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91

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Jamaica Games (1 & 3 of March-2024)

« on: March 02, 2024, 10:24:03 AM »

Eve gives 'A' for effort in Soca Warriors' loss to Jamaica
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Despite a 1-0 loss to Caribbean rivals Jamaica in a friendly encounter at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on March 1, Trinidad and Tobago men's football team coach Angus Eve saw the positives in the exercise which created debuts for several local-based players.

In the first of two friendlies between the two Caribbean nations in the space of three days, the "Reggae Boyz" came out on top in the closed-doors friendly courtesy a second-half goal by teenager Kahiem Dixon.

Jamaica assistant coach Merron Gordon said the Arnett Gardens FC winger was one of 13 debutants in the visitors' lineup for the match, and the tricky Dixon looked to be the happiest man in the two-island republic when he controversially claimed the 58th-minute goal. His low cross into the six-yard box appeared to have been bundled over the line by veteran attacker Fabian Reid.

Starting with a 3 pm kickoff owing to the preparations for this weekend's hosting of T&T's Carifta trials, both teams appeared to struggle for fluidity and consistency in their play in the unforgiving Mucurapo heat – particularly as the second half wore to a close.

Eve gave debuts to the Tiger Tanks Club Sando pair of left back Shervohnez Hamilton and midfielder Kai Moos, while AC Port of Spain's versatile wing back Liam Burns also got his first start for T&T. Eve also started the overseas-based pair of Kai Garvey and Justin Obikwu, who started at the left wing and centre forward positions respectively, and he gave an assessment of their first outing in the red, white and black.

"It is going to be difficult for these guys (Garvey and Obikwu) coming from where they are coming from and trying to adjust in just a couple days of work," Eve said at the post-match briefing. "I thought they adjusted well. They tried to bring the strengths they had to the group.

"For the most part, I thought the group did really well. We gave up a really soft goal and we could not get ourselves back in the game. I think it was a lack of belief and that happens when players are not accustomed to playing at this level consistently. For effort, you must give all of the guys an A."

Jamaica started brighter and they got the ball out to the flanks and they tried to isolate their wingers against the T&T defenders in their 4-4-2 formation. In the 13th minute, the tricky Alex Marshall danced his way past Hamilton on the right flank and forced a low save from veteran Soca Warriors goalkeeper Adrian Foncette.

The 19-year-old Dixon was also a bag of tricks down Jamaica's left, but Burns handled his one-on-one battles efficiently for the most part.

At the other end, both Garvey and Obikwu struggled to get sufficient touches to influence the game, with T&T's brightest sparks arguably coming from flanker Kaihim Thomas and central midfielder Rhondel Gibson, who came on as a first-half substitute for Nathaniel Garcia.

Early in the first half, the lively Thomas forced a fingertip save from the Jamaican keeper with a long-range shot, while Gibson failed to get enough power behind a tame 39th-minute free kick.

The Reggae Boyz showed their intent early in the second half when midfielder Jashuan Anglin tested Foncette with a low, long-range drive in the 54th minute.

Four minutes later, the Police FC captain was picking the ball out of his net after Dixon's goal, which stemmed from a defence-splitting pass by substitute Romario Guthrie.

Jamaica created a few more presentable chances in the latter stages of the game as they seemed to be targeting T&T's left side. A couple of timely blocks by towering Jamaican-based Josiah Trimmingham and a wild 66th-minute effort from Dixon, ensured the visitors did not extend their lead.

Eve tried to impact the game by inserting the attacking pair of Kaile Auvray and national under-20 standout Michael Chaves in the 80th minute. However, T&T rarely troubled their guests in the dying stages of the game as the visitors held on for the win.

Eve was satisfied with the outing and he vowed to use a different lineup in the next game.

"I thought it was a great exercise for the guys. When you look at the starting team, we had about six or seven players who were uncapped.

"We need more exercises like this to expose these guys and give them the opportunity because they have been doing well in the league."

From 4 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Sunday, T&T will try to exact revenge against Jamaica in their second friendly showing.

92

Football / Re: Reon Moore Thread

« on: March 02, 2024, 10:16:56 AM »

‘He’s consistently scored goals’: Pacific FC sign Trinidad & Tobago international striker Reon Moore
By Mitchell Tierney (canpl.ca)

Goalscoring has always been a central part of Pacific FC’s identity.

Over the past three Canadian Premier League regular seasons combined no club has found the back of the net more than the Tridents. It is a key reason why Pacific has reached the playoffs in each of those campaigns, winning it all in 2021.

On Friday, the club announced the signing of the latest player they hope will help to carry on that scoring tradition, Trinidad and Tobago international striker Reon Moore. The 27-year-old joins Pacific FC on a two-year deal, with a club option for the 2026 campaign.

Moore has spent the better part of the past eight years playing for Defence Force in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League, with his time playing in his country’s top division briefly interrupted by a short stint with Guatemalan club Municipal in 2022. He was recently a standout player with Defence Force in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, scoring two goals, including one against Concacaf Champions Cup side Cavalier SC, and adding an assist.

After doing the domestic double with Defence Force this past season, winning the league and the Knockout Cup, however, he felt he needed a new challenge. In pursuit of his footballing dreams, he is departing the Caribbean islands he calls home for Vancouver Island this coming season.

“I think for me it’s just a new adventure in my football career,” Moore told CanPL.ca, later adding, “I’ve been with Defence Force for like eight years now, and have won everything two or three times now. So I think it’s time for me to move on in my football career, and I think the CPL is the right place for me at this point in time.”

The move comes after a year where not only did Moore have significant success with his club, but for his country as well. He scored four times for the Trinidad and Tobago national team in 2023, including during a stunning 2-1 victory over the United States at home back in November. Moore now has 8 goals in 25 caps for the Soca Warriors, and says he enjoys the pressure of the international audience that tunes in to national team matches. These exploits certainly caught the Tridents’ attention.

“He’s consistently scored goals in Trinidad,” said Pacific FC head coach James Merriman. “He’s showing that he can step up. He’s really, really humble, he’s a great character, a great personality, he’s ambitious, he still has big goals for himself because he’s always been in the military as well in Trinidad, so he’s got a really unique story. Football is his love, and what he has started to have success with. I think now he’s going to focus on that and see what he can do with football. I think we are getting him at a perfect time to come to our club.”

As Merriman alluded to, Reon Moore’s historic club in Trinidad, Defence Force, is composed of members of the country’s army and coast guard, in which Moore served. While at times those commitments took him away from fully focusing on his football, he believes they have been critical to forming his character.

“The military, the mindset is good for me, and also I can help carry that to the team, so we can be more focused on the task at hand this season,” said Moore.

On the pitch, Merriman says Moore is different from all of the other strikers Pacific have had. What he particularly likes is the way Moore combines a tireless work rate with a demonstrated ability to score goals. When asked about what attributes he will bring to the Island in 2024, Moore is slightly more coy.

“I think my strength is working strictly and strongly for the team, in any way possible,” said Moore, before adding with a laugh, “but I don’t want to give out too much information right now so that the opponents won’t be able to study.”

The striker position was a key off-season need for Pacific FC, who said goodbye to Djenairo Daniels and Easton Ongaro in January. Despite scoring the second most goals in the league this past season, 42 in total, the club felt not enough of those came from the men leading the line. Those goals also dried up significantly during a tempestuous second half of the season, with Pacific scoring just 20 times in their final 17 matches of 2023, including the playoffs. Daniels and Ongaro combined for just three goals during that stretch.

“There were some difficult decisions, difficult conversations obviously,” said Merriman, “but we felt that we were consistently getting into the spaces that we needed to get into, we created the most chances in the league and at the beginning of the season we were scoring but we were scoring by committee, and everyone was chipping in. We never really had one or two players step up and hit that 10-15 goals mark which that’s what we were looking for in terms of a striker.”

The ambitious Moore doesn’t shy away from this target. In fact, he sets his personal standards for success even higher.

“My goals for this season, is personally for me, score about 15-20 goals and for the team it’s to win the championship, so we can qualify for Concacaf,” he said.

No Pacific player has come close to that sort of tally since 2022 CPL Golden Boot winner Alejandro Díaz departed the club for Norway midway through that campaign. The Tridents have struggled to fill the Mexican’s goalscoring boots since, but Moore certainly believes he could be the answer.

Before he steps onto the pitch for Pacific, however, Canadian soccer fans could get a chance to see him in action on March 23 during a massive 2024 Copa America play-in match between Moore’s Trinidad and Tobago and the Canadian men’s national team. The winner in that match not only gets a spot in that tournament, but in the competition’s opening match against 2022 World Cup winners Argentina, and presumably Lionel Messi.

Moore could not be more excited for that match, and the opportunity it brings to showcase his birth nation’s talent and quality to the country he will now call his football home this season.

“I’m really happy for that, because when we go to play Canada on the 23rd everyone will be focusing on me, and there are a lot of other guys on the team who are good as well,” said Moore, “[It’s] an opportunity for other guys who are looking to making get a move [to a new team].”

The Trinidad and Tobago flag has been flown proudly in the Canadian Premier League since its inception. Be it the league’s first-ever goalscorer Ryan Telfer, a national team teammate of Moore’s who recently returned to the league to sign with the Halifax Wanderers, club captain in Halifax Andre Rampersad, Atlético Ottawa’s Malcolm Shaw, or 2020 CPL Golden Boot winner Akeem Garcia.

