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: February 03, 2024, 10:04:21 AM »

U-20 Reggae Boyz get revenge against Trinidad and Tobago in 3-1 win
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago's under-20 men's football team were dealt a 3-1 loss by Jamaica's under-20 team in their second friendly encounter which was played at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Thursday.

Jamaica exacted revenge over T&T, as the previous friendly between the Caribbean nations ended with a 3-2 result in T&T's favour last week. As both teams continue their preparations for this month's Concacaf under-20 championship qualifiers, the Jamaican team came away with a morale boost.

T&T coach Brian Haynes said his team's loss stemmed from "ten minutes of madness" in the first half, which saw the Jamaicans scoring three goals to put the contest beyond the hosts. The T&T team started the game in shaky fashion at the back, and lively Jamaican midfielder Denzel McKenzie made them pay a hefty price — scoring a pair of delicious goals inside the first 20 minutes of the game.

With panicked and clumsy defending being the order of the day for T&T, Jamaica ran up a 3-0 lead when McKenzie got his second goal and they threatened to blow the young Soca Warriors away in Malabar.

Jamaica's first goal came in just the ninth minute. Remarkably, they could have been down 2-0 at the time as custodian Tor Fletcher saved a penalty from Christopher Ainsworth just seconds before. Soon after Fletcher dived to his right to keep out Ainsworth's left-footed penalty, McKenzie put the visitors ahead with a curling right-footer from the ensuing corner as Jamaica caught T&T off guard with a swift set-piece routine.

Fletcher picked the ball out of his net just four minutes later when his central defender Russell Francois inadvertently poked a low cross into the roof of the TT goal. There was little Fletcher or Francois could have done about Jamaica's third goal, as McKenzie arrowed a free kick into the top corner from the edge of the area after a handball infringement by a T&T player.

Haynes made an adjustment as soon as the 22nd minute, as Naparima College midfielder Kanye Francis replaced St Benedict’s College striker Malachi Webb. Francis nearly brought T&T level in the 33rd minute with a thunderous long-range blast which crashed off the bar.

With the hosts increasingly growing into the game, they pulled a goal back in the 41st minute when their talisman Lindell Sween slid home from close range following a bad turnover by Nickoy Gayle in the Jamaica half.

Following their horrid showing at the back in the early stages, T&T threatened to cut loose just before the break, with both Levi Jones and J'Lon Matthews coming close to bulging the net with fierce hits from outside the area.

Jamaica's control of the game diminished in the second half and they opted to play the counter-attacking game. T&T fashioned decent chances in the second half, particularly through substitute Michael Chaves. However, the Fatima College student could not find his golden touch and the hosts were unable to make any further inroads.

T&T's blushes were also spared in the dying stages of the game when Dunsting Cohen was brilliantly denied from point-blank range.

With T&T expected to go into a Carnival camp next week ahead of their campaign which starts on February 23, Haynes said a friendly encounter with a locally based T&T men's team outfit could be on the cards soon.

T&T are grouped with Canada, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines for the championship qualifiers and will play all their matches at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. Only the group winner will advance to the Concacaf men's under-20 championship.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 1.Tor Fletcher (GK) (22.Bryan Gafiuk [GK] 65); 2.Lyshaun Morris (14.Akil Henry 73), 4.Cody Cooper (captain), 5.Russel Francois (19.Jabari Forbes 81), 3.Duhrell Young (23.Nathan Quashie 73); 8.Abayomi George (16.Tau Lamsee 78), 6.Levi Jones (20.Addae Paponette 78); 7.Jlon Matthews (15.Joshua Figaro 78), 10.Lindell Sween (18.Michael Chaves 49), 11.Malachi Webb (12.Kanye Francis 21 [15.Aidan De Gannes 65]); 9.Tyrell Moore (17.Andell Fraser 57).

Unused substitute: 21.Makaya Taylor (GK).

Coach: Brian Haynes

Jamaica (4-2-3-1): 1.Joshua Grant (GK); 2.Malachi Molina, 3.Kyron Horsley McKay, 4.Michael Forbes, 5.Rolando Barrett; 15.Adrian Reid, 18.Romarion Thomas; 10.Brian Burkett, 6.Denzel McKenzie, 12.Christopher Ainsworth; 19.Tyrese Gowe.

