Anthony “Bumper” Marcano, coach of this country’s senior women’s hockey team says their chances of a top-two finish at the 2021 Pan American Challenge Cup is going to be tough, but at the same time doable.
The four-team tournament involving 35th ranked Peru, Brazil (37th), T&T (51st) and 60th-ranked Paraguay flicks off at the Villa Maria del Triunfo Pan American Complex, Lima from September 26 until October 2.
The four teams will first contest a round-robin series, at the end of which the top team will meet the fourth-placed team in one semifinal, while the second and third-placed teams meet in the other semifinals from which the winners will contest the tournament final as well as qualify to next year’s Women's Pan Am Cup from January 20- 30.
Speaking on the eve of the team’s departure on Tuesday, Marcano, a graduate of the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme (ICECP) and FIH Academy Educator was quick to point out to Guardian Media Sports that it is not expected to be an easy tournament for his team.
He said, “It’s not going to be a walkover by no means for us as two of the teams are ranked higher than us and we have not seen them play in a while.”
“But this tournament is very important to us as it is our pathway back to the Pan American Cup level which is a qualifier to the Pan American Games where we want to get back too.”
“If we don’t achieve that first goal in Peru, it means our program will be down for another four years, and that is something we surely don’t want for the sport.”
Concerning team preparations, Marcano said he and his technical staff did the best they could considering the circumstances.
“Honestly, preparations were centred around the restrictions and limitations imposed by the Government for the coronavirus pandemic.
“And I think we have selected a very good team with a good balance of experienced players along with a few newcomers and they should be able to give a good account of themselves.
“Some of the teams may be ranked higher than us, but I am confident that the core of experienced players in our team will be able to pull the inexperienced ones forward and see us through,” ended Marcano.
The 19-member playing team and technical staff will depart Trinidad in two groups today (on Wednesday, September 22).
One group of players and officials leave via Flight CM 315 at 4.15 am and will return on October 6 aboard Flight CM 314 at 1.17 am while the second group departs today ( on Wednesday, September 22) aboard Flight BW 484 at 7.15 am and returns on Sunday (October 3) on Flight BW 483 at 5.45 pm.
As mandated all players and officials underwent their mandatory coronavirus PCR Testing at T&T Defence Force Headquarters, Chaguaramas on Monday, ahead of their travel. All PCR tests returned negative results.
Marcano also confirmed that there was one change to the team with Kyona Sampson making way for reserve players Nicole Whiteman due to work commitments with Tahirah Wynne travelling as the lone reserve.
The team will be led by co-captains 25-year-old Amie Olton and 32-year-old Teresa Lezama who have played 32 and 40 matches at the senior level respectively.
The Sampson family will still be represented in the team in un-capped 18-year-old goalkeeper Sarah Sampson, and 21-year-old Naomi while there is also the De Freitas-sisters, Savannah, 25, and Shaniah, 21, who have 19 and nine senior team appearances respectively.
In addition to Olton and Lezama, the other experienced members of the team are 28-year-old Brittney Hingh (63 caps), 32-year-old Avion Ashton (47 caps), 23-year-old Brianna Govia (39 caps), 24-year-old Gabrielle Thompson (19 caps), 25-year-old Savannah (19), 28-year-old Giann Sealy (16 caps), and 29-year-old Amanda George (13 caps).
T&T senior women’s hockey team: Arresia Sandy, Sarah Sampson, Avion Ashton, Naomi Sampson, Teresa Lezama, Shaniah De Freitas, Brianna Govia, Amanda George, Brittney Hingh, Giann Sealy, Zene Henry, Nicole Whiteman, Daniella Martin, Mia Otero, Danielle Cabralis, Amie Olton, Gabrielle Thompson, Savannah De Freitas, Tahirah Wynne.
Technical staff: Anthony Marcano (coach), Christabella George-Ford (manager), Ellis Chance (assistant coach), Jude Mc Knight (doctor), Kevin Mac Intyre (physiotherapist), Dennora George (physical trainer/nutrition/rehabilitation therapist).