Stephen Hart has come in for high commendation from his players on the current T&T squad at the Concacaf Gold Cup. Hart has guided the "Soca Warriors" to their second successive quarterfinal qualification in two Gold Cups.
On Tuesday's pre-match press conference at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, members of the media asked Andre Boucaud what he thought had led to the show of form by the T&T team and he instantly paid tribute to Hart's contribution.
"It's an opportunity for everyone playing at this stage. I believe we have done pretty well because of this man right beside me really. Since he's come in everyone has seen that we've climbed the rankings, we are playing good football and we are getting good results and as a player that all we can ask for really," Boucaud said.
"It's a bit of everything really. Everyone likes the coach which obviously helps a lot in teams like this because when you really get on with the coach and you like the coach, you are gong to do everything in your power to get the result not just for yourself but for him. Since he's come in, he's made everyone more tactically aware of the game, showing us videos and telling us obviously what players to look out for etc.
"And he gives us that freedom to actually go out and play and as a player there's nothing better than that going out on the pitch knowing that if you make a mistake, it's not a problem and you can still continue to try and get on the ball and stuff like that."
The English-born player who is a member of Dagenham and Redbridge said he was thrilled that T&T could defy the odds and advance to the quarterfinals.
"To be honest before the tournament started, a lot of people wrote us off and we prove them wrong. Proving people wrong and getting the result breeds confidence in the camp."
Joevin's fine Gold Cup run
It's perhaps his best run in an international football so far. Some may argue that we still haven't seen the best of Joevin Jones but his performances in this country's two victories at the CONCACAF Gold Cup have been nothing but impressive with a high work rate.
Jones has been one of the more sort after players by the media at the tournament and seems to be enjoying the moments so far going back to Chicago, Phoenix and now Charlotte as the T&T team prepared for last night's encounter with Mexico.
"It's a great feeling but I'm just being me. I'm enjoying the Gold Cup. We are playing well and everyone is enjoying the run at the moment. I'm feeling really good right now but the job is not over. We still want to achieve more success here," Jones said on Tuesday.
Coach Stephen Hart believes the Chicago Fire and former W Connection player is beginning to come into his own.
"He's miserable off the field of play but he's a joy to have around. He's one of those players you need in your team, you need in the dressing room. And when he's on the field he expresses himself the way you want and he's enjoying it and making a valuable contribution to the team. That's what you want from players especially in a tournament when there's a lot happening in terms of preparation, travel and gamedays," Hart said.
The 23-year-old has played 43 matches for T&T and he wants to get closer to the 50-match mark at this Gold Cup.
"We have more games to go and I want to try and help us go all the way. I believe we have a great chance to move on and at least get to the semi finals. It's a lot of work ahead still but we can do it," Jones said.
Bateau honoured to bementioned among formerT&T stars
When Sheldon Bateau scored the opening goal in the recent 2-0 victory over Cuba in Phoenix, he became the third player to score in successive matches for this country at the Concacaf Gold Cup. Not since Arnold Dwarika scored in a 4-2 victory over Guatemala and then in a 2-1 win over Costa Rica at the 2000 tournament, had any T&T player achieved that mark.
Prior to that, Jerren Nixon did it in 1998 while Dwarika also netted a double in a 3-2 loss to United States while Russell Latapy almost turned a game around on his own with a second half double in a 3-2 loss to El Salvador in the 1996 edition.
"To be mentioned with names like those guys is a true honour. They were great players in the past for us on this stage and now I'm happy to be able to play my part. I didn't go into the games looking to score goals but only to do my best for the team. Thankfully it meant scoring two important goals and getting the team off to the best start possible for us," said the 24-year-old KV Mechelen player.
"I know I asked for the people to have patience with this team heading into the tournament. The journey isn't over and we haven't achieved anything major as yet. We still have to get to the semi finals and go on from there plus we have the World Cup qualifiers coming up in November. We are showing that we can perform well and get results in tough situations.
"Hopefully now we can get consistent support and we can continue growing as a football team and a football country."
Russell: Womenshowing courage
T&T's senior women team head coach Ross Russell says that his team has demonstrated a willingness to work hard and believe in their ability against opposition that is expected to roll over them.
T&T have attained two points at the Pan American Games so far, coming from behind to draw with Argentina and South American women football giants Colombia. They will need another strong showing against Mexico to progress to the knockout phase.
"So far the ladies have come out and shown their ability and their character. They believe in themselves and they have played for each other with a never say die attitude. That has been the key for us in the two games so far," Russell said.
"Even though Colombia were expected to get the better of us, our players never showed any fear or play in way that made them look intimidated. We'll be looking to end the group phase on a high even though it will be another tough outing. So far I'm liking what I've seen and we can only improve."
Shaun Fuentes is the director of communications for the TTFA –shaunfuentes@yahoo.com