PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC-Former Trinidad and Tobago defender, Brian Williams, says a good performance for the soca warriors at the Caribbean Cup finals in Antigua will help restore pride and rekindle a struggling sport.
Officials here have complained that the sport has been in the doldrums since its pinnacle in 2006 when the national team qualified for the very first time for the FIFA World Cup.
Trinidad advanced to the finals starting today, despite controversy surrounding the lack of funding for the team and other contentious issues hampering the T&T Football Federation (TTFF).
“Playing well and qualifying for the Gold Cup will bring some hope back”said Williams, a member of Trinidad’s 1990 strike squad.
“TT football has been struggling but if we do well you will see that national support return”.
T&T did not advance to the knockout stage of the competition in the last two years and therefore failed to qualify for the Gold Cup.
The soca warriors take on Haiti tonight in their opening game of group A which also includes Dominican Republic and host Antigua and Barbuda.
Williams is urging the national footballers to show continuity by building on a good performance in Antigua.
“We must not rest on achieving that alone, there must be continuity” Williams said.
“We’ve been missing (games during the) international windows. We must get as much practice games as we can”.
A 20 man team was scheduled to arrive in Antigua on Wednesday following a series of practice sessions in which the squad was cut from 27.
“It’s a pretty young squad but they have a little experience too”, said the 52 year old ex-national.
“I’m very optimistic of our chances once we apply ourselves properly. Players must understand the state our football is in”.
Coach of leading club Caledonia AIA, Jamaal Shabazz, has been included as a second head coach with Hudson Charles in an effort to boost the reggae Boyz chances.
The issue of joint head coaches seems unprecedented and has become a major talking point in local football circles although Charles has been quoted as saying he does not have a problem with the decision.
“Somebody has to take the responsibility. I don’t think it will be difficult to work though. Jamaal brings his wealth of experience and while working with Charles they will move the team in a positive direction” said Williams.
“The knowledge Jamaal has will be valuable to the national team and knowing the individuals, I don’t think it will be problem for them to get along, they are co-coaches but they must have one voice”.
