T&T's European-based defender Sheldon Bateau is challenging his teammates to be in their best shape for the upcoming International Friendly against Wales on March 20 at the Racecourse Stadium in Wrexham.
Bateau who signed a one-year deal with Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08 FF earlier this week, has already shifted his focus on the Welsh team which is being led by coach Ryan Giggs, the former Manchester United winger, now legend.
“To my teammates, all I can say is be ready for this. Some of them are still into the season which is a good thing. The other ones like myself are in preseason and there are some who haven’t started for whatever reason. This is a game that could change your life. It can change your career,” Bateau said in an interview.
He added “It’s a very good opportunity for us as players. We should set a goal to do well in this game and accept the challenge. And not only accept the challenge but to compete and get a result. I think everyone should be really motivated for this game because I am and am sure the other players are as well. We just need to continue working as a team. We haven’t played together for a while but that is minor because to me, once every player prepared and ready to do the work and understand their roles, I believe we can get a good result in this game.”
The Welch's last win was a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in October last year, but they also lost 0-1 in a friendly against Albania a month later (November). They are scheduled to face Slovakia in a Euro 2020 qualifier four days after the T&T match.
“For me, this game is the big target right because my season is starting at the end of March. It’s the only thing on my mind right now after having signed with a new team,” Bateau explained. ” It’s a new challenge, but at the same time international football is a different feeling and level so my focus is to be ready for the game against Wales.”
“This is a huge challenge and is one we shall welcome as a country. To play against a team with world class players apart from Gareth Bale. It will be a good challenge to see where we are and how much work we need to put in before the Gold Cup. We all know what Wales is capable of and I think we as players should be up for the game. As players, you live for games like this. It will definitely be a tough game but I think we will be ready in time for it,” said the former San Juan Jabloteh player.
T&T coach Dennis Lawrence is expected to announce his squad around the second week of March while Giggs is slated to announce the Wales roster around March 12.