The trio of Stokey City's Kenwyne Jones, Racing Genk's Khaleem Hyland and Orlando City's Kevin Molino are three overseas players expected to be in Soca Warriors coach Stephen Hart's 20-man squad for the 18th Caribbean Football Union qualifiers next month.This was stated by Hart during a media conference which was called to give an update on the team's preparations for the Group Seven qualifiers which takes place at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva from October 8-12.For the four-team round-robin series, T&T will come up against Antigua & Barbuda, Dominican Republic and St Luica.
In addition to the trio Hart said other foreign-based players such as Hughton Hector, Daneil Cyrus, Carlyle Mitchell and Andre Boucaud are also expected to be in the team comprising mostly overseas-based players as he goes for a team of familiarity.Questioned about Finland-based Shahdon Winchester and Willis Plaza, Hart said he knew the two players were expected back in the country soon, but there availability was a much more complex one.However, the former Canada men's coach then stated he could not release the full list of players who will all be in T&T in time for the start of the camp on October 2 ahead of its opener six days later due to some changes based on injuries and other commitments.
He explained, "We have already submitted a list of 30 players to CFU as was requested and then within a one-week span we were then asked to trim the team to 20, but we cannot release it to the public as yet as there are some players still to be confirmed which could force us into changes.The T&T coach admitted that his plans to use some of the locally-based players had to be shelved as most were either out of the country on trials during the time he wanted to stage a camp, in addition to the T&T Pro League only now getting on the way."The local guys were not playing football on a consistent basis, so I can only play the hand that I was dealt, which means I have decided to go with the squad that I am familiar with.
Asked if any consideration was given to players who were part of the national Under-20 team which topped their qualifiers recently, Hart noted that a few of them caught his attention and were shortlisted on the 30-man squad.However, he said was a bit concern that they decided on going back to playing football at the lower level, such as the Secondary Schools Football League and I have spoken to Under-20 coach Derek King about this and we will continue to work together to improve them. With regards to the matches, the T&T coach said he was obviously looking forward to them as the team has not played an international fixture since early June when they came up against Argentina and Iran."We go into camp on October 2, and beginning October 8, we play three matches in a Fifa window with only one day rest between each."To me this does not fall within Fifa medical guidelines and for that reason it does make a big difference with regards to my team selection.
Acknowledging the T&TFF was in the middle of a tough financial situation Hart stressed that while the CFU Cup will ne nice to win and qualify for next year's Concacaf Gold Cup, things have to be put into perspective.He said, 'Yes, the objective is to qualify for the next stage and build from there on, but overall my main objective as national coach is to qualify for the Fifa World Cup in 2018. We have to see what is our investment in the sport and then we will know what is our priority.""If we miss out on the Gold Cup, it will be a setback, but it will not be the end of the road.
When the qualifiers kick off at Couva, T&T, record eight-time champions will meet Dominican Republic from 8.15pm on October 8, ahead of their remaining matches against St Lucia from 8.15pm on October 10 and Antigua & Barbuda two days later (October 12) from 6.15pmAt the end of the round-robin series, the top two teams from the pool will advance to the Final Round eight-team tournament scheduled for Montego Bay, Jamaica from November 10-18 for which host and five-time champion Jamaica, and defending champion Cuba have already qualified.In the two other Second Round qualifying series, 2007 champions Haiti hosts St Kitts/Nevis, Barbados and French Guiana in Group Eight while Guadeloupe entertains Curacao, 1993 winner Martinique and St Vincent and The Grenadines in Group Nine.
CFU Caribbean Cup Fixtures
Group Seven:
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva:
Wednesday October 8:
Antigua & Barbuda vs St Lucia, 6pm
T&T vs Dominican Republic, 8:15pm
Friday October 10:
Dominican Republic vs Antigua & Barbuda, 6pm
T&T vs St Lucia, 8.15pm
Sunday October 12:
St Lucia vs Dominican Republic, 4pm
T&T vs Antigua & Barbuda, 6:15pm.
Group Eight (Haiti):
Wednesday October 8:
St Kitts/Nevis vs Barbados
Haiti vs French Guiana