Belgium-based defender Sheldon Bateau wants supporters of the T&T team to have some patience as the Soca Warriors attempt to find their rhythm heading into the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
But the former national Under-20 captain who played the 2007 FIFA U-17 and 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cups admits that time is not on the side of the national team with 2018 World Cup qualifiers quickly approaching. And the recent results against Curacao and Jordan have not been encouraging. But Bateau said turning back the clock to last year would show T&T had a decent showing against Argentina and also went all the way to the final of the Caribbean Cup.
"I understand that the fans just want to see football and they want to see the team win. But it's a young team. We have shown that we have potential and we have shown that we have what it takes to pull off a good showing at the Gold Cup. We've played good football in the past and I believe the players are hungry for success," Bateau said.
Currently at KV Mechelen where he is hoping to regain a starting role for next season, Bateau says that some of the current T&T players will adapt to the rigors of international football and the expectation from the fans.
"It's a young team and it takes some time for the players to really grasp that despite whatever is going on off the field and what they fans are hoping for, they have to step up to the call and deliver. This comes with time and being together more often and preparing by playing strong opposition in tough situations," he said.
This Gold Cup which T&T opens on July 9 against Guatemala will be his first and Bateau wants to make his mark.
"To me it feels like World Cup qualifiers or even the Youth World Cup because the Gold Cup is like the biggest tournament in our region and it's important for us to do well. It can open a lot of doors for us and I'm excited to do well in it," he said.
Joevin is a big asset
National defender Joevin Jones has been tipped as a "big asset" to the Chicago Fire team by head coach Frank Yallop and is now being looked at as one the players to look out for in the Soca Warriors line up for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The former W Connection player will join fellow US MLS-based players Cordell Cato of San Jose Earthquakes and Columbus Crew midfielder Kevan George in the T&T squad this coming week as T&T prepares in Fort Lauderdale for its July 9 opener against Guatemala at Soldier Field, Chicago.
"Since Joevin arrived in Chicago, he's been a big asset to the squad," said Yallop. "He's a versatile, exciting player and has shown why we sought to get him last winter. It's an honor for any player to get called in by their national team so we're pleased that Joevin has this opportunity to compete with T&T in the Gold Cup."
Hyland still hopeful ofplaying at higher level
Though he's made it to playing at the level of the European Champions League with Racing Genk, national midfielder Khaleem Hyland still has his sights set on playing in a higher league, perhaps the English Premiership among other top tiers in European football.
Hyland signed a one-year deal with Belgian Premier Division club KVC Westerlo last week after being left on the sidelines by Genk for much of last season.
"It wasn't a good season for me at Genk and I wasn't being played for a lot of reasons not pertaining to the actual football so much. But these are things you get to understand and you move on from. The opportunity to move to Westerlo came at a good time and I'm looking forward to being with them next season," Hyland said.
"They have big ambitions and I think I can play a major part in their challenge for success. The coach has told me what the plans are for me at the club. The most important thing is that I will be playing regularly once I'm fit and injury free. That is always the main factors for you as a professional footballer. If you're not on the field it can be mentally very difficult for you. I had some great times at Genk and they gave me the opportunity to play in the Champions League and to gain a lot of experience. But now the time is here to move on to something else.
"My dream is always to play at the highest level ever since I started playing. Now I am at Westerlo and I will try to take them up to a better position but no one knows what this could lead to. I will be focusing on lifting my game and trying to see where it takes me," said Hyland who has been linked in the past to Portsmouth and was also on trial with Cardiff City last season.
Kenwyne says this couldbe his final Gold Cup
National captain Kenwyne Jones has hinted that the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup could be his final one for T&T.
The Cardiff City man has appeared in two previous Gold Cups in 2005 and 2013 and now at age 31, he is not afraid to pass on the mantle to some of T&T's up and coming forwards.
"We have young guys like Kadeem Corbin and Willis Plaza. They are the future," Jones said.
"Possibly this could be my last one. I'm going on 31 and I don't think you're meant to be around forever. There's going to be some young and upcoming talent. It's just a cycle. Hopefully these players will be the players of the future and that's not far away."
The former St Anthony's College player is also considering his options ahead of the upcoming season with offers coming from clubs outside of Europe. Who knows what a strong showing at the Gold Cup could result in for the former Sunderland man.
Shaun Fuentes is the director of communications for the TTFA � shaunfuentes@yahoo.com