Bmobile Joe Public striker and last season’s TT Pro League top goalscorer Kerry Baptiste has applauded the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s decision to re-install Russell Latapy as head coach of the Soca Warriors.
“I need to congratulate him on the appointment, because it was a good decision by the federation,” said Baptiste who returned to Trinidad on Tuesday following a 10-day trial with Coca-Cola Championship Division club Ipswich Town.
“Latas is going to take us to the World Cup 2014 in Brazil,” he added.
“I’ve played under Latapy and I can say that he has great knowledge. He understands what is needed.”
Latapy, aged 40, previously held the position as interim coach during the 2010 CONCACAF Final Round World Cup qualifiers after Colombian Francisco Maturana vacated the post on April 8.
Under Latapy, Baptiste featured in T&T’s last two CONCACAF Final Round World Cup qualifiers netting three goals, with a double coming against Mexico in a 2-2 draw.
Latapy is now under a two-year contact as Head Coach and will first focus on the Caribbean Cup followed by the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Baptiste further explained that T&T will not qualify for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil without the support of the players as well.
“There is no doubt that you would get your pick once you deserve it, under Latapy,” he said. “However players must stop being amateurs and start being professionals. Most of us believe we are professionals but we don’t act it. Our performances must improve on and off the pitch.
“We are not going to the World Cup 2014 by luck. We have to earn it,” he concluded.