England-based duo Andre Boucaud and Justin Hoyte were among the first players to join the national team camp yesterday as head coach Stephen Hart began training at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain, ahead of the upcoming friendly international against Argentina.Also joining were captain Kenwyne Jones and former England U-20 player Gavin Hoyte, who arrived from London last evening.Europe-based trio Radanfah Abu Bakr, Khaleem Hyland and Lester Peltier along with North America-based Carlyle Mitchell and Kevan George are all scheduled in later this week while Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino will join the team in Buenos Aires.
The other players present from the start of the training camp were goalkeepers Jan Michael Williams and his Central FC teammates Willis Plaza, Yohance Marshall, Ataullah Guerra andRundell Winchester; Defence Force's Curtis Gonzales, and W Connection midfielder Joevin Jones. The likes of Marvin Phillip, Marcus Joseph, Trevin Caesar and Densill Theobald are all missing due to the schedule of Pro League matches on Tuesday.Boucaud, coming off the English season with Notts County, said he was focused on the task ahead."It's obviously two huge matches for us," Boucaud said, adding, "it's important for us to come together at least a week before. We haven't been together as a team since last November when we played Jamaica, but I'm pretty sure all the boys are eager to give their best and to get everything in place for the game.""We as players always live for occasions like this. It's going to be a mighty challenge because Argentina is Argentina so there's no other incentive needed for you to be ready for this kind of game, and then we have the second game against Iran which is also a quality side," said the 29-year-old who has 15 appearances for T&T.
"I've had a good season. I have a couple options with clubs that are interested in me but right now the focus is on international football and putting my best foot forward for Trinidad and Tobago. All the boys are set on that at the moment," he added.In related news, the TTFA and Ministry of Tourism has advised that seats remain available on the charter for the T&T, Argentina fixture on June 4. The Copa Airlines departs Port-of-Spain on June 1 and returns on June 5. The package includes a four-night stay at the Marriott Hotel in Buenos Aires (based on double occupancy, with single occupancy costing an additional US$200 for the 4 nights), city tours, ground transportation, category one match ticket, supporters pack and round trip between Port-of-Spain and Buenos Aires.