Defender Curtis Gonzales is looking forward to a solid performance when T&T’s Soca Warriors face Mexico in a World Cup qualifier, October 6 at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras in San Luis Potosi.
The encounter will be a matter of merely following formality as the Soca Warriors can no longer qualify for the world’s biggest football stage, with three points from eight matches and have two more games to complete their unsuccessful campaign.
Gonzales, a member of T&T Pro League outfit Defence Force, is among a cadre of new talent called by national coach Dennis Lawrence as he charts a new direction in the sport and looks forward to the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers. The usually-steady centre back’s responsibility will be two-fold, he will attempt to defend his country as a soldier and player.
In an recent interview Gonzales said “I am a soldier first but I take great pride in being called to the national team because I will not only be representing my country but the T&T Defence Force as well, so I take great pride and pleasure in what I do.”
His performance on the country’s next two matches against Mexico and later United States on October 10 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, will be made easier by the good relationships he share with his team-mates, including defensive midfielder Khaleem Hyland, who plays for K.V.C. Westerlo in the Belgian First Division B League. He said he is expecting the Mexicans to come with their A-game which is why he must be solid in the back.
Meanwhile Hurricane Relief Tickets for the TT/USA match, designed to provide assistance to Caribbean countries hard-hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, went on sale yesterday (Wednesday).
The initiative by both the TTFA and the Lions Club of T&T allows football fans going to see the TT/USA game to help our regional neighbours by purchasing tickets that will allow them to see the match and provide four items for people of the affected countries. These items include water, 20 x 24 tarpaulins, collapsible water containers (5 gallons), bleach (1 Litre), mops with handles, push brooms with handles, disinfectant (1 Litre), mopping liquid (1 Litre), mosquito repellent, canned food items (Sardine, Tuna, Corn Beef, Soup), packaged dry goods (Cereal, Crackers), disposable diapers, cloth diapers with pins, baby powder, vaseline, baby wipes, bottled baby food, pacifiers, baby aspirin, Tylenol, matches (by the carton), buckets (5 gallons), rubbing alcohol (1 Litre), zip lock bags (boxes) and paper towels (by the carton) among others.
For the uncovered stands which costs $150 for entry, fans will will be allowed to see the match with $100 and four items on the ODPM list, while for the covered stands, entry can be gained by paying $200 and four items on the ODPM list. Tickets can be purchased at any NLCB outlet.