Now Pacific FC is banking on Reon Moore adding his name to that storied list this coming season.

93

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Jamaica Games (1 & 3 of March-2024)

« on: March 02, 2024, 09:53:33 AM »

Dixon's strike the difference between Reggae Boyz and Soca Warriors in opening friendly
By Sherdon Cowan (sportsmax.tv)

Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz drew first blood against their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, as they registered a 1-0 win in the first of their two-match friendly series at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday.

Kaheim Dixon's 58th-minute strike proved the solitary goal of the contest which was played behind closed doors to facilitate preparation for the twin island republic's Carifta Games trials.

Dixon, the former Clarendon College stalwart, was the first Reggae Boy to score on debut since Justin McMaster's feat against Cameroon in 2022.

Reggae Boyz assistant coach Merron Gordon said their main objective to expose new talents were met as they fielded 13 debutants on the day.

"Games like these are always tough playing against Trinidad and Tobago, but I think it was a good game. Both teams, I think had the same objective which was to expose these players as much as possible and I think we got that," Gordon said in a post-match interview.

"When you see a player like Kahiem score a goal on his debut is amazing and these are the kind of things that we want for them to transition from schoolboy football into international football and I think he acquitted himself well, and young Jayden Hibbert in goal is a teenager as well so that augurs well for us," he added.

The Jamaicans started well, and were more threatening in open play in the early exchanges, before Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors found their rhythm. Though the first half ended goalless, it wasn't for a lack of trying, as both teams had looks at goal.

In the 12th minute, Kaihim Thomas got the first effort off for the Soca Warriors from a distance, but Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Kemar Foster took flight to tip over.

Alex Marshall, who proved a menace to the Soca Warriors's backline, responded for the Reggae Boyz, but his effort was parried by Adrian Foncette, in goal for Trinidad and Tobago.

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz maintained the momentum on the resumption and again went close through Romeo Guthrie, whose shot was blocked by Foncette at his near post two minutes in.

The deadlock was eventually broken when Dixon produced an intelligent run down the right channel, dismissed a defender and tucked home.

They should have doubled the lead in the 65th when Sue-Lae McCalla found himself with space and time to fire home from Guthrie's corner, but somehow steered the effort wide.

Seconds later, Marshall and Dixon connected well with the latter driving his right-footer into the sidenetting.

The Reggae Boyz continued to apply consistent pressure but found the Soca Warriors defence in defiant mode, as a 69th-minute effort by Jason Wright from Andre Fletcher's pass, was charged down.

A minute later, Devante Campbell played a perfect pass across the face of goal, but Wright couldn't apply finishing touch.

Campbell also had a grand opportunity to get on the scoresheet in time added, when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with substitute goalkeeper Christopher Biggette, but his tame effort was swallowed up by the custodian, who left his line well.

Despite the scoreline, Soca Warriors Head coach Angus Eve, took heart from the performance.

"Not disappointed at all. Many of these players are playing at this level for the very first time and I think they acquitted themselves well and we were in the game for the most part, but we gave away a sloppy goal that proved the difference in the game. We want to give people exposure as you can see, we made minimum number of changes because we wanted to expose the young guys as much as possible. So, this is a good exercise for them to understand the pace of the game at this level going forward," Eve said.

The teams will meet again on Sunday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima at 3:00pm Jamaica time.

94

Football / Thread for T&T vs Jamaica Games (1 & 3 of March-2024)

« on: March 01, 2024, 09:30:50 PM »

First Blood: Reggae Boyz edge Soca Warriors 1-0 in friendly at Hasely Crawford Stadium
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

JAMAICA’S Reggae Boyz took first run from their two-match friendly international series against Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s team, with a 1-0 win yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS), Mucurapo.

Nineteen-year-old Kahiem Dixon, on debut, scored in the 55th minute, following an evenly-contested first half and a second half dominated by Reggae Boyz.

Both coaches used mainly locally-based players. T&T head-coach Angus Eve did not use the strongest combination available to him, and instead gave debuts to Liam Burns, Coventry City striker Justin Obikwu, USA-born Kai Moos, Shervohnez Hamilton, Michael Chaves and Rhondel Gibson.

“I wasn’t disappointed at all,” stated Eve. “Actually, we had a lot of players out there playing at this level for the very first time and I thought they acquitted themselves well. We were in the game for the most part and we gave away a sloppy goal and that was the difference in the game.”

The expectation is that Eve will use a stronger local side for the second match tomorrow at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, kick off from 4 p.m. Eve has Michel Poon-Angeron, Nathaniel James, Duane Muckette, John-Paul Rochford, Kevin Goddard, Ross Russell Jr, and goalkeeper Denzil Smith still looking for some action, while Alvin Jones and Kaile Auvray only saw limited playing time yesterday.

“We have to give people exposure,” explained Eve. “We made minimal amount of changes because we wanted to expose the guys as much as possible. Young Burns and those guys would have never played at this level before. So, this is a good exercise for them to understand the pace of the game, and then to give the guys who are more established a run out (tomorrow), going into the playoff tournament.”

The closed-door game gave both Jamaica’s Icelandic head coach Heirmar Hallgrimsson and Eve the chance to make unlimited changes, as Eve handed 17-year-old Fatima College striker Chaves his senior debut, in the second half.

Jamaica will face USA in a CONCACAF Nations League semi-final on March 22 and Hallgrimsson is using the five-day T&T camps to have a final look at local and fringe players. Likewise, Eve used yesterday’s match ahead of selecting his final squad for a March 23 Copa America qualifier.

Played without fans due to preparation work for the Carifta Games, the first half saw both teams having periods in control. Defence Force winger Kahim Thomas had the first real chance, forcing Jamaican goalkeeper Kemar Foster to touch the ball away.

Jamaica had better of the opening 20 minutes, with wide players Kahiem Dixon and Alex Marshall both penetrating dangerously, with Marshall getting past Shervohnez Hamilton a couple of times down the right.

Eve was forced into the early change, bringing in Rondell Gibson to replace veteran Nathaniel Garcia midway through the first half, and Gibson made an immediate impact.

T&T began to grow into the half and for the first time Foster was called upon to work. Gibson and Thomas both threatened from free kicks, Thomas especially coming close, his set piece deflected dangerously wide with the Jamaican keeper wrong footed. Obikwu came close to scoring on his T&T debut, meeting a corner kick and just guiding a header over the crossbar. Jamaica also began the second half well. After gliding past Hamilton again, Arnett Gardens winger Dickson forced in a low shot at the far post for the game winner, exposing goalkeeper Adrian Foncette and beating several defenders on the T&T goalline. And substitute Devonte Campbell did enough to create a second goal, but no-one got a touch as his low cross whizzed across the goalmouth.

Dickson had a chance of getting a second goal, when meeting a cutback inside T&T’s penalty area but having his shot deflected for a corner in the 75th minute. Coming on as a second half substitute, Defence Force custodian Christopher Biggette produced a spectacular dive to his left, denying Campbell, who had broken clear of defenders and was bearing down on the T&T goal in added-on time.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 21.Adrian Foncette (GK, captain) (1.Christopher Biggette GK  62); 2.Liam Burns (16.Alvin Jones 90+3), 4.Josiah Trimmingham, 12.Robert Primus (5.Jamaal Jack 80), 18.Shervohnez Hamilton; 19.Kai Moos, 7.Nathaniel Garcia (15.Rhondel Gibson 22); 17.Kaihim Thomas, 23.Justin Sadoo, 13.Kai Garvey (20.Kaile Auvray 80); 11.Justin Obikwu (24.Michael Chaves 80)

Unused substitutes: 22.Denzil Smith (GK), 2.Ross Russell Jr, 6.Kevon Goddard, 8.Michel Poon-Angeron, 9.Nathaniel James, 10.Duane Muckette, 14.John-Paul Rochford.

Coach: Angus Eve

Jamaica (4-4-2): 13.Kemar Foster (GK, captain) (1.Jaiden Hibbert GK 61); 14.Sue-Lae Mc Calla (22.Emelio Rousseau 80), 17.Garth Stewart (5.Richard King 73), 19.Stephen Young (2.Joel Cunningham), 15.Ricardo Thomas (3.Kyle Ming 85); 8.Alex Marshall (7.Andre Fletcher 68), 16.Jamone Shepherd, 6.Jashaun Anglin (18.Shamour Smith 80), 21.Kaheim Dixon (11.Shaniel Thomas 85); 9.Fabian Reid; 12.Devonte Campbell 68), 10.Justin Dunn.

Unused substitutes: 4.Romario Guthrie, 20.Jason Wright, 23.Shaquan Davis.

Coach: Heimir Hallgrimsson

Referee: Nikolai Nyron

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/JZEFZlQ-F1o" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/JZEFZlQ-F1o</a>

95

Football / Re: TTFA Presidency Polls; The countdown to election begins.

« on: March 01, 2024, 08:56:53 PM »

Wharfe announces slate for football election
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

Chief executive officer of the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL), Colin Wharfe, on Thursday introduced a team of individuals he believes will be capable of managing the affairs of T&T football, post the FIFA-installed Normalisation Committee.

It comes ideally on the heels of the exits of Selby Browne and Dennis Latiff, two candidates considered to be heavyweights ahead of the T&T Football Association (TTFA) elections set for April 13.

Apart from Wharfe, who will be contesting the position of president, Colonel Keston Charles will be up for the first vice president position while Renee John-Williams, the daughter of former president David John-Williams, who passed away in 2022, will go up for the role of second vice president.

