Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Angus Eve believes that judging from what transpired during the recent trip to Egypt, the ingredients are there to make a successful 2006 Journey to Germany campaign for the Soca Warriors.
Eve, who captained the team in last Wednesdays 2-1 loss to Egypt in Cairo pointed out that the addition of Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop and the inclusion of Birmingham City striker Stern John, Anthony Rougier, Marvin Andrews and the other overseas-based players brought a level of unity and professionalism to the team that can only auger well for the remainder of the campaign.
It was a plus having Shaka and the other guys from overseas coming in and really spending quality time with some of the younger professional players from home. We have gotten off on the right foot in our first major outing under coach St Clair, Eve told TTFF Media.
The problem has never really involved the players but I think it was caused by how past management allowed it to get out of hand by allowing some guys to get away with certain things, Eve said, referring to past claims of overseas pros not being total team players. But this time around it looks like things will be different. All the guys from overseas like Stern and Shaka, Marvin and Tony showed a lot of class and this can only auger well for the rest off the campaign. At the same time we cant afford to get complacent at anytime and we must stick to good preparations. Eve added though that fitness is an area which needs improvement because the team will undoubtedly will have to get accustomed to playing under difficult conditions and traveling long journeys for matches.
The traveling had a lot to do with the game and even though we didnt really have much time to settle in Egypt, we were still able to pull off a good performance. The result of the game was not as important as getting the team to bond and having the players really understand what the coach wanted us to do on the pitch. The tour went well in that aspect. We were never out of the game. Fitness maybe played a part coming down to the end of the match not being able to finish as strong as we may have been capable of, Eve said. Looking ahead to upcoming matches against Iraq, Scotland, Northern Island and others ahead of the June 13 World Cup qualifier against Dominican Republic, Eve remained excited over what is approaching.
This is great preparations coming up for the team. The group of guys who went to Egypt proved that we can have excellent team spirit. We proved that we are hungry for success. That was sort of lacking in the teams of the recent past. This can only make us stronger as a unit which is what we need because this game is not like tennis whereby you can have Andre Agassi who can play good and bad and determine his own result. Football is about eleven guys on the pitch and the others around the team, he ended. Meantime, a friendly international against Canada could be on the cards later this month and coach Bertille St Clair has called a squad of local-based players to resume training at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm.
Players Called For Training:
Angus Eve, Ashford Leggerton, Anton Pierre, Aurtis Withley, Atiba Charles, Conrad Smith, Clyde Leon, Denzil Theobald, Devon Mitchell, Daurance Williams, Derek King, Garvin McKenna, Jan-Michael Williams, Jerren Nixon, Kenwyne Jones, Kerwyn Jemmott, Kevon Carter, Kerry Baptiste, Keyeno Thomas, Larry McDonald, Lyndon Andrews, Mikhel Peters, Michael Celestine, Marlon Rojas, Nigel Daniel, Stokely Mason, Trent Noel.