Ghana shows T&T interest.
By: Shaun Fuentes.[/size]
Fresh from a showing which won the hearts of many in their first appearance at a World Cup Finals, Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors could well be on their way to playing a testimonial match against new African wonder team Ghana.
Just as skipper Dwight Yorke and his men were on their way back to Trinidad last Thursday, Special Advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Jack Warner was in meeting with Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Education Papa Owusu-Ankomah as both men discussed the possibility of the match on a proposed date of September 2, 2006.
According to Warner the African team seems very interested in making the visit to Port of Spain but there is one issue which could put the date off. And that is the fact that Mexico have already accepted an invitation from Warner and the TTFF to come to Port of Spain on the same September 2 to play the match which will serve as a final send off for the Squad which represented the country at the 2006 World Cup.
“I will return home on Monday and then we will discuss this at the TTFF because it will definitely be a wonderful opportunity to have Ghana in our country for what could be the best of Africa versus the best of the Caribbean,” Warner told TTFF Media.
“We have already booked the date with the Mexicans and they have accepted the invitation to come but the Ghana match is under serious consideration at this time,” added Warner who is schedule back home on Monday for a short stay during which he will also hold meetings on the staging of the upcoming Caribbean Football Union Youth tournament.
Meantime, under the influence of Warner, FIFA has invited St Kitts/Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas to attend the World Cup final on July 9.
FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi. Who has expressed his delight with T&T’s showing in Germany, wrote to Douglas: “Since June 9, 2006, the best national teams have inspired millions of people around the world with their exceptional skills and continue to thrill them with their attractive play. As a sign of a special appreciation, we would like to invite you on behalf of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and Vice President Jack A.Warner to attend the final in Berlin as our guest of honour.”
Meanwhile, several of the national team players are carded to make their way out of the country early this week as some of them report back to the clubs or use the few extra days off to go on holiday trips. LA Galaxy forward Cornell Glen, out with a torn cartilage for up to six weeks will return to his club on Tuesday to continue rehab. Skipper Yorke along with the other UK-based pros are also expected to depart. Some of them will also be hoping to tie up final contractual arrangements with the likes of Kelvin Jack and Shaka Hislop finishing their contracts at Dundee and West Ham United respectively and are considering options. Hislop has not yet agreed to a new one-year offer from the “Hammers”. Luton Town midfielder Carlos Edwards has also been told by his manager that there have been other clubs now expressing interest in him but for now at least he will report back to the club later in the month for preseason training. The rest of the squad is currently here with the exception of Port Vale’s Chris Birchall who had to return to England on request of his club in order to undergo a wrist operation and Ian Cox also had to return on personal business.
Head coach Leo Beenhakker also left the team base in Rotenburg on Thursday and did so with a few smiles as he also told reporters how pleased he was with the display from his team.
"For the future, we have to think that these players will be among the world's best, we showed (world class) skills here. Now they have shown that they can compete and what else can I ask of them. The players only need more self-confidence," he said. "We were knocked out of the competition and we have lost. But there is a first time for everyone and we have gotten a good dose of experience. They will move on with this now and just as we came here with a lot of passion and ambition I am sure you will see more of it (in the future).
