People in at least eight Caribbean countries and possibly also England, may soon get the chance to view Trinidad and Tobago's journey towards qualification for the 2006 World Cup which takes place in Germany from June 9-July 9.
On Thursday night, the first screening of a 90-minute video documentary titled: The Journey Now Start, was shown at the CLICO hospitality box, Queen's Park Oval, before a gathering of Trinidad and Tobago football officials, sponsors and local dignitaries.
The brain-child of media personality Anthony Harford of 20/20 Productions, the documentary chronicles T&T's road to Germany, starting with a pre-qualifying warm-up match in Egypt on March 31, 2004 which the Warriors lost by a 2-1 margin.
Harford said that there are to be ten additional showings of the documentary at various venues throughout T&T after which it will be viewed in between eight to ten Caribbean countries at a date during April. Harford said that negotiations are also taking place for the Journey Now Start to be viewed in England on Channel 4.
Already a hot-selling item among the corporate sector, the documentary has already raised $62,000 in sales, 75 per cent of which the organisers say will go towards the Soca Warriors . As a symbol of that commitment, Harford on Thursday presented a paper cheque to the value of $50,000 to Jack Austin Warner, special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF).
The Journey Now Start is filled with anecdotes and facts of the entire two year period leading to the final qualifying game which T&T won 1-0 in Bahrain on November 16, 2005.
Harford described the documentary a "must have" and said it is one of the few times T&T had a chance to tell their own history.
Put together over a four-month period using a staff of 15, the documentary pays tribute to Warner; former coach Bertille St Clair, who was in charge for the early qualifiers; and Dutchman Leo Beenhakker who took charge for most of the final round of qualifying.
Contained in the documentary is footage from warm-up games in Egypt, Thailand and South Korea; the qualifying campaign starting from the Dominican Republic, Panama, Guatemala and finally the memorable two-match qualifying playoffs with Bahrain which T&T won 2-1 on aggregate.
Special tribute is paid to Warner, who is portrayed as the main man behind the 'Soca Warriors' success, having funded the campaign when very few were willing to invest their money. Warner recalled having to mortgage his house for $35,000 to help the national football team during the early 1990's. He also spoke of death threats and having to take refuge in the Canadian embassy during his attempt to become CONCACAF president many years ago.
Also making contributions to the documentary were 1976 Olympic 100 metre gold medallist Hasely Crawford and multiple World championships medallist Ato Boldon.
Harford said the journey to Germany highlights some firsts for T&T, including a contingent of 264 flying to the away game in Bahrain.