Trinidad and Tobago’s “Journey to Germany” received a major sponsorship boost as the Trinidad and Tobago Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago dialed in a $3.5 million deal over two years at a launch at the Queen’s Park Oval on Friday.
The partnership was a much welcomed one by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation who had previously had only one major sponsor in KFC, to talk about since the start of the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Up to this, TTFF special adviser Jack Warner had been the main financier behind the team and though he still continues to play a pivotal role, expressed gratitude towards TSTT for coming on board.
Bernard Mitchell, TSTT’s Chief Operation Officer gave an outline of the sponsorship package.
“TSTT’s agreement with the TTFF is for a two-year period, with an option to extend. During this period, TSTT will be the Official Telecommunications provider for the Trinidad and Tobago National Football Team for the duration of the World Cup qualifying campaign, and will also be the official Mobile Services Provider for the National team,” Mitchell stated.
“Whenever the team plays outside of Trinidad and Tobago, TSTT will provide roaming service and sponsorship of all calls for team management and technical staff.
“Our sponsorship also covers such items as salaries, team incentives, Man of the Match prizes, bonuses, the provision of mobile phones for team members and technical staff and DSL internet access to the Administrative Office,” Mitchell concluded.
Warner added that the $3 million would be given in cash and would undoubtedly go a long way in ensuring a form of comfort for the “Soca Warriors” as they embark on the rest of the journey.
He revealed that European team Azerbaijan will face in two warm-ups on January 22 and 24 in T&T. Azerbaijan is currently in a six-team group with the likes of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia and Poland.
It was also revealed that the Ash Wednesday final round opening match against the United States will be played at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain from 3:30 pm. All tickets will be priced at TT$200 and 12,000 tickets will be sold, all seating to go according with FIFA ruling for accommodation at World Cup qualifying matches.
“TSTT sees the sponsorship of the Soca Warriors as a wonderful opportunity to not only give our footballers the resources they need to make the long journey to Germany but also for the Nation to join us in support of our team. With our support and that of the Trinidad and Tobago public, their potential will be unleashed to an unsuspecting world and all things being equal, will take us all the way to the football stadia of Germany,” Mitchell added.