Substitutes: 13.Taywane Lynch (GK), 23.D’Jone Davis (GK), 7.Jahmani Bell, 8.Kobi Thomas, 9.Tarik Scott, 11.Malachi Grant, 14.Keyanni Jackson, 17.Omario Henry, 20.Nickoy Gayle, 21.Dunsting Cohen, 22.Demarion Harris.

Coach: John Wall

Referee: Kwinsi Williams

139

Football / Re: Kevin Molino Thread.

« on: February 02, 2024, 04:34:46 PM »

Columbus Crew mutually agree to terminate Kevin Molino’s contract
columbuscrew.com

The Columbus Crew and Kevin Molino have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder’s contract. The 33-year-old departs after three seasons with the Black & Gold.

“On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank Kevin for his contributions to the Crew over the past three seasons. He is a talented and solid professional who brought good, positive energy to the team, on and off the field,” said Columbus Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “After speaking with Kevin, we have agreed to allow him to pursue other opportunities. It’s been a pleasure to work with him, including winning an MLS title last season, and we wish him all the best in the future.”

Molino joined the Crew as a Free Agent on Jan. 7, 2021, and appeared in 31 regular season games (11 starts), scoring two goals and adding two assists. In the Crew’s 2023 postseason campaign, Molino made five appearances and provided two assists, including a right-footed ball to Cucho Hernandez, who headed it across the face of the goal to Christian Ramirez for the game-winning goal in the 115th minute of the Eastern Conference Final, propelling the Black & Gold to MLS Cup.

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew mutually agree to terminate Kevin Molino’s contract on Feb. 2, 2024.

140

Football / Re: Noah Powder Thread

« on: February 01, 2024, 09:00:08 PM »

Noah Powder re-signs with Hailstorm for 2024 season
hailstormfc.com

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC announce that Noah Powder has been re-signed for 2024, pending League and Federation approval.

Powder joined Hailstorm in June and played in 20 matches last season. He scored three goals and providing five assists, which tied for second on the team.

“We knew he had quality when he came in, but it took him a couple months to really get going. Once he did, he was fantastic, took us up another level,” Hailstorm head coach Éamon Zayed said.

Capped 16 times by Trinidad and Tobago, Powder brings experience in both MLS and the USL Championship along with his standout performances for Hailstorm in 2023. His goal from distance against Charlotte Independence in a 4-2 Hailstorm win was nominated for the USL League One Goal of the Year.

After being knocked out in the USL League One semifinals last season, Powder is back in 2024 with just one thing on his mind.

“Become a champion. That should be the goal for all of us,” Powder said.

141

Football / Re: Triston Hodge Thread

« on: February 01, 2024, 07:47:09 AM »

Defender Triston Hodge returns to Hartford for 2024
hartfordathletic.com

Hartford Athletic defender Triston Hodge will return to Hartford for the 2024 season.

“I’m happy to be back in Hartford and to be a part of this competitive defensive unit,” said Hodge. “Through the first few weeks of preseason, Coach Burke has really pushed us and set a high standard for our team. I am excited to see us continue to improve and get closer as a group as we push to get this club back to the playoffs.”

Hodge returns to Hartford after a quality 2023 season with the Green and Blue. He was one of the team’s most reliable defenders across 24 appearances, winning 28 tackles, 121 duels, and swiping 26 interceptions. The 29 year old played for Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke in 2020 and 2021 with Colorado Springs, making 19 appearances and helping the Switchbacks to a playoff berth.

“Triston is a great defensive presence with impressive experience both in the USL and internationally,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “He is a technically sound defender, gets into the attack quickly, and will be a veteran presence in our back line.”

The 29 year old Trinidadian has nine caps for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team, most recently competing in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup for his country. In 2017, Hodge played in the Soca Warriors’ 2-1 win over the United States in the World Cup qualifiers.

142

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: January 27, 2024, 12:46:41 PM »

Phoenix rise over Eagles for 1st TTPFL win in Trinidad
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Tobago's 1976 FC Phoenix (nine points) moved up to eighth on the 2023/24 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) table when they got a comeback 2-1 win over Eagles FC at the Arima Velodrome in Friday's early game.

