National coach Stephen Hart and his 23-man squad will head into camp today in preparation for their Copa America Centenario Berth match against Haiti on January 8 at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
The players are expected to assemble in the early afternoon along with staff members; Hutson Charles and Derek King (Asst coaches), Michael Maurice (Goalkeeper coach), William Wallace (Manager), Peter Rampersad and David Muhammad (Asst Managers), Terrance Babwah (Doctor), Dave Isaac (Physiotherapist), Tobias Ottley (Trainer), Michael Williams (Equipment Manager), Saron Joseph (Massage Therapist) and Shaun Fuentes (Media Officer).
Yesterday Wallace said everything was in place as the players were no longer disgruntled over the delayed payment of match fees. “Everything seems to be in place now,” Wallace said. The only minor hiccup may be the unavailability of the Ato Boldon Stadium, which is in need of repairs.
The squad was expected to utilise both the Boldon and the Manny Ramjohn facilities but Wallace explained that because of the situation at the Boldon venue, the Manny Ramjohn and Hasely Crawford venue would be where the sessions will be focused.
The players were able to negotiate a substantial match fee with a three-member committee appointed by the T&T Football Association (TTFA) last week, that allowed them to call off a strike for the Haiti clash.
Most of the players who faced the United States in the last qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on November 17 are included in the squad. Missing are captain Kenwyne Jones who has club commitments and FC Krylia Sovetov Samara defender Sheldon Bateau.
Hart has since called up W Connection’s leading striker Jomal Williams and Central FC midfielder Ataullah Guerra as replacements. The rest of the team includes players who have been part of the squad throughout 2015 such as goalkeepers Jan-Michael Williams and Marvin Phillip; midfielders Andre Boucaud, Keron Cummings, Khaleem Hyland, US-based quartet of Joevin Jones, Cordell Cato, Kevan George and Trevin Caesar; forwards Jonathan Glenn and Willis Plaza; defenders Radanfah Abu Bakr, Daneil Cyrus, Mekeil Williams, Yohance Marshall, Aubrey David and Justin Hoyte. Former national under 20 captain Neveal Hackshaw is also included.
The team is expected to leave on January 6 for the Haiti match.