Yesterday, Renee said as someone who has garnered over 15 years in local football, she believes she has something to offer to the local football landscape.

“I also believe in the vision that Mr Wharfe has for T&T football. I think he has a very strong slate with various backgrounds and competencies,” she said.

Huey Cadette, a development specialist with expertise in working with people and communities, strategic planning and change management, team building, leadership, and public speaking, will contest the position of third vice president while Richard Mason, an Attorney at Law who is the Legal Advisor for the TTPFL, is one of five ordinary members.

The others are Riaz Ali, a professional accountant, Colm De Freitas, the Director of City FC which is the junior team for the Queen’s Park football club, former T&T Super League president Lee Davis, and Makan Hislop, a former national player.

Wharfe, considered the overwhelming choice for the position of president, will be anything but sure with Kieron Edwards also being a powerful choice among the options.

On Tuesday, Browne pulled out of the election race saying: “As the leader of my slate, based on our ten-vote support base, I sought to encourage both Denis Latiff and Kieron Edwards to join to have one slate to compete. This would require placing egos aside in the best interest of an assured victory.

“Both confirmed they would compete independently and the members of our slate which included two representatives from Tobago, a retired bank manager and an academy owner, all agreed to stand down. Our ten-vote support block has been advised and shall play the key role in determining who we will endorse and support to make the next Executive of the TTFA.”

Full team

Colin Wharfe - President

Colonel Keston Charles – First vice president

Renee John-Williams – Second vice president

Huey Cadette – Third vice president

Colm De Freitas – Ordinary member

Richard Mason – Ordinary member

Lee Davis – Ordinary member

Riaz Ali – Ordinary member

Makan Hislop – Ordinary member

96

Football / Re: Reon Moore Thread

« on: March 01, 2024, 03:38:32 PM »

Pacific FC Signs Striker Reon Moore: Trinidad and Tobago International joins Tridents on a two-year guaranteed contract
Pacific FC

Pacific FC today announced the signing of Trinidad and Tobago international Reon Moore on a two-year guaranteed contract, with a club option for the 2026 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season.

The striker, 27, is a veteran of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s national team, the Soca Warriors, which he has represented on 25 occasions, scoring eight goals. He has played professionally, predominantly in his home country, since 2016.

“Reon comes to Pacific with ambition and a clear focus on his football,” said James Merriman, Head Coach, Pacific FC. “He’s scoring goals at the international level consistently and this comes down to his strong mentality.”

Moore made his debut for Trinidad and Tobago in March 2021 in a friendly against Guadeloupe. He has since gone on to play for his country in such competitions as the 2021 Gold Cup and the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 iterations of the Concacaf Nations League. Moore netted three goals and added an assist over five 2023-2024 Nations League games last year, including scoring the equalizer in an upset of the United States in November. Moore will play against Canada in a one-match play-in series to qualify for the 2024 Copa America on March 23rd, 2024 in Fresco, Texas.

He will get his first taste of professional soccer in Canada with Pacific after eight years in the pro game. The 6-foot native of Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago has spent nearly his entire club career to date in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL), representing the likes of North East Stars F.C., and Matura ReUnited before moving on to Defence Force in 2017. Moore competed with Defence Force until 2022, when he made a brief move to Guatemalan side CSD Municipal, where he made six appearances before returning to Defence Force. Moore finished the 2023 season with Defence Force in style, helping the team win the double by claiming league title and the TTPFL Knockout Cup.

“Reon will add presence to our group and continue to grow in his leadership,” said Merriman.

Moore will lead Pacific FC’s attack alongside Ayman Sellouf, Adonijah Reid, Dario Zanatta and Josh Heard during the 2024 CPL season. Pacific will open its 2024 season at Starlight Stadium on Saturday, April 13 at 4 p.m. PT against Halifax Wanderers FC.

97

Football / Re: TTFA Presidency Polls; The countdown to election begins.

« on: February 29, 2024, 01:42:58 PM »

Kieron Edwards confirms TTFA presidential slate, Selby Browne, Denis Latiff withdraw
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

EASTERN Football Association (EFA) president Kieron Edwards has confirmed his nine-member slate for the April 13 Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) elections.

With February 28 being the deadline day for the potential candidates to officially submit their slate to the TTFA general secretariat, Edwards submitted his slate to the TTFA on Tuesday and also issued a press release that promised a "paradigm shift" in the governance of football in T&T, with a focus on transparency and good governance.

T&T Premier Football League CEO Colin Wharfe made his intentions clear to Newsday to submit his slate before the midnight deadline on February 28. However, he stopped short of revealing the members of his slate.

On the flip side, Southern Football Association (SFA) president Denis Latiff and Veterans Football Foundation of T&T (VFFoTT) president Selby Browne both confirmed their decisions to pull out of the presidential race after expressing a strong desire to steer local football forward in the past few weeks.

The VFFoTT issued a press release on Tuesday confirming Browne's withdrawal from the race, with Latiff ruling himself out of the election running on deadline day after his slate unexpectedly went from nine members to seven before he could make his official submission.

"I'm not going up for the TTFA presidency again," Latiff told Newsday on Wednesday. "A lot of people are not willing to commit.

"I had a slate up until lunchtime today, but two people pulled out. I cannot take that hustling and rushing to (fulfill the slate)."

Latiff said he believes there may be something "sinister" behind the late withdrawal of his slate members.

"I will be a bystander (on April 13). However things are to happen, that's fine with me."

According to a VFFoTT release, Browne met with both Edwards and Latiff on Sunday in an attempt to convince them to tackle the TTFA election with one united slate.

However, by Tuesday, Browne decided to throw in his towel.

"In a final meeting today (Tuesday), the VFFoTT team agreed the VFFoTT slate (led) by Mr Selby Browne, will take no part in the TTFA election 2024," the VFFoTT release said.

Come April 13, though, Edwards will be aiming to ascend to the post of TTFA president when he leads his Team Progressive slate. Edwards' slate includes the trio of Colin Murray (first vice-president), T&T Football Referees Association (TTFRA) president Osmond Downer (second vice-president) and former T&T Super League (TTSL) president Jameson Rigues (third vice-president). Alicia Austin, Andrew Boodhoo, Allan Logan, Ryan Nunes and Shelton Williams will complete Edwards' slate as ordinary members.

With over 200 years of "football acumen" under their belt according to Edwards' release, Team Progressive promises to provide the "perfect mix of people who have the skill, the background, the experience and the years of dedicated service to others in the football fraternity, that will see our football experience a resurgence in excellence."

The release continued, "Team Progressive is committed to implementing sound financial practices. We will work diligently to ensure responsible budgeting, financial transparency, and strategic allocation of resources to support the sustainable development of football at all levels."

With the upcoming TTFA elections likely to be a two-horse race, the next key step will be when the TTFA's general secretariat circulates the official list of candidates to all TTFA members on April 3.

98

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

« on: February 28, 2024, 02:33:36 PM »

Dreams Dashed: Young Soca Warriors go under 3-0 to Canada
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

CANADA proved a hurdle too high for Trinidad and Tobago’s Young Soca Warriors, the North Americans coming away with a 3-0 victory in their CONCACAF Men’s U-20 Championship, Group D qualifier, last night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Winning Group D and handing the home team its first loss, Canada (9 points) advance to the CONCACAF U-20 Championship scheduled for July in Mexico. T&T (6 points) ended the series second with St Vincent and the Grenadines (3 points) securing third, following a 3-2 win yesterday over win-less Dominica.

Truth be told, Canada was the superior team, and restricted T&T to having just a single shot at their goalkeeper Gregoire Swiderski, coming through Crystal Palace midfielder Rio Cardines, who spent the night mostly defending, before finally getting a shot at goal, with Canada already up three goals.

With both teams having defeated SVG and Dominica in their respective opening two matches, the Canadians went into last night’s showdown with a better goal-difference. And so would have won the group with just a draw.

Needing a win, it got doubly difficult for the Young Soca Warriors when Myles Morgan gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute.

The dangerous first-half moments all belonged to the Canadians. Morgan put in a low shot from close up for the opening item, and only a coat of paint and the upright prevented them from getting a second goal, when Santiago Lopez’s free-kick skipped pass the dive of goalkeeper Ailan Panton and bounced off the far post in the 21st minute. Forward Jesse Costa had another gilt-edged scoring opportunity for Canada in the 36th minute, but hit his shot straight at goalkeeper Panton, who had initially parried a low cross straight to the Canadian captain.

And just three minutes later, Lopez had an even easier chance. He intercepted a bad backward pass and with only the T&T ‘keeper to beat, Lopez chipped the ball, but missed the entire goal.

Trinidad and Tobago were starved of the ball as attackers Lindell Sween and Larry Noel both picked up yellow cards after a rush of blood and late tackles, in trying to retrieve the ball. Sween’s attempted bicycle-kick on the half-hour mark was T&T’s only first half attempt at goal, but his shot went harmlessly wide.

At a goal down, there was still hope for the home team. But, once Lopez gave Canada a second goal in the 54th minute, it was effectively over. Taking the ball in their own half, Canada strolled through a stationary T&T team, before Lopez roofed a powerful shot for the second goal.

T&T never gave in and while they had a couple of brief looks at the Canadian’s goal, those looks resulted in no shots at Canadian goalkeeper Gregoire Swiderski.