Winners of the TTPFL tier two division last season, Phoenix went into the match in tenth place and two points behind Eagles (eight points), who were eighth before kickoff. Eagles got the perfect start in the 11th minute, when their veteran striker Kevon "Showtime" Woodley tucked away a rebound to get his sixth goal of the season. Woodley, who hails from the countryside village of Charlotteville in Tobago, was soaring high for Eagles early on. However, Woodley and Eagles' flight was soon cut down by the visiting Phoenix.

Phoenix equalised in the 18th minute through their own star attacker Jem Gordon, who also got his sixth goal of the season after rounding Eagles custodian Nicholas Dick.

With previous home wins against Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (4-0) and Central FC (5-1), Phoenix scored another goal in the first half to get their first win away from the comfort of the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago.

Jariel Arthur sealed the three points for Phoenix in the 28th minute with a header past Dick to notch his second goal of the season as the Tobago club leapfrogged Eagles in the standings. Eagles slipped to ninth on the 11-team table.

There were two other TTPFL matches played after press time on Friday.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

1.AC PoS*8*7*0*1*24*6*18*21

2.Police FC*9*5*3*1*19*8*11*18

3.Defence Force FC*8*5*2*1*18*8*10*17

4.Club Sando*8*5*2*1*13*6*7*17

5.La Horquetta Rangers*8*4*1*3*16*12*4*13

6.Prisons FC*9*4*0*5*14*23*-9*12

7.Point Fortin Civic*8*3*2*3*12*10*2*11

8.1976 FC Phoenix*9*3*0*6*13*20*-7*9

9.Eagles FC*9*2*2*5*10*14*-4*8

10.Caledonia*8*2*0*6*10*14*-4*6

11.Central FC*8*0*0*8*5*33*-28*0

143

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Dantaye Gilbert

« on: January 26, 2024, 05:16:34 PM »

Leeds United U-21 vs Jong PSV (January 25, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/zvKnPMU_eq8?start=178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/zvKnPMU_eq8?start=178</a>

144

Football / Re: Dantaye Gilbert Thread

« on: January 26, 2024, 05:15:34 PM »

Dantaye Gilbert earns and scores a penalty to seal Jong PSV's 7-0 hammering of Leeds United U-21 in the Premier League International Cup.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/zvKnPMU_eq8?start=178" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/zvKnPMU_eq8?start=178</a>

145

Football / Re: 2026 World Cup Thread

« on: January 26, 2024, 04:44:06 PM »

Eve pleased with players' fitness, sharpness ahead of crucial 2024 fixtures
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago men’s football team is in a “better place,” according to Trinidad and Tobago coach Angus Eve, who is preparing the team for the 2024 international campaign.

In a TTFA media release on January 25, Eve spoke of the team’s plans ahead of the crucial Copa America qualifying play-in against Canada on March 23, followed by Concacaf World Cup qualification.

Trinidad and Tobago face off against Canada in Texas with the winner advancing to Group A of this year’s Copa America alongside Argentina, Peru and Chile.

It was also confirmed on Thursday at the World Cup qualification draw in Zurich, Switzerland, that Trinidad and Tobago will be grouped alongside Costa Rica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Bahamas for their 2026 Concacaf World Cup qualification. These nations make up Group B.

Looking ahead to the upcoming international fixtures, Eve is quietly confident his player pool will receive an additional boost ahead of both competitions.

This, he said, is mainly owing to the T&T Premier Football League in full swing and ongoing pre-season football for his foreign-based charges in North America.

Eve said a meeting was held with team staff on Thursday to chart a way forward for the upcoming season.

“We had a strategy meeting where we planned our way forward. We have been speaking individually with everybody in their individual roles. This is what the collective meeting (was about), to bring back in all the data and plan the way going forward.”

Eve spoke highly of the T&T Premier Football League’s tier one and tier two competitions, which he thinks have helped improve his talent pool after the opening season, which concluded in November.

On the league’s impact, he said, “It has been tremendous and refreshing for us because every (national training) camp that we would have gone in previously the locally based players weren’t playing (regularly), and we had to do a lot of work to bring (them) up to match fitness.

