TTFF NEWS - Birchall, Avery rejoins Soca Warriors for Panama friendly

Birchall, Avery rejoins Soca Warriors for Panama friendly

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 25, 2008

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Footballers will resume training on Friday ahead of next Wednesday’s friendly international against Panama at the Marvin Lee Stadium from

6:00 pm  as they continue preparations for the August 20 CONCACAF World Cup qualifier away to Cuba.

 

The team, under head coach Francisco Maturana, will face off with the Central Americans and then journey to Port-Au-Prince for another friendly international against Haiti carded for August 10. 

 

Also tentatively scheduled is a friend against El Salvador in Washington, USA on August 13.

 

Maturana will for the first time since taking over as T&T coach, have the chance to see English-born midfielder Chris Birchall in T&T colours. Both Birchall and US-based defender Avery John will arrive on the weekend to join the team for Wednesday’s friendly against Panama. Birchall last played for T&T in a friendly international against Austria in November 2006 while John’s last appearance was against Panama the previous month that same year. The former Port Vale man netted a double for Coventry in a  5-0 win over Nuneaton Town in a preseason fixture on Thursday.

 

“Obviously it’s a delight to be recalled to the Trinidad and Tobago national team. It’s always my intention to play and I’m looking forward to it after the lay off,” Birchall told TTFF Media.

 

 “I’ve never tried to turn my back but obviously now I want to try and maintain a regular spot in the team and contribute to the team’s cause to get to South Africa. I strongly believe we have a good chance to qualify again and I would love to be part of it. It’s good to see the coach having a look at some of the other guys again and hopefully we can get it right and have a good go at Cuba and the other teams in the semi-final round,” he added.

 

Among the other players in Maturana’s squad for Wednesday’s encounter include Marvin Phillip, Cleon John, Makan Hislop, Cyd Gray, Gyasi Joyce, Keyeno Thomas, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Aklie Edwards, Khaleem Hyland, Densill Theobald, Kerry Baptiste, Anthony Wolfe, Cornell Glen and Andre Toussaint. Kevaughn Connell has also been invited while Aurtis Whitley and Keon Daniel are nursing niggling injuries and will be in the final squad depending on their physical status after the weekend.

 

Sunderland midfielder Dwight Yorke and other UK-based pros will join the team inside the week leading up to the August 29 World Cup qualifier against Cuba.

 

Trinidad and Tobago Women Repeats as Caribbean Champions

Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Ladies proved there Caribbean dominants when they silenced the 5000 fans at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymasium Barbados. The T&T women had a very nervous start with Barbados home crowd being very responsive. The first set ended 22-25. T&T soon got into there rythm and with powerful kills from there inspirational leader won 25-15 25-22 25-17 to repeat as the Caribbean Champions. By the time the game was finished the Barbados crowd was shocked however showing appreciation for the quality of talent displayed by the twin island girls. Kelly Ann Billingy lead the way with 26 Points all from spikes, Annette Chapman lead the way for Barbados with 12 points also all spikes.

 

After the games the coaches comments were:

 

TTO: Franciso Cruz - "his team could still play better."

 

BAR: Paul Payne - "It the best T&T team he has ever seen, the hard part is there young ages"

 

Final Scores - TTO - BAR 22-25 25-15 25-22 25-17.

TTFF NEWS - Theobald recalled to National Team for Thursday's friendly vs N/Antilles

Theobald recalled to National Team for Thursday’s friendly vs N/Antilles

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 15, 2008

 

Midfielder Densill Theobald has been recalled to the National Senior Team after being added as the 19th player to the roster for Thursday’s friendly international against Netherlands Antilles.

 

Theobald, captain of the Team for much of the 2007 period, had not worn national colours since the 0-0 draw with Guadeloupe on Ash Wednesday but head coach Francisco Maturana explained to the former Falkirk player on Monday that he intended to  have him in the team’s plans for upcoming World Cup qualifying action.

 

But this did not occur until both individuals held a discussion.

 

Theobald revealed that he only recently found out that the reason for his non-selection since February was due to Maturana’s displeasure over his handing over of the captain’s armband to Stern John mere moments before the kick off of the game versus Guadeloupe at the Queen’s Park Oval without the coach’s (Maturana’s) approval.

 

“It’s only over the past few days I found out that the coach was a bit unhappy with something that I did before the Guadeloupe game and I hold my hands up for it. I went into the game as captain of the team and this was something that he and the other coaches agreed upon and I took it upon myself to give it to another player before the game without telling the management. He (Maturana) was not happy about that and it dragged on to me not being involved in the recent games.

 

“But I went to him after I found this out and I felt it was the right thing to apologize for my mistake. We had  a very good chat. Like every good coach I think he has his discipline measures he wants followed by the players and he explained this to me. We spoke about a lot of things including his thoughts on the current team and how he intends to go about preparing the team for the matches coming up,” Theobald told TTFF Media.