Canada solidified their advantage when substitute Kevaughn Tavernier got a third in the 79th minute, walking the ball into the net, following slack defending and a naive rush out of goal by goalie Panton. And but for Russel Francois’ goal-mouth clearance, Canada would have had a fourth in the dying minutes.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 1.Ailan Panton (GK); 7.Rio Cardines, 3.Russel Francois, 4.Cody Cooper (captain), 2.Duhrell Young (5.Lyshaun Morris 59); 8.Abayomi George, 6.Levi Jones (15.Josiah Ochoa 55); 13.Michael Chaves (19.Malachi Webb 78), 10.Lindell Sween (14.Tyrell Moore 78), 11.Derrel Garcia; 9.Larry Noel.

Unused substitutes: 18.Bryan Gafiuk (GK), 21.Makaya Taylor (GK), 12.Jeremiah Cateau, 16.Akil Henry, 17.Jaden Williams, 20.J’lon Matthews.

Coach: Brian Haynes

Canada (3-1-3-3): 1.Gregoire Swiderski (GK); 15.Adam Pearlman, 6.Lazar Stefanovic, 3.Christian Greco-Taylor (14.Ethan Schilte-Brown 83); 4.Alessandro Biello; 10.Jesse Costa (captain), 8.Jeevan Badwal, 20.Santiago Lopez (17.Kevaughn Tavernier 68); 2.Theo Rigopoulos (12.James Cameron 83), 21.Myles Morgan (19.Tavio Ciccarelli 61), 9.Oumar Diallo (11.Kimani Stewart-Baynes 46).

Unused substitutes: 16.Ivan Pavela (GK), 18.Nathaniel Abraham (GK), 5.Sergei Kozlovskiy, 7.Tiago Codinha, 13.Mattei Schiavoni.

Coach: Andrew Olivieri

Referee: Shavin Greene (Guyana)

99

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

« on: February 27, 2024, 10:25:13 AM »

Haynes: Young Warriors have everything to play for against Canada
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago's under-20 men's football team will face a must-win encounter against Canada in their third and final group game in the Concacaf under-20 men's championship qualifiers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo from 7 pm on Tuesday.

After two match days in group D, both Canada and the hosts T&T have amassed six points from two matches, with the Canadians topping the group with a +12 goal differential. T&T are in second spot with a +6 goal differential. Both Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are now out of contention after consecutive losses.

With only the group winners advancing to the Concacaf under-20 championship in July, coach Brian Haynes' young Soca Warriors have to get three points on Tuesday to overtake Canada, who only need a draw to progress.

Speaking at the post-match briefing following T&T's comprehensive 5-0 win over Dominica on Sunday night, Haynes said beating Canada will be no easy task. However, he believes his charges have what it takes to seal their spot in the next phase of the competition.

"I am very happy they completed the task (against Dominica), " Haynes said. "We got two wins in our two games and we will be playing against Canada who also have two wins.

"Everything is to play for. We are at home so we intend to give it a good go and hopefully come up with the victory to go forward."

Despite putting five goals past their opposition, Haynes said the most pleasing aspect of Sunday's performance against Dominica was preserving a clean sheet. He also said it was important for him to ensure the players' minutes were well-managed after playing two games in three days.

After coming off a last-gasp 3-2 win over SVG in their opening game, T&T left nothing to chance against Dominica and they scored four goals in a rampant first-half performance en route to the 5-0 win.

Attacker Michael Chaves, who clinched T&T's stoppage-time win in their opener, scored after just three minutes on Sunday, while striker Larry Noel showed off his predatory instincts with two poacher's items to make it 3-0 after 35 minutes. Crystal Palace youth player Rio Cardines scored mere moments after Noel's second goal to make it 4-0, while substitute Derrel Garcia wrapped up the scoring for T&T in the second half with a rasping drive from outside the area in the 82nd minute.

"I have to apologise to the fans because we were not trying to celebrate any goals. We were trying to get as many goals as we could," Haynes said.

Noel missed an opportunity to grab a hat-trick when his 61st-minute penalty was saved by substitute goalie Anton Wyke following the sending-off of starting goalkeeper Ronny Lockhart.

The former San Juan North Secondary standout said he wants to make amends for his slip-up in the final match.

"I feel great for the victory, but I let my team down by missing the penalty and other chances," Noel said. "I will make up for that in the next game for sure.

"I think my performances were pretty good but they could be better. I am going to work on my finishing and help my team go and win the Canada game."

Canada have been ruthless in the group phase thus far, and they backed up an 8-0 thumping of Dominica on the opening day with a 4-0 whipping of SVG in their second game.

Haynes said he and his staff plan to watch extensive footage of the Canadian team to come up with the ideal strategy for the pivotal game.

"We have to find out where their strengths and weaknesses are. We will come up with a game plan which will not only test them but also make us very comfortable to win a game here at home against a formidable opponent.

"We will have to outwork them. Then, we will try our best to outplay them. And then lastly and most importantly, we will try to outscore them. There is no other way to beat an opponent who is as formidable as they are. If we do those three things, I think we will come out ahead."

From 7 pm in Mucurapo on Tuesday, Haynes' under-20s will try to silence the free-scoring Canada team and book their ticket to the Concacaf under-20 championship.

100

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: February 27, 2024, 08:31:48 AM »

Wins for Club Sando, Eagles
T&T Express

SHACKIEL Henry’s brace solidified Club Sando’s fifth-place position after they defeated the cellar-placed Central FC 3-1 as match day 13 of the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Tier 1 concluded over the weekend.

Central FC struck first through a Jadel Carter penalty strike. Henry responded with his first goal in the 23rd minute and netted the game’s final item in the 58th minute. Meanwhile, Shervohnez Hamilton had helped Club Sando edge ahead 2-1 in the 26th minute.

Club Sando are currently five points ahead of the sixth-placed Prison Service, who was shut out 3-0 by Eagles FC on Saturday. Eagles’ prolific goalscorer, Haitian Angelo Exilus was on target again, opening the scoring in the game as early as the fourth minute.

Exilus’ national teammate Michel Huguens scored Eagles’ second in the 70th before Keron Cornwall sealed the deal with an insurance item in the 77th minute. The win sent Eagles over Caledonia FC in tenth spot, after the latter drew their fourth consecutive match.

Army put Police under ‘close arrest’

Miscellaneous Police failed to grasp the opportunity to go to the top of the standings when they lost 2-1 to the Defence Force.

National team fullback Alvin Jones scored for the lawmen, in between strikes from Isaiah Leacock and Dylon King, who netted the match winner.

The victory saw the Army/Coast Guard unit move into third, one point adrift of Police and three shy of league leaders AC Port of Spain, whose fixture against 1976 FC Phoenix last Friday was postponed. Despite taking the lead twice, Caledonia were held 2-2 by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in the second match of Saturday’s double-header at the Arima Velodrome.

Gabriel Nanton picked up his first two goals for Caledonia, scoring in the seventh minute and first-half stoppage time.

Rangers got their first equalising goal when Caledonia veteran Carlyle Mitchell put the ball in his own net in the 15th minute, while their second came courtesy Tyrone Charles in the 68th minute.

101

Football / Re: Lee-Him's new year wish is to be a Soca Warrior.

« on: February 26, 2024, 09:02:32 PM »

Lee-Him ready for 2024
ifkeskilstuna.com

The central midfielder, Kristian Lee-Him, 30, has extended his contract with IFK Eskilstuna beyond the 2024 season!

Kris is now entering his third season with the club and over the years he has become an important member of the team. Kris has mainly played in central midfield, but has also been used a lot in the center back position. In 2022, he was voted the club's Most Valuable Player of the season, and in 2023, Kris also got to play a couple of international matches for Trinidad and Tobago. The club is happy that Kris is continuing with us and we ook forward to seeing him in the 2024 season.

The coaches Kent Andersson & Jesper Strid say this about Kris:
- Kris is a very experienced physical player who now represents a national team.
He has good and important qualities to contribute to this year's IFK squad and we look forward to working with him during the year. 

We also asked Kris a couple of questions:

You are now entering your third season with IFK, how does it feel to have extended your stay at the club?
- It's a good feeling that I can call the club my home. Everyone around the club is very welcoming and supportive, which allows me to play at my best, knowing that they trust and believe in me. The fact that I am now continuing into a third season also means that we can continue to build a good chemistry with each other in the team. I think we have the formula to create a winning team.

Last season you got the chance to represent your father's country, Trinidad and Tobago, in a couple of international matches. Can you describe that feeling and that experience?
- It was a surreal experience to play for the Trinidad and Tobago national team. To represent my father's country means everything to me. Being able to play at the international level and being able to learn from the best coaches and players makes you improve yourself even more. Also getting to play against other professional players at that level from other countries is really an experience. It was truly a year to remember, getting to play in the Nations League and now getting the chance to qualify for Copa America.

What else do you think about this year's IFK team and the new management staff? Is there a player in the team that you think we should keep an eye on this year?
- It's really a big adjustment, but it will be a fresh start with the new coaches at the club. It's always a challenge to learn a new game philosophy, but it's a process that we players have to believe in and so far it's going very well. It's also fun to see a legend like Sebastian Larsson be a part of it, helping us with his experience. He is someone we can all learn from, especially our young players. 

One of the players in the team to keep an eye on is Albin Flodkvist, he is a talent who can take the next step if he continues to work hard. Also players like Carl Wärme and Salem Bakos have gained experience playing in Division 2 now for a couple of seasons and have every opportunity to take the next step as well.

