Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart today announced his final 20-man squad to contest the semi-final round of the Caribbean Cup which kicks off next Wednesday versus Dominican Republic at the Ato Boldon Stadium from 8:15pm.
Hart will conduct his first training session with the squad on Saturday morning from from 9am at the Larry Gomes Stadium as the team heads into a live-in training camp.
His team is a formidable one with former national under 20 and W Connection defender Alvin Jones being the only relative newcomer while former National under 20 and Under 17 captain Leston Paul makes a return to the team.
Cardiff City forward Kenwyne Jones will captain the team which also includes US-based forward Trevin Caesar, Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino, Slovakia-based winger Lester Peltier, US-based forward Cordell Cato of San Jose Earthquakes. Vietnam-based midfielder Hughtun Hector, Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland of Racing Genk, English-based duo Andre Boucaud and Justin Hoyte. Belgium-based defender Sheldon Bateau and Joevin Jones of Finnish club HJH Helsinki.
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Carlyle Mitchell and Daneil Cyrus along with fellow defender Yohance Marshall, US-based midfielder Kevan George and Central FC midfielder Ataullah Guerra have also been named in the team while the two goalkeepers are Jan Michael William and Marvin Phillip.
“This is the 20-man squad we’ve decided on and we’ll get things off with a light session on Saturday. It’s good for them to come together again as we haven’t seen each other since the games against Argentina and Iran in June,” Hart told TTFA Media.
“The players appear to be very enthusiastic and the mood is quite good which is what we want heading into the competition. It’s important for us to have the right approach which I am quite confident the team will have because these are all professional players who are very committed to doing what is right for the team and their country,” Hart added.
Back in the 2012 Caribbean Cup finals T&T had to depend on goals from the late Kevon Carter and Molino to overcome Dominican Republic 2-1, a win that secured T&T’s 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup place.
The Dominican Republic outfit this year includes three players based in Spain attached the reserve teams of teams in the Spanish La Liga. Forward Mariano is attached to the Real Madrid B team.
Cayetano 'Tano' Bartolomé Bonnín Vásquez, a 24-year-old centerback plays for Villarreal CF B which is the reserve team of Villarreal CF and plays in Segunda División B. Forward Edipo Rodriguez plays for Club Deportivo Numancia de Soria B, S.A.D. a Spanish sports club from Soria. They also have a player in midfielder Samuel Zayas who plays for Swiss First Division club Grenchen.
Their most notable player on the international stage is Jonathan Fana, formerly of W Connection who has 18 goals in 28 matches for his national team.
T&T will also face St Lucia on October 10th at 8:15pm and Antigua/Barbuda on Sunday October 12th at 6:15pm. Wednesday’s opening match will feature St Lucia and Antigua/Barbuda from 6pm. They are vying for a qualifying spot in the Caribbean Cup Finals which takes place in Montego Bay in November. Admission for the games is $100 (covered) and $60 (uncovered).
T&T 20-Man Squad
Goalkeepers
Jan-Michael Williams (Central FC), Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic Centre).
Defenders
Yohance Marshall, Sheldon Bateau (KV Mechelen), Carlyle Mitchell (Vancouver Whitecaps), Daneil Cyrus (Ha Noi T&T), Alvin Jones (W Connection), Justin Hoyte (Millwall), Joevin Jones (HJK Helsinki).
Midfielders
Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge), Khaleem Hyland (Racing Genk), Kevan George (Columbus Crew), Ataullah Guerra (Central FC), Leston Paul (Central FC), Lester Peltier (Slovan Bratislava), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes), Hughtun Hector (Hanoi T&T), Kevin Molino (Orlando City).
Forwards
Kenwyne Jones (capt) (Cardiff City), Trevin Caesar (San Antonio Scorpions).