Coaches in Trinidad lack the exposure to develop player to the top level. We may get them so far, but it takes a lot to get players to play on the edge. Now Brian Williams was a pretty okay player, but that does not make him a coach. Anton Corneal is moving along because his father is aligned with jack warner, and only because of that.
What have local coaches achieved to show that they are an actual a success at what they do? One of the biggest problem in Trinidad and Tobago is that the majority of our players are technically weak. We can not execute on demand. The Brazilian Principle "technique on demand" which has been adopted by the US is a great way to teach.The SAID principle - Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands. However these coaches are not exposed to such coaching education.
Let take our women's team which has just completed the CONCACAF U20 Qualifiers,what did we achieved? Well according to the coach, "Mexico did not want to play friendlies with us but now they want to," what is that? Canada hammered us we; did not have a clue. But we celebrate us beating Panama. Is that the level we set?This is where the TTFF shows their impotence, Jamal Shabazz a National Team coach cannot fly to north america because he was placed on the no fly list, plus he was caught using false documents. Yet this guy is a national coach. He has never had a winning record, but for some reason he has always been the coach. Why?
Lincoln Phillip so far has done nothing to show his presence as Technical Director. He comes from the american system, which is a very good way of developing young players, yet no progress. The american system to a great degree can be implemented in Trinidad, with some adaptation. I will tell you why I say there is no progress. Simply because the Secondary League needs to be adjusted to be more successful, and he has not touched it. We can argue, but our local cpaches just cannot get it done. Not there fault really, but the powers that be.....maybe?
Ok..first of all, I am not sure that the TD can touch High School football in T&T...I do beleive that they are run by a separate entity!
secondly, As far as I see Lincoln is trying to put a system in place. He is addressing the very problem you see with other footballers. He is first tackling the issue of certifying coaches. He has said in press releases, interviews etc, that all local coaches...national and grassroots level will be certified.
And before you are allowed to coach a team (national) YOU MUST be certified.
The higher the certification and demonstrated level of competence, the more responsibility you get.
we need to start a system and work within the purview of that system. Anton Corneal is currently the highest qualified coach in T&T. he was chosen by the Technical staff to be an understudy to Beenie-man. Like him or not, the man took the time to get himself the book knowledge. Many have said he has been a reat failure....well maybe with this experience under Beenie he just make get the extra that will make him a better coach.
Others are crying that we need another person ...someone without the Corneal name. well my response is: "Do you punish a son because he carries his father's name?" Regardless of his father's association with Jacko....Anton has accomplished much. maybe the other coaches (more competent ones) should get off their asses and get more certifications. Now hold on, certifications do not make anyone a better coach, but it shows a level of committment and the desire to improve ones knowledge base.
That remains my stand on anton Corneal. Good coach bad coach is irrelevant at this ppint. He has demonstrated the desire to get knowledge and as such he has been rewarded because of the current system.
all in all, I do think that the TD is doing much. He ahs to wrk within the limitations placed upon him as well as the financial restraints. Lincoln Phillips is a patriot and as far as I can determine a very homorable man.
Rome was not built in a day and anyone who says that progrees is not being made is either mistaken, or impatient.
Peace.
