Midfielder Molik Khan is embracing the opportunity to represent T&T for the first time under coach Dwight Yorke.
Khan, who plays in Slovakia for AS Trenčín, was among four players joining Yorke’s 26-man squad for the two key World Cup qualifying matches against Bermuda on Friday at the National Sports Centre, National Stadium, North Shore Village, and then four days later against Curacao at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad.
Though considered mountainous, Khan told the media on Tuesday (Oct 7)he believes the team can seal the six points.
"Well, I think we are always known as a powerhouse in football, especially in the Caribbean. So, I think once we play our style and do everything that we are told, everything that we trained, I think we'll have a very good chance and that we'll win these games.”
The task of winning against Bermuda and Curacao is merely half of a herculean job that Yorke and his charges have at their disposal. Yorke’s charges are required to win their next four matches if they are to earn automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Concacaf nations Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Failing this, the T&T senior national team will be required to be one of the two best second-place finishers from the three final qualifying groups to advance to an inter-confederation play-off in March next year.
Following the Bermuda and Curacao matches, the T&T team will host regional rivals Jamaica and then face the Bermudans a second time in November. At present, T&T has just a point from two matches, courtesy of a draw against Curacao and a loss against Jamaica.
Khan’s inclusion in the squad puts him back together with players he is all too familiar with, as well as players whom he holds great admiration for, such as Levi Garcia, the Spartak Moscow dangerman in attack.
His move from the United States with Minnesota United in the Major League Soccer (MLS) to Slovakia has been a major help in sharpening his skills for his trade.
“Well, I'm familiar with a lot of the guys, a lot of the teammates. I know their style; they know my style. So, I see myself fitting in very well, helping the team on both sides of the ball, on the offensive and defensive, helping the team with some goals. So, I see myself fitting in very well,” said Khan.
“I think now I'm still a work in progress because there's always room for development. But I think now I'm at a stage where I'm enjoying my football. I'm playing more, and I'm playing at a good level. I'm developing well, I'm enjoying it, as I said.
"And I think now, compared to the time when I was last here, I was much younger. I wasn't playing as much. When I played, it was small minutes. So, I think now I'm back stronger, fitter, more mature, and with more experience. So, I think that's the difference. I think now I am capable of giving much more to the national team.”
The national team will assemble at a Miami camp before heading out to the matches.