What is your own goal for the season?
-My main goal for the season is to make sure to help the team in any way I can. I want to get the best out of my teammates and myself so that we improve on the field. The second is to compete, try to win every game in the league. We have always had a team to compete at  the top of the table, but when it comes to discipline and consistency, we have been lacking in recent seasons. Hopefully with some of the new players that we have brought in together with the management staff, we can continue to compete and be focused to get the best out of this season. 

We wish Kris all the best during the season!

102

Football / Re: Scouting for Talent Thread

« on: February 26, 2024, 09:00:30 PM »

Norwich City: Keeper Jayden St Paul announces retirement
By Paddy Davitt (Norwich City Editor)

Norwich City academy keeper Jayden St Paul has been forced to retire due to a serious knee injury.

The 20-year-old, who signed a contract extension with the Canaries at the start of this season, announced the decision on his social media account on Monday afternoon, after a series of operations on a knee issue going back two years.

Jon Rowe, Abu Kamara, Jonathan Tomkinson and Vicente Reyes were among the City first team squad to wish St Paul all the best, along with former loanee Isaac Hayden.

The keeper signed his first professional contract with the Canaries in 2021, after joining from Uxbridge FC following a trial.

He posted the following on Instagram: “As some of you may know over the past two years I have battled with a serious knee injury. I have gone through multiple surgeries, had different procedures and received multiple opinions from specialists.

"After careful consideration, I have made the decision to retire from professional football. Although this was an extremely tough decision, I am confident this is the right one. I gave everything into trying to return to play but it has gotten to the point where prioritising my physical and mental health is more important.

“I want to thank my family, friends and Norwich City for supporting through this tough time. Despite this being a major setback in my life, I can walk away with a smile knowing I gave everything into the game and look forward to whatever exciting opportunities come my way.

“It can’t rain forever, better days are coming.”

St Paul also revealed in the same post his personal journey from joining the Canaries, the injury setbacks and final decision to retire from the professional ranks, will be released later this week.

“I have collaborated with @blackarrow_fc and @grassrootsandbeyond to tell my story which hopefully other people in a similar position or anyone going through a major setback can relate to.

"I speak about my journey into a professional academy, the tough truths about the game, suffering and dealing with depression, and understanding that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. This will be released later this week.”

103

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Sheldon Bateau

« on: February 26, 2024, 03:24:18 PM »

SK Beveren vs KMSK Deinze (February 23, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/391TKmmO1jY?start=324" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/391TKmmO1jY?start=324</a>

104

Football / Re: Sheldon Bateau Thread

« on: February 26, 2024, 03:23:36 PM »

A stoppage time header by Sheldon Bateau salvaged a point for SK Beveren with a 2-2 draw against KMSK Deinze.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/391TKmmO1jY?start=324" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/391TKmmO1jY?start=324</a>

105

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

« on: February 25, 2024, 09:18:26 AM »

Expecting better tonight: Haynes seeks more complete performances from U20s
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

HEAD COACH Brian Haynes is unconvinced that Trinidad and Tobago gave their best performance, but is nevertheless thrilled with the fight shown by the National Under-20 Men’s football team in battling back from two goals down for a 3-2 win over St Vincent and The Grenadines in their opening CONCACAF Under-20 Group D qualifier on Friday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS).

Victory kept the junior Soca Warriors alive and hoping for a better performance against Dominica tonight (7 p.m.), before meeting Canada on Tuesday night, the match likely to decide the lone team from the group which advances to the 2024 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, to be played later this year.

Having dominated Dominica 8-0 in Friday’s opening match, Canada face the Vincy Heat in their second game today at the HCS from 4 p.m.

“Personally, I feel like we owe Trinidad and Tobago for what we did tonight,” Haynes declared at Friday’s post-match press conference.

“I think it could have been much better. Look, I’m a coach. I don’t want perfection, but I want them to work as hard as they have to, from start to finish. “And I think they showed it in the end, but it could be more consistent.”

With Canada well ahead on goals scored and topping the group, Haynes is aware that his team cannot slip up tonight against Dominica on the second matchday.

“We need to win and we need to win without giving up any goals. We’re done giving up enough goals now, with the two,” he said. “We’re going to make sure that we put the work in to come in and get a result, so we can make Canada realise that they have a game coming up next on Tuesday.”

What was outstanding for the Under-20 Soca Warriors Friday night, was the fight they showed. Rio Cardines, the England-born Crystal Palace youth was pleased with the grit shown in the face of adversity, after T&T conceded an early penalty.

He explained what area pleased him most.

“Mainly not letting that (early penalty conceded) kill our game. Keep(ing) our heads up,” stated Cardines. “It was the first minute of the game. Silly mistake, 1-0 down. Overall, the team did well to not let that drop us and to keep our spirits high. We went in at half-time, had a little chat and came out a different team. I’m proud of the guys for that really.”

Former MLS and T&T national striker Haynes added: ”We fought and we kept fighting to the end. I’ve been a part of Trinidad and Tobago football for a long time and there’s a lot of times we would have lost or drawn games like that.”

Haynes felt the difficulty of playing against a St Vincent and the Grenadines team which sat back in great numbers and counter-attacked with speed, would be a learning experience for his charges.

“For the last couple of weeks we have been putting the ball down and playing, and then all of a sudden tonight, we decided we’re going to play these long balls,” Haynes explained. “Look, they (SVG) had a strategy, they’re not as fit as they should be, so they decide they are going to sit back behind the ball and make us try to play in between them. All we had to do was keep the ball and play.

“They got their goal, they got their opportunity, and it came from, not unbelievable soccer. It came from a breakthrough, foul, and the pk (penalty kick. And then the other one (second goal) we were asleep on, and they finish their chances.”

Making substitutions, Haynes was able to bring in players who changed the rhythm, and sometimes slowed the game down when necessary.

“What disappointed me is the fact that we we played into their hands. We kept playing the balls long, when we could just put it down and play,”Haynes analysed.

”I never, ever blame the players. I tried to have time to talk to them about it, and when it didn’t happen, I had to make the changes. Put the players who understood what I wanted to do. That turned the game around.”

106

Football / Re: 2024 SSFL Thread

« on: February 25, 2024, 09:00:32 AM »

‘Green Machine’ back in Premier Division
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

A SECOND half header from Upper Six student Jamell Cooper earned the “Green Machine”, St Augustine Secondary, a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Tobago’s Signal Hill Secondary, moving them atop the Secondary Schools Football League Championship Division Big 5 promotion series with one round of matches to go.

“That means we are back up in the Premiership,” excited St Augustine head coach Tacuma Jones, stated following the victory.

St Augustine now have seven points from wins over North champions Blanchisseuse Secondary and Tobago Championship winners Signal Hill and also drew goalless with Central Zone winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School. St Augustine complete their series against South champions Moruga Secondary, having already clinched one of the three promotion spots with yesterday’s win.

Signal Hill and Blanchisseuse both have four points with one match day left and are vying to fill the other two promotions spots, following the relegation of Pleasantville Secondary, Chaguanas North Secondary and Tobago’s Bishop’s High School from the Premier Division last season.

Yesterday’s match was close, both teams coming into the fixture unbeaten. It could have gone either way and it took Madison Lewis’ twice having to pull off one-on-one saves against striker Jermain Morgan and key midfielder J’Meke Watkin to keep the Tobagonians out. Towering central defender Ethan Friday also put a first-half header over, as Signal Hill delivered several dangerous corners.

“We were effective today,” Jones explained, “Signal Hill was pressing us. They had a good structure in terms of moving the ball. I had a lot of injuries, so we decided to get one goal and defend.”

The home team also had chances, with Nkosi Fuentes dipping a shot over from a dangerous wide-right position, and Cooper was also running clear before being pulled down by defender Jaquon Defour, who was lucky to get only a yellow card. But when the ball was played across the face of goal, Cooper was there first, beating Signal Hill goalkeeper Rondell Marcelle with a 53rd minute header.

“I know that my team needed me today, so, I said I will come and give my all and make sure and get at least one goal in the back of the net,” Cooper said. “We have worked really hard for this and we have not lost a home game since the season started.”

107

Football / Re: TTFA Presidency Polls; The countdown to election begins.

« on: February 25, 2024, 08:57:10 AM »

Wharfe needs to resign as CEO, a matter of ethics
T&T Guardian

Dear Editor,

The TTFA election approaches and individuals have declared their intention to challenge for the presidency, including Colin Wharfe (CEO of the FIFA-financed TT Premier League) among them. No slates have been officially nominated under the association’s newly minted constitution at this point, but an issue has arisen around a perceived need (in some quarters) for Wharfe to resign his TTPL post before the election.

Of course, there is no legal requirement for Wharfe to resign. The TTFA constitution does not mandate any such thing. The question does arise, however, whether Wharfe’s publicly declared intention to challenge for the presidency of the FIFA-financed TTFA and his occupation of the top position in the FIFA-financed Premier League, don’t present an ethical conundrum. Why so?

Because the new TTFA constitution, which radically alters the traditional electoral division of power within the football body, has been re-engineered by FIFA to ensure the domination and control of the FIFA-financed Premier League and its member clubs. To be specific, where before the combined voting power of 30-odd Pro League and Super League clubs amounted to 18 votes out of 49—much less than half of all votes—the new TTFA constitution grants 28 votes out of a total of 57 votes to 17 TTPL clubs—a comfortable majority.

