Sadoo, Prowell and Hudson among T&T call-ups for Panama friendly; Cunningham continues as press officer

Point Fortin Civic midfielder Justin Sadoo, W Connection teenager Isaiah Hudson, St Anthony’s College schoolboy Jaydon Prowell and the Central FC duo of Jameel Neptune and Rhondel Gibson were among the new recruits as the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team prepares for friendly international action against Panama on 17 April at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

The fixture is outside of the FIFA international match window and both nations will be without the bulk of their overseas-based players.

“We continue to look at all players who we believe can make a contribution at senior level,” head coach Dennis Lawrence told TTFA Media. “And that’s why you see the likes of Justin Sadoo and Jameel Neptune in the training squad, which already includes Rhondel Gibson, Kevon Goddard, Judah Garcia, Isaiah Hudson and Quinn Rodney—to name a few.

“[…] It is more than likely one or more of these youngsters will feature in the match because we are seeing a lot of positives so far. The game is two weeks away so we still have some evaluation to do.”

The release was issued by TTFA Board member Wayne Cunningham, who was also listed as the team’s media officer.

On Saturday, TTFA members ordered that Cunningham and WOLF president Sharon O’ Brien must choose between their positions on the Board and employment under the general secretariat. The Constitution says decisions taken at the General Meeting go into effect immediately and general secretary Justin Latapy-George was charged with officially advising Cunningham and O’Brien accordingly.

Today’s team announcement suggests Cunningham has chosen the position of media employee over the role of Board member.

Lawrence promised fresh faces on the field, though. And one of those might be former Naparima College schoolboy Sadoo, who is proud to represent the village of Cedros.

“This has always been a goal of mine through school, Youth Pro League and playing with Point Fortin Civic,” Sadoo told the TTFA Media. “We have a lot of talent in Cedros but transport is a major issue.”

The Soca Warriors have not lost in four friendlies since the 2018 World Cup qualifying series although they have managed just one victory against Guadeloupe. The other results were all draws against Grenada, Guyana and Martinique.

(Team)

Goalkeepers: Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Andre Marchan (Defence Force), Marvin Phillip (Pt Fortin Civic);

Defenders: Alvin Jones, Maurice Forde, Triston Hodge (all W Connection), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Taryk Sampson, Jameel Neptune (both Central FC);

Midfielders: Nathaniel Garcia, Justin Sadoo (both Pt Fortin Civic), Rhondel Gibson (Central FC), Judah Garcia (Shiva Boys Hindu College), Kevon Goddard (W Connection), Jared London (Club Sando);

Attacking midfielders: Reon Moore, Hashim Arcia (both Defence Force), Quinn Rodney, Isaiah Hudson (both W Connection), Kathon St Hillaire (St Ann’s Rangers);

Forwards: Marcus Joseph (W Connection), Jaydon Prowell (St Anthony’s College), Akeem Roach (Unattached).

Technical staff: Dennis Lawrence (head coach), Stuart Charles-Fevrier (assistant coach), Stern John (assistant coach), Ross Russell (goalkeeper coach), Israel Dowlat (team doctor), Dave Isaac (medic), Saron Joseph (trainer), Joseph Rooplal (massage therapist), Michael Williams (equipment manager), Paul Lawrence (match analyst), Wayne Cunningham (media officer), Richard Piper (manager).

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Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.