“Now they are playing, the league is going well. I think it’s very competitive so we can see that the players are playing much sharper. I thought that this (second) season the boys would be playing a lot faster, and they are. So it’s good for us and we want to bring them in.”

And with the likes of surging young talents such as Toronto FC’s recently acquired Tyrese Spicer and Colorado Rapids’ Wayne Frederick II now among the potentials for a national call-up, Eve embraces these options.

Spicer stood out recently after he became the Major League Soccer (MLS) draft’s top pick via Toronto FC while Frederick II was drafted second.

Both North America-based players are in pre-season training, alongside several other T&T nationals there, and in other leagues around the world.

He added, “We have some new boys who will get the opportunity to come in the camp and work with us in that environment. We have seen a lot of nice young players coming through the league.

"The players in Canada, the players in the US are already in pre-season with their clubs so they will get a lot of pre-season matches under their belt. It’s a lot more game time and also that we have the few players in Europe, they are still in action and playing.”

For the local-based unit, Eve said a mini-camp will be held from February 8 to get them in the groove for possible selection. He closed, “I think we’re in a better place going into this round of matches because soon after, we’ll have the World Cup campaign to start.”

146

Football / Re: 2026 World Cup Thread

« on: January 26, 2024, 04:08:24 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago drawn into Group B of Concacaf World Cup qualifying
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago have been drawn into Group B of the second round of Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Angus Eve-coached unit vie for a precious FIFA World Cup spot alongside Costa Rica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Bahamas.

This was confirmed at the draw on Thursday which took place at FIFA’s headquarter’s in Zurich, Switzerland.

A statement by Concacaf said the second round of Concacaf Qualifiers will not include Canada, Mexico, and the US since they are hosts of the prestigious quadrennial tourney.

The second round, however, will feature Concacaf’s other 32 FIFA affiliated member associations, with 30 teams making up the second round of qualifying, following the results of the first round.

The first round kicks off in March between the four lowest-ranked Concacaf member associations based on the FIFA men’s rankings as of December 2023.

The two-legged matchups feature British Virgins Islands against US Virgin Islands in playoff one and Turks and Caicos Islands versus Anguilla in the second.

The winner of each tie will be placed in Group E and F respectively.

These two additions will complete the six Concacaf World Cup Qualifying groups. Here, teams will play single round-robin matches (two home and two away), with the six group winners and six group runners-up advancing to the third round (12 teams total).

The second round will be played over the course of two match-days in June and then another two match-days in June 2025.

Commenting on Trinidad and Tobago’s chances of advancing, Eve believes each nation poses a “tricky” test despite their competitive history.

“We know a lot of the opposition that we’ll be meeting in this particular group. Two (Bahamas, St Kitts and Nevis) of the teams actually in the qualifying of the World Cup last time, (but) we didn’t come out of that group. So we have a fair idea of the opposition.”

He said Grenada is “a little bit known to us” but deemed them unpredictable under new English coach Terry Connor, in addition to, their European-based talents.

“And then Costa Rica is a perennial powerhouse in Concacaf. They’ve been in the last World Cup and have good quality players. So we know the combination of the group and it wouldn’t be easy for us to come out but we’re going to do our best to try to come out,” he added.

When asked his thoughts on Trinidad and Tobago advancing to the final round of 12 Concacaf nations, where potentially five Concacaf teams, in addition to the three hosts, can qualify for the World Cup, Eve said they must capitalise on this rare chance to seal the nation’s second FIFA World Cup berth.

“This opportunity we have will probably never happen again so we have to grasp it with both hands. I see some of the players are already calling after seeing the draw, and they’re excited about it. We’re seeing the possibility of what could potentially happen to us and what we camp potentially do.”

Before the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers begin in June for Trinidad and Tobago, the senior team get their international campaign underway against Canada on March 23 in a single-match playoff, where the winner advances to this year’s Copa America.

Eve said while World Cup qualification remains top priority, a Copa America debut serves as a welcome boost ahead.

On his and the team’s mindset over the coming months of football, he told TTFA media, “We’re preparing for the both things because we’re trying to prepare for one and then World Cup qualifying, which is paramount for us.

“Everything we’ve been doing up to today has been about qualification for World Cup 2026. So the Copa America is just a bonus for us really.