TTFA is today FIFA-occupied territory. FIFA finances and controls everything. And the new constitution is part of the legal infrastructure that ensures FIFA’s control over local football. Thus, Wharfe, who has reportedly stated his intention to carry on the work of FIFA’s Normalisation Committee, is a solid bet to win the election. Wharfe is FIFA’s man. And beggars can’t be choosers.

The Premier League clubs will fall in line and do the needful to maintain the flow of FIFA finance into the Premier League and their clubs. Or will they? Will the other serious candidate Kieron Edwards and company fail? We shall see.

There is no legal issue with Wharfe’s actions to date. Ethics is another matter. But ethics don’t enter into any discussion of local politics, in any sphere. Wharfe cannot be required to resign until he is declared TTFA president by the election committee hastily assembled by FIFA’s Normalisation Committee. But, the ethics of campaigning while controlling the financial lifeblood of the league and the clubs that hold the vast majority of votes are appalling. As we see in today’s global geopolitics, occupiers do as they please, and this is the FIFA “rules-based order”.

Keith Look Loy

Arima

108

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

« on: February 24, 2024, 03:17:24 PM »

Late drama: U-20 Warriors win 3-2 over St. Vincent and the Grenadines
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

Fatima College striker Michael Chaves scored five minutes into second half added-on time, as Trinidad and Tobago fought back from a nervous start to dramatically win their opening CONCACAF U-20 Men Group D qualifying match over St Vincent and the Grenadines last night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The junior Soca Warriors were two goals down and trailed 2-1 at the halfway stage, before second half sub Chaves lifted a medium range left-footer past goalkeeper Tristan John for a dramatic and late 3-2 victory.

Concacaf’s Group D qualifiers commenced with a predictably one-sided 8-0 victory for Canada over Dominica, the North Americans leading as early as the eighth minute through a header from Myles Morgan, who, along with Sergei Kozlovskiy, scored a hattrick. Canada were up four goals at halftime, with Dominica also having Fabio Grido sent off in the 43rd minute.

Trinidad and Tobago took the field in the second match of Group D against St Vincent and the Grenadines, with both home support and history behind them. The Vincy Heat had lost all five previous encounters against the Soca Warriors, but last night there were early signs that the trend could end when the Soca Warriors found themselves trailing their Caribbean neighbours by two goals within the first half hour.

It was an absolute shocker when Kirtney Franklyn scored from the penalty spot to put the Vincy Heat ahead in the third minute. T&T goalkeeper Ailan Panton gave away the spot kick with a wild rush out that saw him take down striker Steven Pierre in just the opening minute.

Trinidad and Tobago went about energetically eager, trying to repair the early damage. Too energetic perhaps, and sometimes looking as if trying to play beyond their talent level. In doing so, they concentrated on playing quickly, but were highly inaccurate with their passes and often gave away the ball.

Except for brief glimpses by striker Larry Noel and Crystal Palace winger Rio Cardines, the Under-20 Soca Warriors created few clear scoring chances despite having the Lion’s share of possession. Indecision in the middle and defence also gave a dangerous looking SVG plenty space to break on the transition.

It all got worse when, in just their second attack, Pierre had the Vincy Heat ahead 2-0 in the 28th minute. He beat Panton to a corner kick and headed the ball onto the woodwork and into the goal.

There was huge relief when in the 36th minute, T&T captain and Presentation College defender Cody Cooper got his team back in the match, powerfully striking from the edge of the penalty area, following a corner kick.

SVG had another close penalty shout early in the second half, Cody being indecisive with the ball, and Panton rushing out at Pierre and not getting the ball. But in the 64th T&T were level at 2-2, striker Noel poking the ball past goalkeeper Tristan John, after overpowering his marker and getting to the ball.

T&T could have won it when Cardines fed the ball past the goalkeeper and across to substitute Malacai Webb, who got his feet tangled and failed to score from close up. Cardines then went close with a free-kick in added-on time, before Chaves came good at the end.

Group D action resumes tomorrow with T&T and Canada both looking for a second win before clashing on Tuesday. Canada will face St Vincent and the Grenadines from 4 O’clock, while the Soca Warriors tackle Dominica at 7 p.m.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 1. Ailan Panton (GK); 5. Lyshaun Morris, 4. Cody Cooper (captain), 3. Russel Francois, 2. Duhrell Young; 8. Abayomi George (12. Jeremiah Cateau 69'), 6. Levi Jones (15. Josiah Ochoa 52'); 7. Rio Cardines, 10. Lindell Sween (13. Michael Chaves 45'), 11. Derrel Garcia (19. Malachi Webb 69'); 9. Larry Noel (14. Tyrell Moore 69')

Unused substitutes: 18. Bryan Gafiuk (GK), 21. Makaya Taylor (GK), 16. Akil Henry, 17. Jaden Williams, 20. J’lon Matthews

Coach: Brian Haynes

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (4-2-1-3): 1. Tristan John (GK); 19. Dimitri Thomas, 2. Tyrique Stephens, 3. Lerence Benjamin, 4. Joenaldo Payne; 5. Sebastian Alexander, 18. Mackellie Ferdinand (8. Juemar Luke 72'); 17. Frankroy Cain (16. Aj Delpeshe 59'); 9. Isiah Charles, 10. Kirtney Franklyn (captain) (6. Logan Cozier 63'), 11. Steven Pierre

Unused substitutes: 20. Devon Morgan (GK), 21. Jermaine Jarvis (GK), 7. J’quan Glasgow, 12. Lazaro Lynch, 13. Kentre Gordan, 14. Amaro Charles, 15. Emroy Edwards

Coach: Wade Jackson

Referee: Ignacio Fuentes (Guatemala)

SCORES

Group A: Cuba 13 Anguilla 0

Group B: Antigua & Barbuda 4 Guyana 0; El Salvador 7 Turks & Caicos 0

Group C: Curacao 1 Saint Martin 0

Group D: Canada 8 Dominica 0; Trinidad & Tobago 3 St Vincent & the Grenadines 2

Group E: Haiti 4 Cayman Islands 1; Puerto Rico 3 St Kitts & Nevis 0

109

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: February 24, 2024, 02:13:58 PM »

Army look to apprehend Police in TTPFL, vow to shake off Phoenix loss
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

After falling to their second loss of the 2023/24 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) on Sunday, reigning TTPFL champions Defence Force will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they face the second-placed Police FC (24 points) from 4 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar on Saturday.

The Army are currently fourth on the 11-team table with 20 points from ten matches – six points behind table-toppers AC PoS who entertain Tobago’s 1976 FC Phoenix at the Arima Velodrome on Friday.

Phoenix stunned Defence Force on the weekend when they got a 2-0 win at Bacolet Stadium in Tobago, and the Tobago club will aim to keep soaring high when they meet the TTPFL’s top team. Defence Force coach Lloyd Andrews wants his troops to put the Tobago experience behind them quickly.

“We have to shake off the disappointment of not coming away victorious in Tobago,” Andrews told Newsday. “The job at hand is to get three points against Police FC come Saturday evening.”

He said it was important for the defending champions to keep the TTPFL leaders within striking distance.

“We also have a game in hand over Police, but we don’t want to count on that. We want to get three points against Police and enhance our position even better in the top-runners in the league,” Andrews said.

“Once we work the ball around as quickly as possible, we will be good. Police have some ex-national players, but if we maintain intensity, we will be able to do the best we can.” Fresh from their league and knockout triumphs in the inaugural TTPFL season, Andrews said his team is in the middle of a rebuild after losing a few key members of their squad.

Versatile former national under-20 midfielder Kaihim Thomas went overseas for trials, while the dangerous attacking pair of Reon Moore and Brent Sam have both left the Defence Force team to take up contract opportunities abroad.

Moore has been an integral member of coach Angus Eve’s Soca Warriors squad in their 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League campaign, with the towering Sam being a constant source of goals for Defence Force in local football’s top flight.

Sam, the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) MVP in 2015, scored 20 goals across the league and knockout competitions last season, and his tally of seven goals in the ongoing TTPFL season is second only to Caledonia FC’s veteran striker Kevon Woodley (eight goals).

With injured defender Justin “Shiggy” Garcia being Defence Force’s next-best scorer this season with three goals, Andrews said his team will need a collective effort to find the net with regularity.

“We have to look all over (for goals). We have no specific person who we could pinpoint and say this is where the goals are going to come from, but we are hoping to acquire Isaiah Leacock from AC PoS to assist us in that area.”

Like Sam, Leacock has netted seven times so far this season, and would be a welcome addition to the Army attacking line if he is indeed signed.

“We have to be conscious that we have lost some players and we have to replace them,” Andrews said. “The journey starts all over again. When you now join, you have to get the coach’s ideas and philosophy and from there we move forward.” Midway through their title defence, Andrews said the Army are far from throwing in the towel. “Yes, we are still confident of retaining the league title. We cannot give up that hope.”

In the previous meeting between the two teams in December, Police got a late goal to salvage a 2-2 draw at the St James Barracks. In this weekend’s clash of the servicemen, Andrews’ charges will try to commence their “rebuilding process” against a Police FC team which boasts a wealth of experience with players such as Alvin Jones, Joevin Jones and skipper Adrian Foncette within their ranks.

Army’s potential new recruits may have to hit the ground running if they are to hand Police a second loss in the ongoing season.

