Coming off a successful brace of matches against Jamaica, Head Coach of the Women’s National Program Jamaal Shabazz and his staff have taken advantage of the Thanksgiving school break in the USA to assemble a team that includes eight foreign based players for the local live in camp.
Shabazz told Guardian Media Sports, “This is an extremely important week towards our preparations for the Concacaf U20 Qualifiers, when you have so many foreign based players, the team has to be built in parts and opportunities like these are welcomed, this week we are going to work, work and work to lay the tactical foundation of the team.”
Shabazz who spent his first week with the U20s Women prior to the Jamaica friendlies says he was encouraged by the talent pool available.
“We must get them fitter and focussed. Once that happens this crop of players will make T&T proud in the short and long term, we inherited a group of players who had previous international exposure under some good coaches like Rajesh Latchoo, Marlon Charles, Jason Spence and Ken Elie, and they have reignited my passion for the football of the field and as a staff we are just as excited as the players,” revealed Shabazz.
The foreign based contingent includes Amaya Ellis, Renah Campbell, Kenedie St Mary, Lauren Duffy, Sydney Boiselle, Rebecca Almandoz, Asha James, Shadi Cecily Stoute, Alexis Fortune and Megan Rampersad.
Speaking about the sessions Shabazz pointed to the sacrifice made by the players.
“We have locally based players training with us in the mornings then going to school and returning for the late evening sessions.
“Its important for us to keep it real and not lose sight of the fact that they are student athletes.
Ranae Ward, Brittney Williams, Klil Keshwar ( Bishop Anstey High School), Jaasiel Forde (UWI), Malika Dedier ( Bishop’s East ), Chelcy Ralph and Kadie Johnson ( St Augustine Senior) are some of the players still in school.
The staff has been joined by Saron Joseph who was been drafted from the men’s senior team as a Trainer.
Camp goes until the weekend ending with a game versus the National U-15 Boys team.