“We wanted to stay in the A (Nations League top flight) and give ourselves the best chance by being in a good group that we could possibly have the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.”

Thursday’s Draw for the Second Round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying:

Group A: Honduras, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands

Group B: Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Bahamas

Group C: Haiti, Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Aruba

Group D: Panama, Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat, Belize

Group E: Jamaica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Winner Playoff 2 (British Virgin Islands-US Virgin Islands)

Group F: El Salvador, Suriname, Puerto Rico, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Winner Playoff 1 (Turks and Caicos Islands-Anguilla)

147

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: January 26, 2024, 03:52:12 PM »

U-20s beat Jamaica 3-2 in ‘good exercise’
By Roger Seepersad (T&T Express)

“A good exercise”.

That is how the Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 Men’s football team head coach Brian Haynes described his team’s 3-2 win over their Jamaican counterparts in an international friendly at the UTT’s O’Meara Campus in Arima, yesterday.

It was the first outing for the team under the new coach, who was appointed in November last year.

The game, which was originally scheduled to be played at the Police Barracks in St James, was shifted to Arima and was the first of two friendly games between the two countries, which will form part of T&T’s preparations for next month’s CONCACAF Under-20 qualifiers.

T&T have been drawn in Group D alongside Canada, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines for the tournament.

Yesterday, Lindell Sween opened the scoring for the hosts in the 13th minute, while Levi Jones doubled the lead in the 20th.

Jamaica pulled a goal back just before the intermission, with Jahmani Bell’s 40th minute item keeping the game interesting with T&T leading 2-1 at half-time.

But Michael Chaves converted a penalty to restore T&T’s two-goal cushion in the 58th minute.

But Jamaica kept up their intensity to the end, with Dunsting Cohen scoring in the 81st to make it 3-2. The visitors had other opportunities to level the scores towards the end but the hosts held on for the win.

“As far as I am concerned the exercise was good. Nobody was hurt, thank God, and the main group, the group that started the game, did what we wanted them to do and I thought the guys that came in did a good job as well,” said Haynes.

“I will commend the Jamaican team for coming out and giving us a good game because this is what we needed and this is what they needed and hopefully this propels us to keep playing at the level I know we can,” the T&T coach continued.

“I still think there are things we need to work on but for right now I’m really happy with the result by our boys,” he added.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 22.Tor Fletcher (GK) (21.Makaya Taylor [GK] 73); 2.Lyshaun Morris (14.Jordan Ferdinand 63), 5.Russel Francois (13.Joshua Figaro 82), 4.Akil Henry (12.Jaden Williams 82), 3.Duhrell Young (15.Jeremiah Niles 73); 8.Abayomi George (16.Tau Lamsee 70), 6.Levi Jones (captain) (17.Josiah Ochoa 63); 7.Jlon Matthews (17.Jabari Forbes 73), 10.Lindell Sween (18.Aidan De Gannes 46), 11.Malachi Webb (23.Nathan Quashie 82); 9.Michael Chaves (20.Aidan Ward 73).

Unused substitute: 1.Tyrese Romain (GK).

Coach: Brian Haynes

Jamaica (4-3-3): 1.Joshua Grant (GK); 2.Malachi Molina, 4.Michael Forbes, 3.Kyron Horsley McKay, 5.Rolando Barrett; 6.Denzel McKenzie, 8.Kobi Thomas (captain), 10.Brian Burkett; 7.Jahmani Bell, 9.Tarik Scott, 11.Malachi Grant.

Substitutes: 13.Taywane Lynch (GK), 23.D’Jone Davis (GK), 14.Keyanni Jackson, 12.Christopher Ainsworth, 15.Adrian Reid, 17.Omario Henry, 18.Romarion Thomas, 19.Tyrese Gowe, 20.Nickoy Gayle, 21.Dunsting Cohen, 22.Demarion Harris.

Coach: John Wall

148

Football / Re: TTFA Constitution Thread

« on: January 26, 2024, 03:36:36 PM »

FIFA come to watch: TTFA to hold EGM on Constitution on Sunday
T&T Express

TTFA members will be asked to approve a revised Trinidad and Tobago Football Association constitution—approved by world governing body FIFA —when the organisation holds its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) Sunday at the Home of Football in Couva. And FIFA representatives will be here to observe proceedings.

In a letter to Normalisation Committee (NC) chairman Hadad, FIFA’s Chief Members Association officer Kenny Jean-Marie stressed that the ongoing statutory revision involved a thorough consultation process with TTFA members, acknowledging the notice for the EGM sent to members on January 18.

“We are now pleased to confirm that the statutes document which is attached to this letter fully complies with the requirements and standards of FIFA and CONCACAF and is therefore endorsed by both entities,” Jean-Marie stated. “In this respect, it is important to note that all the comments and feedback provided by the members of TTFA were diligently analysed and taken into consideration during the revision process. We therefore expect this latest version to be submitted to the members of TTFA during their EGM of 28 January 2024 for approval.”

Jean-Marie stated further that based on the initial decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council to appoint a Normalisation Committee for the TTFA, elections of a new TTFA executive committee, “will only be able to be held once the TTFA statutes (and other regulations where necessary) have been revised. and brought in line with the FIFA statutes and requirements.”

The FIFA official also advised that a delegation of FIFA and CONCACAF will attend this Sunday’s EGM as observers.

But Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees’ Association representative Osmond Downer has identified issues concerning the proposed new constitution, including one of the articles drafted in the document.

Article 79, “Transitional provisions” of the draft indicates: “For the elections of the Council which shall take place following the adoption of these Statutes, the Normalisation Committee shall act as the Electoral Committee as defined in the electoral code. Any appeal against any decision of the Normalisation Committee in connection with the elections, shall be referred to CAS.”

Downer sees this as problematic.

“We have realised that a much closer examination has to be taken of a particular provision of the draft statutes that could very well be one of the most egregious, and indeed, pernicious articles in the draft statutes. This leaves one to wonder as to the reason for the inclusion of such an article in the draft,” stated Downer.

But TTFA general secretary Amiel Mohammed said the sole agenda item for the EGM will be the approval of the statutes.

“A FIFA and CONCACAF team will be at that meeting and an informal meeting will be held on Saturday (day before the EGM) with the stakeholders for them to respond to queries from the membership on the statutes,” said Mohammed

Mohammed added that based on the NC’s mandate from FIFA, the last item is the hosting of elections.

He stressed: “Elections as such may only be convened if the other mandate items such as the reform of the statutes takes place. New statutes of the TTFA as such, must be approved before an election can be convened. This has always been the case and communicated to members and the public throughout the process and in particular over the last few months,” Mohammed concluded.

149

Football / Re: Gavin Hoyte Thread

« on: January 26, 2024, 01:28:27 PM »

Gavin Hoyte says Maidstone FA Cup tie at Ipswich among biggest moments of career
Express & Star

Former Arsenal defender Gavin Hoyte says leading non-league Maidstone into a historic FA Cup fourth-round tie at Ipswich will be among the greatest moments of his career.

The National League South club – the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition – have reached this stage for the first time since they were reformed in 1992.

Stones captain Hoyte made four first-team appearances for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger in 2008, including one Premier League outing, while his international career with Trinidad and Tobago saw him line up against an Argentina side containing Lionel Messi.

“This is completely different, we’ve had six games just before this (to reach this stage), so it all builds up,” said the 33-year-old, who joined Maidstone from Dagenham in 2019.

“I get to lead the team out – hopefully I’m playing!

“It’s definitely up there, the biggest thing in my career. I’m coming near the end of it now so I might not get this opportunity again.

“These games are easy to get up for. You’ve just got to make sure everyone is sticking to the game plan and not going off script.

“Sometimes with a big occasion you might want to do something extra but it’s very important we stick to the script.”

Following three FA Cup qualifying fixtures, Maidstone overcame Chesham in round one before upsetting Sky Bet League Two club Barrow and then League One side Stevenage.

The Kent club’s reward is Saturday lunchtime’s televised tie against the Tractor Boys, who sit second in the Championship, with just under 4,500 away fans due to make the trip to Portman Road.

Stones midfielder Sam Corne scored in the two previous rounds and is once again relishing underdog status.

“This is something you always dream of, to play against a top, top side,” said Corne.