110

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

« on: February 23, 2024, 10:50:44 AM »

Young Soca Warriors look to put on show, target three points vs SVG in Concacaf opener
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

US-based Trinidad and Tobago under-20 men's football team forward Tyrell Moore says the young Soca Warriors are ready to make their mark at the Concacaf under-20 championship qualifiers and advance to the next phase of the competition.

T&T begin their quest to progress to this year's Concacaf under-20 men's championship when they meet St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from 7 pm on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. Canada and Dominica will get the qualifying action in group D underway with their encounter which kicks off at 4 pm on Friday.

With only the winners from the six qualifying groups advancing to the Concacaf under-20 men's championship to join the six-highest-ranked teams: US, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, Moore said it is time for T&T to show their worth to Concacaf and local football fans.

"I am ecstatic right now. I am ready to go and give a good performance for my country and show that we are not to be messed with," Moore told the media, during the team's training session at The UWI on Thursday morning.

"This is the moment where we can show what type of country we are in terms of our fighting will and the things we have to bring to the table to take us to victory."

Like ten of his teammates in the T&T under-20 squad, Moore suited up for a T&T team that battled against Concacaf powerhouse teams such as Canada and the US at last year's Concacaf under-17 men's championship in Guatemala. T&T advanced to the last 16 stage in the under-17 tournament, but Moore believes the under-20 crop has the ability to go further.

"I think we can take it all the way and make it out of this group. We will see what happens from there," Moore said. "We will go to the next part of (this Concacaf championship) and try to win it all. I think with this team we have right now, we can take it all the way."

Moore's call for the "undying support" of the T&T public was echoed by coach Brian Haynes, who promised to put on a good show for the fans.

More importantly, though, Haynes said his immediate focus is squarely on the encounter against SVG, as he sees it as a potential catalyst for the following games against Dominica and Canada.

"I am happy we are at home. I am happy that we will be playing a game that starts the ball rolling for us," Haynes said.

Again, Haynes stressed the importance of his team's stability at the back – even as he alluded to a horror ten-minute period that saw the young Soca Warriors conceding three quick goals in a 3-1 friendly loss to Jamaica's under-20 team on February 1.

"We don't want to give up any goals. We have to win the first game and set ourselves up for the rest of the tournament.

"Personally, when we start looking ahead without looking at what is in front of us, we trip up. I want to make sure we take a look at what is in front of us for the first game and then we will look at the next game. I really don't want to put undue pressure on them."

And while Haynes says he respects the SVG team, he said his team cannot defer from their mission to get three points.

"We cannot take SVG for granted, because when you do that you lower your standards," Haynes said.

"You can win or lose a game with a lack of concentration. It is going to be important for us to do that. We have to make sure we respect the opponent, but at the same time, we have to show what we can do."

Haynes said his team's strengths are their athleticism and their skill, and he believes their size in the midfield and defensive positions can give them an edge as well.

However, he said, "As far as I am concerned, all of those things mean nothing until we play the game."

On the eve of the qualifiers, Haynes remains coy on his team's chances of progressing to the next phase.

"I am confident we can advance from the group, but I am not going to tell you why," he said.

"We are not one of the seeded teams so we have to make sure we do the business to get there."

111

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

« on: February 23, 2024, 10:36:25 AM »

Haynes excited: Under-20s open CONCACAF Group D series tonight
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

“They’ll see something good,” stated Brian Haynes, head coach of the National Under-20 men’s national football team, as he anticipated a good crowd turnout for the CONCACAF Group D qualifier series which begins today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The series begins with Canada facing Dominica at the HCS from 4 p.m.. Later, a confident Haynes is expecting a strong performance as the young Soca Warriors take on St Vincent and the Grenadines from 7 p.m., before also facing Dominica on Sunday and Canada on Tuesday.

“They are ready,” Haynes declared yesterday. “In watching them train, in watching their mentality and the speed at which they are playing at now, it’s kinda making me a ‘lil bit excited. Not too excited yet.”

Just one team advances out of the group and qualifies for the CONCACAF Under-20 championship later this year. The really tough game is expected to be Tuesday’s clash against Canada. However, Haynes refused to take his first two opponents lightly.

“We want to try and win the first game so we can set ourselves up for the rest of the tournament,” he told the media at training session yesterday morning.

“Three points tomorrow, and then we look at the next,” Haynes said. “I want to make sure we take what is in front of us in the first game, get the result, then we look at the next game.”

However, while instructing his players against taking any opponent lightly, the T&T coach is expectant.

“I am confident,” Haynes said of his team topping the group.

“We are very athletic, we are very skilful, and we have good size in the defence and the midfield.”

Haynes felt a lesson was learned when T&T split a two-match warm-up series recently against Jamaica.

“I gave them reminders that we beat Jamaica the first time and the second time we played them, we let up ten minutes and give up three goals.’

Two players eagerly anticipating the tournament are Caledonia AIA midfielder Lindell Sween and USA-based striker Tyrell Moore, both having represented T&T at Under-17 level in February, 2023.

Sween openly declared his desire to join the senior men’s national team and to take what other opportunities the CONCACAF Under-20 tournament offers. Sween has the distinction of having scored when T&T went down 3-2 to Canada at the 2023 CONCACAF Under-17 tournament.

“My game has improved plenty from that tournament to this,” stated Sween, who felt he had made great improvement defensively. “I would really like to play for the senior team after this,” he added.

Meanwhile, Atlanta-based United States-born striker Moore is under no added pressure to perform, despite having a well-known father, Wendell Moore, the former national player and whose brother Shaq Moore, has represented the United States national team.

“I had a good performance in the previous tournament,” Moore stated despite having not scored. “I played really well, and I think this team that we have now, we can take it all the way.”

112

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Levi Garcia

« on: February 22, 2024, 04:53:11 PM »

AEK Athens vs AE Kifisia FC (February 19, 2024) (Two)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/3zYeTK3_rJw?start=37" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/3zYeTK3_rJw?start=37</a>

113

Football / Re: Greg Ranjitsingh Thread

« on: February 22, 2024, 02:25:38 PM »

Toronto FC sign goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh to a new contract
Toronto FC Communications

Toronto FC announced today that the club has signedgoalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh to a new contract through 2024 with a 2025 option.

Ranjitsingh, 30, made four appearances and registered 14 saves through two seasons (2022, 2023) for the Reds, including his First Team debut against FC Cincinnati on June 21, 2023. He also represented Toronto FC II, registering 25 saves in eight matches across two MLS NEXT Pro seasons (2022, 2023). He originally signed with Toronto FC on January 22, 2022, after serving as Major League Soccer’s Pool goalkeeper during the 2021 season.

Ranjitsingh previously spent time with Philadelphia Union (2021), Minnesota United FC (2020) and Orlando City SC (2019), making a combined five appearances, before signing as the league’s emergency goalkeeper in July 2021. Prior to MLS, he made 90 appearances for Louisville City FC of the USL Championship through four seasons (2015-2018). He helped lead the club to consecutive USL Cup titles in 2017 and 2018, keeping clean sheets in both finals. Before joining Louisville, Ranjitsingh played college soccer at Mercer University from 2011 to 2014, earning the Southern Conference’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and getting named to the All-Conference team during his senior year.

Internationally, Ranjitsingh was a member of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup team. He made his first appearance in a closed-door friendly against Canada on June 10, 2019.

TRANSACTION: Toronto FC sign goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh through 2024 with a 2025 option.

GREG RANJITSINGH

Position: Goalkeeper

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 202 lbs.

Birthdate: July 18, 1993 (Age – 30)

114

Football / Re: Bertille St Clair Thread

« on: February 21, 2024, 03:09:58 PM »

Bertille St Clair among 21 sporting titans honoured at SHAPE launch
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Legendary Tobago football coach Bertille St Clair was one of 21 stalwarts recognised for their years of service within their communities on Monday, when the Ministry of Sport and Community Development launched their 2024 Sport, Health, Athletic Performance Empowerment (SHAPE) programme at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

St Clair coached Trinidad and Tobago's football teams at various youth levels and he has the distinction of being the only coach to take Trinidad and Tobago's senior team to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup – a feat they managed in the 2000 edition of the tournament. He was also the coach of the Soca Warriors in the successful 2006 World Cup campaign, before being replaced by Dutchman Leo Beenhakker.

St Clair also brought Signal Hill Secondary to prominence in the 1980s, with Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) league and national intercol titles.

St Clair is also widely regarded as one of the main forces who influenced the career of former Soca Warriors captain Dwight Yorke, who had an outstanding career with Manchester United, with success in the English Premier League and Uefa Champions League.

The former Trinidad and Tobago coach was not present to receive his award, but the VIP lounge at the Hasely Crawford Stadium was swarmed by sporting pioneers who have dedicated their lives to bettering the youth in the communities through activities such as dance, cricket, rugby, football, netball, track and field and so many more.

Two of the awardees, Rhonda Jones and Preston Nanan, told Newsday they were grateful to be acknowledged for their work and they said it gives them additional motivation to keep pushing the youths to excel.

Jones, a former coach of Trinidad and Tobago's youth female cricket teams from 2009-2014, was recognised for contribution in the sports of netball, football and her first love, cricket. Meanwhile, Nanan, who has been working in sport for over 30 years, was rewarded for his immense contribution to football.

