STEPHAN DE FOUR, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 women football team, is setting his sights on the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-17 Women Second Round Qualifiers.
He was speaking after TT’s 17-0 demolition of St Kitts/Nevis in the team’s last First Round qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva last Wednesday.
“I thought the girls, they’re at home, they were really in for it,” said De Four. “Their momentum was high from the beginning of it all the way through the end. I never let them let up,” he continued.
“I tried to keep more possession so not to run up the score as much as possible but I think the girls were really up for this game, being at home. I’m preparing them for the Second Round of this tournament.
“The intensity level was very high all the way from start to finish. I don’t want them to start being complacent at any game that they’re playing. I thought it was very well-executed.”
Captain Anique Walker helped herself with seven goals while Khadisha Debesette registered a hat-trick. Khadidra Debesette notched a double, as well as Zoe Swift, while Victoria Swift, Rhonda Guissepi and Katelyn Forbes (own-goal) were the other goal-getters).
Concerning Walker’s performance, De Four commented, “it’s good to have her back. Anique’s momentum is very high. She really loves to get in there and mix it up.
“(On the night) she put away her chances and it’s good to see her being that big going into the next round.
De Four stressed, “we’re not going to let up. We’re going to keep working all the way through. We’re going to start a whole new (phase) so we’re going to basically start all over again and refresh our minds again.”
He noted that there may be additions to the team for the CFU Second Round stage.
“Danica Murray from Canada, I’m trying to get her in (and) anyone that I can think about because I want to go into the Second Round with the strongest team that I can find,” said De Four. “If I can get those players to come in, I’m going to try my hardest and get them to come in and strengthen the team. It’s just going to augur better for the whole team and the country.”
Trinidad and Tobago will meet Jamaica, Bahamas and Guyana in the Second Round, with the top three teams advancing to the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship, which will be held next year (at a venue to be determined).
Three teams from the CONCACAF Championship will qualify for the 2012 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan.