FORMER national football team manager Richard Braithwaite has described the appointment of Russell Latapy as coach of the Trinidad and Tobago team and the involvement of other players who played with “The Little Magician” as the “New Latapy Generation”.
He stated in a media release that he welcomes the “New Latapy Generation” and wishes him well in charge of the national team as it attempts to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will be held in South Africa.
The former Trintoc and United Petrotrin football team manager said “It’s going to be very difficult and I really hope Russell succeeds.
A whole new generation, what I would call ther “New Latapy Generation’, is coming on the scene in local football and I think it is very good for our football,” he stated.
Braithwaite said that he hopes that this change will bring some new and fresh ideas to develop the game.
“Russell is part of a special group of local footballers who have played at the highest level of the game.
In the past we have had a few players who campaigned successfully overseas but his generation has played in some of the toughest leagues in the world and with some of the best teams.
“People like Dwight Yorke and Shaka Hislop have been exposed to top managers and coaches and they have a deep insight into the requirements for success in the modern game,” Braithwaite observed. He welcomed Dwight Yorke back and looks forward for Hislop playing an even more influential role in local football.
“His credentials for leadership are impeccable. He has had an outstanding professional career including a great performance in the last World Cup.
In addition he has a university degree in mechanical engineering as well as a reputation for integrity and fair play,” Braithwaite said.
Braithwaite who was also a member of the FIFA Technical Committee explained that a number of other former national players like Angus Eve, Leonson Lewis, Brian Williams, Clayton Morris and Hutson “Barber” Charles are also making their mark as coaches.