Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation President Oliver Camps says he has not been in the high spirits as he is in these days since the “Road to Italy” 1990 World Cup Qualifying campaign.
The veteran football administrator said he was now eager for the start of the second half of the CONCACAF 2006 final round World Cup qualifying campaign as he expects this country to propel itself to being among the top three teams which will mean an automatic spot in Germany.
Camps admitted that he might appear to be in too much of a confident mood but didn’t hesitate to say why.
“I can’t tell you the last time I have felt so good about a national team because of the way it is playing now,” Camps told TTFF Media.
“Some people might say I am going over board but I am telling you that there is a special feeling in the air right now especially after our last game against Mexico. Even after the first game against Bermuda I was so pleased with the way our boys players and then the win over Panama just topped it off. I can assure you that many people are feeling like ‘born again’ supporters of the team now. We are all hoping that it only gets better slowly but surely” Camps added making mention also of the four-spot jump to 58th on the FIFA World rankings.
He complimented Leo Beenhakker and his staff for the work they have been doing, not leaving out skipper Dwight Yorke and his teammates who are getting ready for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifier away to the USA on August 17
“Leo has demonstrated the qualities of a top coach who knows what he is doing and he has shown us that he is extremely concerned with how we play. As for Dwight and the rest of the guys they are reminding me somewhat of what I experienced as manager of the team in 1989 when Dwight was also a member. I must commend them for the excellent way they have carried themselves and the commitment they have shown.The support of our sponsors like TSTT, Busta and KFC have gone a long way and the efforts of Mr Warner is playing a pivotal role in our journey.”
Also the President of the Harvard Club, Camps had further reason for high spirits when he was promoted to Chairman of the Maritime Financial Group earlier this week. He was previously general manager for marketing at the company .
On a closing note he also wished to encourage those working within the local football fraternity to continue their endeavors.
“Many have questioned our capabilities but I can assure you that we are all trying to ensure that things are in place and functioning. While the focus is on the senior team at the moment, we also have other areas that we are concentrating on from the youth come up and qualifying for a World Cup would obviously be the cherry on the cake for us,” Camps ended.