“When we played the lower league sides, sometimes they’re the tougher opponents and then when we flipped it to Barrow and Stevenage, we’re the underdog and we still are now and we thrive off that.

“We’ve got nothing to lose. As long as we give a good account of ourselves and stick to the game plan, anything can possibly happen.”

Manager George Elokobi took charge of Maidstone on a permanent basis in March 2023 and has guided the club to fourth place in the sixth tier, in addition to a memorable cup run.

The 37-year-old former Wolves defender will be proud of his squad regardless of the outcome in Suffolk.

“The players, what they’ve done is magical, the magnitude of that result (against Stevenage) has put this community on the map in the eyes of the world,” said Elokobi.

“We would be foolish to change how we have done things in the past just because it’s Ipswich.

“We’re showing them every bit of respect and we know if we’re not on our absolute best on the day then it might be disastrous.

“But even if it is disastrous, we’re going to be proud of our group of players.”

150

Football / Re: Minor League Thread.

« on: January 26, 2024, 10:07:21 AM »

Barataria Ball Players to celebrate 50 years
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)

Barataria Ball Players (BBP) Sports and Cultural Club will celebrate their 50-year anniversary with a week-long host of activities beginning Tuesday (February 6) and ending on February 13 (Carnival Tuesday).

A highlight of the activities to be hosted by the club's alumni which includes former national football players Marvin Faustin, Maurice Alibey, and Dennis Lawrence, all under the guidance of coach Everald "Gally" Cummings, will be a five-team football fiesta at the Barataria Cricket Oval, Sixth Avenue, Barataria on Wednesday (February 7) from 4 pm.

In addition, Arnold Dwarika, Curtis Celestine, Aurtis Whitley, Brian James, Garfield De Silva, Ronnie Charles, Colin Rocke, Anthony Del Peche, Ross Russell and Wayne Alfred are among past players for Barataria Ball Players to have don the national senior team colours while Justin Latapy, Leslie Russell Jr, Anthony Marshall, Devon Caseman, Keith Serrette, Brian Noray, Marlon Thomas, Sterling Figaro, Gregory Toussaint, Brian Griffith, Gerrard Mc Cloud and Sherwyn Besson did likewise at the national youth level.

The tournament will feature Canada-based teams, Just Sweat (Montreal), and Foot Mixers (Toronto/USA) the latter of which is managed by the tournament's founder Nicholas Hernandez, and the local trio of Masters, Challengers, and Barataria Ball Players.

According to Ronald Greenidge, a past player at BBP who went on to represent Canada at the national youth (Under-17) cricket level the week of activities will be opened to all those who have been affiliated to the club past and present as well as the general public.

Greenidge was also quick to point out that Barataria Ball Players Sports and Cultural Club which was founded back in 1973 by a group of friends inclusive of Lennox Toussaint, Noble Kissoon, Fred "Mighty Composer" Mitchell, Dunmore Burke, Hamilton John, and Basil "Barney" Smith, the first coach of the football team, Christopher Auguste, Earl Cunningham and Edward George to compete in both the Glaverston Football League and Aranguez Football League, before venturing into the East Zone competition.

Not only did the club compete with much success as a football outfit but also participated in netball, basketball and zonal cricket, emerging as North Zone Cricket Council champions in the latter within recent years.

Greenidge was also full of praise for Thomas who he said dedicated his life to the upkeep of the player cricket field and helped mould the the cricket part of the club to what it is today.

Up to today, the club remains one of the only surviving clubs among community-based organisations throughout T&T, and more importantly, is the only organisation in the Barataria/San-Juan/Laventille and environs which participates in both cricket and football at a national level.

Among the club's achievements is its participation in National Football and Zonal competitions for over 42 years, with the highlight being runners-up in the National Football League’s Division FA Cup final in 1981.

The club has participated in National and Zonal cricket competitions since 1978, and currently campaigns in the National Cricket Championship Division and has also participated in National Basketball North Zone competitions, in addition to establishing an Industrial Football League in the Barataria community.

Entertaining will be provided by VIBE City 105 Radio disc jockey, Sensational Sammy, himself a former player at Malick Secondary, while food will also be provided for sale by Sensational Sammy Seafood Plus, and Ma'Sons Delights.