 

The Caledonia AIA player admitted that he was delighted over his recall for Thursday’s match which has been shifted to the Marvin Lee Stadium.

 

“Like any player getting a recall, one will also be happy about that and I am feeling really pleased right now. I never got worried over not making the team because I kept the faith. Now it’s down to me to live up to the call and repay the coach for this opportunity he is giving me. All the players really have to grab the opportunities being given to them at this stage.

 

The ex-Hungary-based professional also described the returning of Dwight Yorke and other players as a boost to the squad.

 

“I think Dwight (Yorke) and some of the other players from the (2006) World Cup squad coming back into the team is a plus for us right now. Dwight made a big difference last time and I believe he can make another big contribution again. Having players like him, Stern John and some of the other experienced ones mixing with the younger players can only help the team improve and be ready for the type of matches we will have to play in the round coming up,” Theobald added.

 

Thursday’s game has been shifted from Guaracara Park back to the Marvin Lee Stadium after inclement weather prevented ground work from being done at the Point-a-Pierre venue. Initially the game had been scheduled for the South venue and not  the Marvin Lee in order to accommodate excessive use by four National Under 17 Women’s Teams (T&T, USA, Costa Rica and El Salvador) for training sessions and matches later this week. Since last week training sessions have been taking place at the Macoya venue and matches commence on Friday with a double header. But alternative arrangements will now be made to accommodate Thursday’s friendly international against the Dutch-speaking team which arrives in the country on Wednesday. Kick off time remains at 7:30pm.

 

In related news, CONCACAF President Jack Warner arrived in Curacao on Tuesday for the launch of the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Cup and CFU logo at the Marriot on Wednesday. The CFU President will also meet with the Executive Committee of the Netherlands Antilles Football Association headed by its President Rignaal Francisca, as part of his 40-nation CONCACAF tour.

 

TTFF NEWS - Soca Warriors to face N/Antilles on Thursday at Guaracara Park

Soca Warriors to face N/Antilles on Thursday at Guaracara Park

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 14, 2008

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Footballers will continue their build up to the semi-final round of 2010 World Cup qualifying action with another friendly international against Netherlands Antilles on Thursday at Guaracara Park, Point-a-Pierre from 7:30pm.

 

Head coach Francisco Maturana, following his team’s 2-0 win over Guyana last week, has called up basically the same squad but has invited striker Andre Toussaint.

 

Five players of the six  recent additions are however unavailable due to the  close timing of the match and conflicting schedules with their respective clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season. Defender Cyd Gray, based here, is the only one available and has been included in the 18-man squad.

 

Maturana though will have the chance to see these unavailable  players in a proposed match scheduled to be played here on July 27 and invitations will be extended to those players including Dwight Yorke, Chris Birchall, Avery John, Silvio Spann and Scott Sealy.

 

In the mix for Thursday’s match is striker Cornell Glen and midfielder Khaleem Hyland who is reportedly on the very of securing a long term contract with English club Portsmouth.

 

“We have decided to go ahead with the match because every warm up match will play a part in our preparations. Of course the coach would have liked the opportunity to see some of the other faces but this we expect will happen later in the month. Cyd Gray will be back in the team and Mr Maturana will continue to monitor some of the other players we have in the current squad,” team manager David Muhammad told TTFF Media.

 

The Netherlands Antilles are coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat to Haiti in a second round World Cup qualifying encounter last month. They are also preparing for upcoming Digicel Caribbean Cup action.

 

The 18-man squad

 

Goal Keepers

 

1.Marvin Phillips - W. Connection

2.Glenroy Samuel – Caledonia AIA

 

Defenders

 

 3.Makan Hislop - Utd. Petrotrin

4.Kareem Smith - Utd Petrotrin

5.Cyd Gray – Clico San Juan Jabloteh

6.Akeem Adams - W.Connection

7. Aklie Edwards – Defence Force

8.Keyeno Thomas- Joe Public F.C.

9. Radanfah Abu Bakr - Unattached

 

Midfielders

 

10.Keon Daniel - Utd. Petrotrin

11. Khaleem Hyland- Unattached

12. Attula Guerra – Clico Jabloteh F.C.

13. Kerry Baptiste - Joe Public FC

14. Akeil Guevera - N.E. Stars

15. Anthony Wolfe – N.E. Stars

16. Clyde Leon - W. Connection

 

Forwards

 

