Trinidad and Tobago’s senior footballers will be aiming to give a dominating performance against St Kitts/Nevis at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium from 3:30pm on Sunday.
At least, that’s what skipper Angus Eve says his team intends to do, though adding that the “Soca Warriors” will be wary of the fact that their game is not as compact and flowing as they would like it to be.
“Once again we are going into game with some players who were not in the last game but we know that this is an experienced bunch and this can only auger well for what we are trying to establish for the future matches,” the captain told TTFF Media on the eve of the match.
“It is difficult for the coach to get the team playing at its best but he’s really using these games in the semi final round as a platform for the final stage. While these games are also important, meaning that we need positive results, at the same time we are still experimenting and trying to get the right formula.”
“Going up against St Kitts on a good field at home, we are obviously aiming to play good football and be dominant. We have tend to take these teams for granted in the past and we definitely would like to take charge this time. Playing in their Stadium was not easy and people need to understand that it isn’t easy out there. The Americans are also complaining that their team has not been playing well away from home. Maybe if we play badly at home then we could be in for some stick but we intend to ensure this doesn’t happen,” Eve added.
He also commended Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop for what he has brought to the team over the past few days. “Shaka as a personality on a whole is a positive influence. We look at him as one of the guys who has able to maintain a high level for a long time and his discipline record is immaculate The captain being me is not the only leader and he (Hislop) is definitely another one we have in the team right now.”
Coach Bertille St Clair had one late entry into the team, utility player Anthony Rougier who arrived from China via London on Friday and had his first session at the match venue on Saturday as the players also spent some time with some youngsters from the southland, sharing their knowledge and experience of the game.
St Clair is likely to start Coventry City striker Stern John alongside New York/New Jersey Metrostars’ Cornell Glen with Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin Andrews, Dundee’s Brent Sancho, Gillingham’s Ian Cox, Joe Public’s Marlon Rojas, Kenwyne Jones, Falkirk midfielder Brent Rahim and Rougier all up for playing their roles.
St Kitts coach Lenny Lake maintained that his team will be coming all out to upset the home side and will be looking to score early and put the pressure on Eve and his teammates. The “Sugar Boys” will be depending on the likes of Malaysian-based professional Keith Gumbs, striker George Isaac and former England Under 21 midfielder Adam Newton of Peterborough included for the encounter. American Ricardo Valenzuela will carry the whistle.