There was much welcomed news in the Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Women’s Team camp this evening after prolific forward Kennya Cordner was cleared to resume training and play for this country in their remaining two Caribbean Cup encounters at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Following a decision to have her evaluated by a cardiologist in Port of Spain on Friday, Cordner was ruled out of Friday’s 3-0 win over Antigua/Barbuda and it was recommended that she undergo a cardiac MRI before resuming action. However, further discussions today between TTFA and National Team officials including General Secretary Sheldon Phillips and head coach Randy Waldrum, led to a second opinion and further tests which revealed that Cordner was in good physical condition and would not need to undergo the MRI.
Cordner received clearance from Dr Shane Giowarsingh, (a consultant clinical and interventional cardiologist, consultant endovascular specialist) who is based at Westshore Medical and Southern Medical clinic. Cordner underwent an ECG and Echogram.
Giowarsingh’s report stated “Kennya has been reassured of normal findings. There is not need for cardiac MRI. She is cleared to take part in physical training and play competitive football.”
Waldrum commented, “It’s great news for the team and for Kennya for her get the clearance but more importantly to know that she is not at risk health wise. She’s a very important part of our plans and it’s great to have her back in the setup. I’m very appreciative of the efforts of the Association (TTFA) to have these follow ups and ensuring that the players are okay.”
Sisters Kimika and Karyn Forbes were also evaluated a day earlier at St Clair Medical and declared for to play.
As for Cordner, she cannot wait to take the field against Martinique from 6:15pm on Sunday as T&T goes after a place in Tuesday’s final against Jamaica.
“I’m happy that everything is okay now. It was really, really hard watching from the stands on Friday night but now I’m able to resume playing and that’s all I’m thinking about now. I’m thankful also for good health and to my teammates and friends for their concerns over the last day or so,” Cordner said.
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Cordner withdrawn from T&T team for Caribbean Cup encounter.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).
Trinidad and Tobago National Women’s Team forward Kennya Cordner had to be withdrawn from the starting team for today’s Caribbean Cup encounter against Antigua Barbuda due to medical matters.
On Thursday, General Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association Sheldon Phillips was advised by medical consultant Dr Mario John that Cordner and two other players should undergo evaluation at St Clair Medical after complaining of chest pains.
All three players underwent cardiac evaluation and two of those players were cleared to continue playing but Cordner will have to undergo a Cardiac MRI before she can be fully cleared to take the field again. This was the advice passed on to team doctor Tonya Welch by the cardiologist who saw the three players at St Clair.
Cordner is scheduled to undergo the MRI this weekend. T&T head coach Randy Waldrum did not hesitate to pull Cordner from his team, stating the player’s health was of utmost importance. Pending further examinations, Cordner’s involvement for the rest of the tournament will be decided on.