17. Cornell Glen – Mau Pau FC

18. Andre Toussaint – W Connection

T&T's Beijing Olympic team to be announced this week

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO'S Beijing Olympic team will be officially announced this week.   The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) Executive Committee will present its recommendations for consideration and ratification to the TTOC General Council  on Thursday  17 July at the Hasely Crawford Stadium,VIP Lounge from 6pm.   In accord with the TTOC and IOC Olympic Charter, Olympic Games team selection is the exclusive purview of the National Olympic Committee(NOC).The selection process,however,calls for the individual National Sport Organisations(NSOs) to present their team  nominations to the TTOC Executive.   TTOC president Larry Romany explained that the reality of the situation is that the International Federations(IF) and the IOC have established  qualification standards that have simplified and made the selection process transparent.   "In 1997, the TTOC  agreed a policy whereby athletes who attained the IOC and IF qualification standard will be selected ,In addition ,we also look ahead and use the B qualifying standard to afford excellent future prospects the invaluable opportunity to benefit from the Olympic experience"said Romany.   The local Olympic chief pointed to Ato Boldon,George Bovell,Marc Burns and Darell Brown as notable beneficiaries of the TTOC's future prospects philosophy.   Romany further clarified  that discipline,anti doping violations,lack of fitness or injuries are  factors that could negatively impact on selection."We require participation at the CAC,Pan Am and Commonwealth Games as a prerequisite for Olympic selection ,so while achieving the qualification times is a significant factor it is not the only one"he added.

 

Trinidad Northern centerstage in Toyota Rugby

Stag Trinidad Northern will play TOP GUNS at the President Grounds,St Anns as action in the TOYOTA Championship division rugby competition continues on Saturday at various venues.   Northern are the defending championship title holders and with arch rivals Caribs on a bye the Ciprani Boulevard based rugby club will be going all out to gain some ground on Caribs,the current Toyota championship table leader.   Royalians and Harvard will battle on Savannah 2 while Rainbow and Defence Force will scrum down on Savannah 4.   In the Senior division on Sunday(13 July) Defence Force and Rainbow second 15s will clash on Savannah 4.   The T&T under 19 national rugby team will return from the NAWIRA under 19 championship in Barbados on Sunday.

 

CONCACAF'S JACK WARNER TO KICK-OFF PRESIDENTIAL MEMBER ASSOCIATION TOUR WITH VISIT TO HAITI

CONCACAF’S JACK WARNER TO KICK-OFF PRESIDENTIAL MEMBER ASSOCIATION TOUR  WITH  VISIT TO HAITI

 

Issued by CONCACAF/New York Head Office, Trump Tower, July 8,2008

 

CONCACAF President Jack Warner will begin his 40-country Member Association Tour of the CONCACAF region on Wednesday, July 9th with his official visit to Haiti. 

 

President Warner’s visit to Haiti is the first stop in his circuit of official visits to the CONCACAF Member Associations.  These visits will be used to get first-hand information and review a range of topics which impact on the Associations.  These include internal administrative and technical issues; relations among members; relations with ruling bodies, specifically, FIFA, UNCAF and CFU as applicable, as well as committees within those organizations; relations with government; development issues; and vision for the Association.

 

President Warner and his delegation will spend two days in Haiti and will meet with the executive leadership of the Fédération Haïtienne de Football, led by President Dr. Yves Jean-Bart as well as key Government officials.  Warner will also tour local football installations including the FIFA Goal Project. He will be accompanied by CONCACAF officials including Jill Fracisco, Director of Events and Competitions, Richard Groden and Shaun Fuentes, Press Officer.

 

President Warner is committed to visiting each country to ensure that football is optimally positioned for growth. “It is critical for me to visit each of our Member Associations to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the football and government leadership.  Football in our region has more promise than ever before.  In order to maximize future success, however, we must ensure that everyone is working together in a cohesive manner.  I look forward to working first-hand with our football friends throughout the region to reach our objectives”, said Warner.

 

The Member Association Tour is part of the Warner’s vision for the Confederation and its members that will allow the realization of goals and objectives for development in key areas of football, both on and off the field. Warner articulated this vision during the XXV Ordinary Congress in Toronto, Canada last May 2007 when he was elected for his 5th consecutive term as head of the Confederation.    

 

Further details on President Warner’s Member Association Tour will released as they are finalized.

 

O'Farrell:The players have worked hard but they must stay focused

Sean O'Farrell coach of the Trinidad and Tobago national under 19 rugby team is happy with the attitude shown by his side.

 

"The players have worked hard but they will need to maintain their mental focus .Our first game is on Monday against 2007 runner up Guyana.They play a very physical game"said the former national senior men's rugby team captain and coach.

 

Team manager Colin Peters is confident that the T&T team will do well.He said that team spirit is good ."We are going to Barbados on a mission.Our objective is to win the championship and qualify for the Junior World Trophy".

 

The T&T team will travel to Barbados on Friday.

 

Participating teams:

 

Barbados (hosts)

Guyana

Jamaica (current West Indies Champions)

Trinidad & Tobago (T&T)

Cayman Islands

Mexico

 

Trinidad and Tobago will play Guyana on Monday 7 July in a Group B game.

 

They next play Cayman Islands on Wednesday 9 July .