Sheldon Bateau, the T&T midfielder has said in spite of challenges faced by the national team ahead of today's international friendly encounter with the United Arab Emirates in Girona, Spain, the national team will begin its quest to put T&T back on the map in world football.
He said while this cannot be achieved in one match, it will begin today. The T&T team missed three days to get in much-needed practice since the team's arrival on Monday, due to unfulfilled promises by the match agent.
The team was expected to train at a Barcelona pitch upon arrival Monday but this never materialized. And on Tuesday the team again could not take the pitch as the agent failed to make contact with team officials. However, yesterday Bateau said the team which is a young one has already placed all the obstacles behind it and just wants to play football.
'Regardless of what happens they are willing to fight, ignore it all and just play football' Bateau said.
He added 'They are aware that they are not only playing for themselves but for an entire country. We plan to give of our best and come out victorious. "
However, he was quick to note that the game will be no easy task for them, saying both he and Khaleem Hyland know some of the players from UAE and they will be a force to be reckoned with.
He believes the match will provide an opportunity for his players to reassemble after the failed World Cup qualifiers.