Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 20 Men’s Team is currently engaged in preparations for next month’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Colombia.
Head Coach Russell Latapy has been conducting sessions at the TTFA Home of Football with training shifting to the Larry Gomes Stadium on Friday. Among the players working under Latapy is T&T Senior Men’s team defender Triston Hodge one of the three players over the age of 21 who will be allowed to participate in the competition.
T&T in Group A alongside hosts Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras. The Men’s tournament is for under 21 players with teams allowed three players over the age of 21. T&T will face Honduras on July 20th at the Rogelio Martinez Stadium in Barranquilla, followed by Costa Rica on July 22nd and Colombia on July 24th. Group B comprises Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador and Haiti. The Gold and Bronze Medal matches are scheduled for July 31st.
T&T U-20 midfielder John-Paul Rochford is anticipating the upcoming fixtures, saying that it would serve as worthwhile preparations for the CONCACAF U-20 World Cu qualifiers in Florida in November.
“Things are going along well. The team he (Latapy) has selected for the CAC games has the core of the squad that he wants to participate in the World Cup qualifiers in November. So once we stick together and continue training as a unit then we will be ready for the games,” Rochford told TTFA Media on Tuesday.
Rochford, who was the topscorer with three goals in the recent Guadeloupe Six-Nation Tourney, is also keeping a keen interest in the ongoing World Cup in Russia as he focuses on his efforts for T&T.
“It’s a privilege and pleasure to be part of this team and also an honour to represent my country at the Under 20 level, the CAC Games and the World Cup qualifiers. I’m continuing to view this World Cup and learn from it. The football has been amazing and I will continue to learn from with tactical and positional observances,” Rochford added.
T&T captain Jayden Prowell meantime is remaining focused on the upcoming assignments.
“Things are shaping pretty well. Everyone is working really hard and digesting the knowledge that the coaches are trying to impart upon us. We are eager to play these games which are imminent,” said Prowell who recently returned from a training sting with Porto FC in Portugal.
“The key to us doing well will be to play to the coach’s instructions and be confident in what we do. It’s really good working under coach (Latapy). He has a lot of knowledge and we are very fortunate to have him as our coach. We are trying our best to develop ourselves not just as footballer players but as individuals,” Prowell stated.
The T&T U-20 Men’s Team is also preparing for the CONCACAF Men’s U-20 World Cup qualifiers in November.
Videos -
T&T U-20 Men get ready for CAC Games
T&T U-20 Men look ahead to CAC Games in Colombia