Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra joined the rest of the Trinidad and Tobago team for his first training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva yesterday morning.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) is currently awaiting feedback from Government officials regarding an application for T&T citizenship for Seabra which will entitle him to a T&T passport and eligibility to represent the "Soca Warriors" in World Cup qualifying matches.
Despite the ongoing bureaucracy, Seabra was invited to join the training and was active throughout the two-hour session conducted by national coach Bertille St Clair.
The 30-year-old midfield playmaker was welcomed by St Clair and fitted in with the other T&T members, most of them already acquainted with him through action in the T&T Pro League while he has also lined up for Vibe CT 105 W Connection in training matches against the national team.
"I felt really good to be here with the rest of the team," Seabra told T&TFF media officer Shaun Fuentes. "It was what I had expected it to be like, the guys were very professional and eager to do well and the session was a good one. It was a pleasure for me to finally get the chance to train with the team because I've waited for this day for a while now. Honestly, I feel like a 'Trini' because you can now see me  in the dressing room with the rest of them."
Fondly called "Zair" by his teammates, including those at yesterday's session, Seabra, formerly of Brazilian club Botafogo, said he remains anxious about knowing whether he will in fact be granted citizenship and allowed to play for T&T.
"Everyday I pray for this and so too my family and friends, so hopefully sometime soon I will be able to put on the T&T shirt in an international football game," he exclaimed.
St Clair was also impressed with the player's attitude.
"I hope everyone in this country can realise just how much the gentleman wants to play for us and realise that it is important that we have people with this sort of passion and commitment involved in anything we are aspiring to achieve. Hopefully, the powers that be can act in favour of making it possible for him to play for the country and make it happen as early as possible because the next match is not far away," said St Clair.
The coach added he was pleased with the general atmosphere in training.
"The session today in particular was a very good one. The players are showing that strong desire to keep on improving and there seems to be an extra drive among them. Players like Gary (Glasgow) need to be commended because he is just coming off an injury but he was out there working his legs off.
"One of the keys is for everyone to understand fully what it takes to achieve success, which in our situation is getting to the World Cup. We must be disciplined enough and this includes not just the players but those who are working with the team, to make the necessary sacrifices. Missing out on a party or a night out with friends and then with the Carnival coming is something we could afford to say, 'Well okay, all this is always going to be there, but qualifying for the World Cup is what we must concentrate on now'. I believe we can do this and we must prove that we can get through this period," stated St Clair.
China-based utility player Anthony Rougier also joined the team for training yesterday, with the likes of Scott Sealy, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Keyeno Thomas, a sharp-looking Anton Pierre, Densil Theobald, Silvio Spann, Derek Phillips, Avery John, Cornell Glen, Kerry Baptiste, Nigel Pierre, Atiba Charles, Marlon Rojas, Michael Celestine, Duarance and Jan Michael Williams, Stephen Cruickshank and others also involved.
T&TFF technical director Lincoln Phillips also joined the working staff, with his emphasis being on the goalkeepers.
The team will continue training at the Larry Gomes Stadium tomorrow prior to Sunday's Digicel Caribbean Cup second leg against British Virgin Islands at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Centre of Excellence, Macoya from 4.30 p.m.