Latapy targets Latin American opener.
By: Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Newly re-appointed Soca Warriors coach, Russell Latapy, is expected to kick off his second stint in charge of the national team against a Latin American opponent at home next month.
This was stated by team manager, David Muhammad, after another closed door training session with 21 local players at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
Latapy was re-elected coach of the T&T squad on March 2, after his initial stint in charge ended last November with the 2010 South Africa World Cup Concacaf Qualifiers. This was after the “Little Magician” took over the post on April 8, 2009, after Colombian Francisco Maturana resigned.
Speaking at the end of the session yesterday, Muhammad said : “We are hoping to get our first taste of action next month against a Concacaf or South American opponent.”
“The match is expected to be played here as the only way we will be playing our first match away from home, is if we are invited by a country to do so.
Among the players present for the three sessions were Puerto Rico Islanders’ Kendall Jagdeosingh and former Swansea defender, Radanfah Abu Bakr who made his senior team debut in a Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Mexico last year.
Other players at the sessions were Densill Theobald, Shahdon Winchester, Clyde Leon, Robert Primus, Sheldon Bateau, Joevin Jones, Dwayne James, Aklie Edwards, Akeem Adams, Keston Williams, Devon Jorsling, Kern Cupid, Devon Jamerson, Keon Daniel, Kerron Cummings, Hughton Hector, Jan-Michael Williams and Glenroy Samuel.
Called up for training but absent from the sessions were the bmobile Joe Public quintet of Trent Noel, Kerry Baptiste, Makan Hislop, Hayden Tinto and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip due to their club’s involvment in the Caribbean Football Union Champions League qualifiers which takes place in St Vincent from March 19 to 23.
Latapy and the local players will return to training at the same venue on Wednesday from 4.30 pm, and unlike the previous sessions it will be opened to media. Latapy will then reveal a shortlist of his selected players for future training and preparation for international matches and competitions.