Nanan's San Fernando Sports Academy has produced quality players such as 16-year-old St Benedict's College and Premier SC striker Malachi Webb, who has been selected on the Trinidad and Tobago's under-20 men's football team for the Concacaf under-20 championship qualifiers.

Nanan founded the San Fernando Sports Academy NGO over 15 years ago, with former Naparima goalkeeper Levi Fernandez and 2022 SSFL MVP Tarik Lee being two other high-profile graduates of the programme.

"It is a great accomplishment and a great feeling to know you coach these young guys and now you are seeing them on TV," Nanan told Newsday.

"It is a great feeling to know you have been honoured ...it is a great thing to recognise people for their work.

"Sometimes, these people go unnoticed for the work they do; and they have great influence in their communities, spending time with children and nurturing them and training them and giving them the courage they need."

Jones, a teacher for over 30 years, is extremely passionate about her La Horquetta community, and in 2009, she started the LH Movers Sports and Cultural Committee following the spate of murders in and around her community. Jones' brother lost his life, after a life of crime, and she remains committed on her quest to steer the youth of her community away from nefarious activities.

"I was always battling behind the scenes and that kind of thing," Jones said, reflecting on her community involvement prior to forming the committee.

"I decided I would come forward and let people know we could do so much more. We got some like-minded people together and we formed the committee. Since then, we have been doing so much."

Jones said the LH Movers Sports and Cultural Committee hosts a plethora of social, cultural and sporting events, and the recent Carnival season saw them teaching youngsters about the traditions of the festival to try and foster a greater appreciation for its roots.

While Jones is appreciative of the award, she said the hard work must go on.

"For me, getting this award is just saying: 'your work was recognised and it was not in vain.' And I will continue – whether another award comes my way or not – until God says no more.

"In my community, it is needed. It is really needed because it is really sad when I hear gunshots as opposed to a ball bouncing. I will go for a ball any day. I will give them a bat and a ball. That is just me."

21 Community Sport Titans honoured:
Trevor Alleyne (Cricket)
Charmain Archer (Netball)
Brian Browne (Cricket, Football)
Randolf Cato (Dragon boat)
Verna Edwards (Table tennis, Track and Field) – Posthumous
Nikeisha Felix-Lewis (Cricket, Netball)
Gerard Franklyn (Track and Field)
Wade Franklyn (Track and Field)
Roger Frontin (Cycling)
Vishnu Gokool (Cricket, Table tennis)
Ulric "Buggy" Haynes (Football)
Rudolph Jack (Rugby)
Rhonda Jones (Cricket, Football and Netball)
Ingrid Maxwell (Cricket)
Ray Mitchell (Football)
Preston Nanan (Football)
Willet Pantor (Rugby)
Verlyn Ross (Rugby and Tagby)
Reynold Sewdass (Cricket)
Bertille St Clair (Football)
Lana Lisa Thompson (Dance)

115

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Dantaye Gilbert

« on: February 21, 2024, 09:58:43 AM »

MVV Maastricht vs Jong PSV (February 19, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/I7gmznuM3EE?start=126" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/I7gmznuM3EE?start=126</a>

116

Football / Re: Dantaye Gilbert Thread

« on: February 21, 2024, 09:56:32 AM »

After his own goal gave MVV Maastricht the lead with ten minutes to go, Dantaye Gilbert rescued a point for Jong PSV with a composed finish in injury time. MVV Maastricht 3-3 Jong PSV.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/I7gmznuM3EE?start=126" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/I7gmznuM3EE?start=126</a>

117

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: February 20, 2024, 10:51:27 PM »

1976 Phoenix coach: We don't have big names, but we have quality
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

1976 FC Phoenix coach Nigel De Souza says his team may not have the big household names, but he believes they have the quality required to compete in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) top tier and challenge any rival team.

The Tobago-based Phoenix team, who clinched the inaugural TTPFL tier two title last season, endured a rough start to life in the TTPFL's tier one with a couple of heavy defeats. On November 24, Phoenix were humbled on the opening night of the season by defending champions Defence Force when they fell to a crushing 5-0 defeat.

A week later, Phoenix were then beaten 4-1 by last season's TTPFL runners-up, AC PoS, at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago.

De Souza says his charges are doing their utmost to make the Bacolet a fortress, and their first of three TTPFL home wins came in the shape of a thumping 4-0 win over the much-fancied Terminix La Horquetta Rangers team on December 14.

With additional victories over the struggling Central FC and Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) teams, Phoenix again raised eyebrows on Sunday night when they got revenge over Defence Force with a 2-0 win in Bacolet. Phoenix (13 points) consolidated eight spot on the 11-team table, but De Souza says the victory reflects the current mental and physical state of his team and he believes they are now "a little more comfortable with performing at this level."

With Army missing the dangerous attacking pair of Reon Moore and Brent Sam, both of whom are set to take overseas deals, Phoenix did their best work early on in the weekend contest and scored both goals in first-half action. Phoenix's first goal came in the ninth minute when former Soca Warriors winger Trevin Caesar headed home from close range following a surging run through midfield by Adriel George.

Phoenix's second goal was a thing of beauty from Jariel Arthur, who lobbed custodian Christopher Biggette from well outside the area following a loose pass in the Army half by Kevon Goddard.

"We made some tactical adjustments from the first game (against Defence Force) and throughout the season we have made adjustments," De Souza told Newsday. "Going into (Sunday's) game, we understood how Defence Force like to play. We understand what they like to do tactically."

Having played against Defence Force, AC PoS, Police FC and Rangers in their first four tier one games, De Souza said his team has finally adjusted to the rigours of the league after a difficult start.

"I think the players are in a much better space tactically, mentally and physically now, compared to when we just started competing at this level," De Souza said. "Now, we are seeing the level we are at and we believe we could compete with everybody, despite teams having bigger names and a little more experience."

Before the 2023/24 season began, De Souza insisted Phoenix were not entering the league to be "whipping boys," and now he wants his players to show the best of what Tobago has to offer.

"What we aim to do is continue to improve and show we can compete at this level, and show a team from Tobago can compete at this level – and with a full Tobago team," he said.

"We want to give the guys a chance to showcase themselves on the national level and we are doing that."

With nine games left in the season, De Souza does not want to make any "proclamation on where (Phoenix) could finish" the campaign. He said landing the Army scalp on home turf gives the team more confidence, but they will not rest on their laurels.

"We have quality. We may not have any big names, but we do have quality," De Souza said.

"We want to continue to improve and get results against everybody. That was a good start for us (Sunday), but we go again on Friday. Sometimes the home comfort works, but we also understand we need to pick up points on the road if we want to be competitive throughout the league."

Having exacted revenge on the fourth-placed defending champions, Phoenix will try to follow suit against league leaders AC PoS (26 points) when they journey to Trinidad for their next clash later this week.

"(AC PoS) are on top of the table and they have been the most consistent team throughout the league so far," he said. "We have a big job to go and try to upset the apple carts. If we can, we will. That is our next challenge."

118

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

« on: February 20, 2024, 10:35:18 PM »

Browne still extends hand to election rivals
By Garth Wattley (T&T Express)

Three men have openly declared their intention to run for the presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), but one of them is still hoping the field can be reduced.

Selby Browne says he’s leaving the door open for an accommodation with his potential rivals.

Next Wednesday is the deadline for all potential candidates for the April 13 TTFA elections to be nominated. And so far Browne, president of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT), head of the Southern Football Association Dennis Latiff and Eastern Football Association president Kieron Edwards have declared their interest in being the next president.

However, since the election date was announced, attempts have been made between the three to have an accommodation without success. However, Browne has not given up on the idea.

“What I have told them, both Latiff and Kieron is that we should all come together and agree to have one entity and go to the election with one slate,” the VFFOTT president told the Express yesterday. “We don’t need an election to determine who will run the TTFA. Let us come together and do that...I have invited them to do that.”

Browne added: “It’s up to them to come back to me. I know one reached out on Sunday...but it is up to them to do it...It is still open to them.”

Latiff, however, said yesterday that he is pressing ahead with a slate of his own.

“Others have their own personal agenda,” he said. “I going with a national agenda, not a personal agenda. There is nothing personal in this for me to gain. I am coming with a new slate that I think could move football forward in Trinidad and Tobago.”

In the meantime, Browne expects to finalise his slate by the weekend.

“Whatever my veteran footballers decide Saturday morning 10 o’clock at the Barataria Sports Complex...(that’s) what our slate will be,” he said, adding: ”Our VFFOTT membership, we have had forums, we have brought people in, we have done consultations throughout all the zones-- Tobago, North, Central and we have come up with what is the plan for the restructuring and development of Trinidad and Tobago football. That is ten years of work, more than.”

Browne also said he expected another slate to come to the fore by the nomination deadline day. But he is keen to get the process finished because he said much time has been lost in preparing the national senior team for World Cup qualification.

“Clearly, the Normalisation Committee has missed the opportunity (to prepare) so what we are hoping and praying on is defeating Canada next month in Texas to go into the CONMEBOL, which if we do well in the CONMEBOL we will seed a place or we go into the World Cup qualifiers that start in June,” Browne claimed.

“That is where we are at today, knowing since 2020 that you have a World Cup in 2026 to be hosted in the CONCACAF with three countries already seeded and then the three-and-a-half places, and you haven’t had a team in training and preparation, living let us say in Panama or Mexico or the US and playing actively...We have wasted the opportunity. We are on a hope and a prayer right now.”

119

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

120

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.”