National senior team head coach Wim Rijsbergen officially began his duties yesterday, as he conducted his first training session with the Soca Warriors at the Larry Gomes Stadium on the eve of the squad’s departure for Tokyo for next week’s friendly international against Japan.
Rijsbergen viewed a training match involving the national Under-16 team at UWI Grounds, with assistants Anton Corneal and Jan Van Deinsen, and then headed off to Arima, where he met with the players for the first time since taking over from Leo Beenhakker.
The session was the first of what many expect to be a successful aftermath of the country’s commendable first time showing at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The former Dutch World Cup defender held talks in the company of TTFF Special Adviser, Jack Warner, and General Secretary Richard Groden with the various coaches and managers attached the local Pro League teams at the Clico Corporate Suite, Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday afternoon.
His intentions are to have the PFL teams more involved in the preparation of the national teams, where training schedules and release of players are concerned.
Fifteen of the selected 18 players for Japan are attached to Pro League teams, with only Sydney FC’s Dwight Yorke, German-based winger Evans Wise and Avery John of New England Revolution based outside.
Several of the other regular players were unavailable due to club commitments and the fact that the game is being played on a non-FIFA date.
As a result, the likes of Kendall Jagdeosingh, midfielder Stephan David, W Connection’s Andre Pacheco, Starworld’s goalkeeper Marvin Phillip and defender Clyde Leon will be lining up in T&T colours for the first time in a senior international fixture.
“It’s important that we have the best possible relationship with all the parties involved, because it makes the hard part easier in some ways,” Rijsbergen said.
“We need the Pro League players for this match and it’s a great chance for them to get the exposure at the international level.
“We will be monitoring them and trying to form a good base of players, so that we can never be caught off guard. This will help us to be ready at all times.
“While the success in Germany was wonderful, the big part is for us to now ensure that we can build on it and it starts here,” Rijsbergen added.
He also revealed last night that Dwight Yorke will not be available for the friendly because of injury.
The team leaves Piarco today with some players going through Miami and another group going through London.
Team
Marvin Phillip (Starworld Strikers), Jan Michael Williams (W Connection), Keyeno Thomas (Jabloteh), Atiba Charles (W Connection), Ian Gray (Jabloteh), Avery John (New England Revolution), Cyd Gray (Jabloteh), Aurtis Whitley (Jabloteh), Andre Pacheco (W Connection), Trent Noel (Jabloteh), Kendall Jagdeosingh (Caledonia AIA), Stephan David (Caledonia AIA) Clyde Leon (W Connection), Gary Glasgow (Joe Public), Evans Wise (unattached), Anthony Wolfe and Glenton Wolfe (Jabloteh), Dwight Yorke (Sydney FC). Staff: Wim Rijsbergen (head coach), Jan Van Deinsen (Assistant coach), Sam Phillip (Manager), Zeph Nicholas (Sports therapist), Wayne Lawson (Trainer), Ikin Williams (Equipment manager), Terrence Babwah (Doctor), Shaun Fuentes (Media Officer).
