Women Warriors set to depart after collecting MSYA funding; but TTFA stipends still owed

Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Senior Team manager Jinelle James collected a cheque for TT$429,626 from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs today, which represents the total budget for the team who compete in the Concacaf Championship from 4 October in North Carolina, USA.

The Women Soca Warriors were initially due to head for a pre-tournament camp in the United States on Tuesday 25 September. However, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) did not submit the necessary paperwork on time.

Photo: Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe (left) presents a cheque to Women’s National Senior Team manager Jinelle James (centre) and TTFA board member on 28 September.
(Copyright MSYA)

It means the team will leave for the United States tomorrow instead and will have just four days to prepare before facing Panama, Mexico and the United States in World Cup qualifying action.

The TTFA only confirmed Shawn Cooper as head coach on Thursday night, after president David John-Williams initially tried to appoint him without board approval. Former national player Dernelle Mascall and current squad member Ayana Russell will serve as Cooper’s assistants while Tasha St Louis will serve as captain.


[dfp-ad]

Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe noted that, despite initial promises by the TTFA, the Women Warriors still have not received all owed stipends from the football body. And she urged the John-Williams-led administration to appreciate the “importance of the players’ welfare.”

“Notwithstanding the commitment made by TTFA to pay outstanding retainer fees to the players before their departure,” stated a MSYA release, “the TTFA has informed the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA), that at this time, the female players are still owed retainer fees for the month of August.

“[…] The TTFA is currently liaising with the Concacaf to provide all outstanding payments to the players. TTFA anticipates that payment will be issued to all relevant players within the next two weeks.”

Photo: The Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Senior Team pose before kick off against the USVI for a World Cup qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 19 May 2018.
(Copyright Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

The full Trinidad and Tobago squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Kimika Forbes, Saundra Baron;

Defenders: Arin King, Rhea Belgrave, Ayana Russell, Jenelle Cunningham, Jonelle Cato, Lauryn Hutchinson, Patrice Superville, Shadi Stoute;

Midfielders: Janine Francois, Karyn Forbes, Liana Hinds, Naomie Guerra, Natasha St Louis, Tasha St Louis, Shenelle Henry;

Forwards: Kayla Taylor, Kennya Cordner, Mariah Shade.

More from Wired868
“Ridiculous to say we’re weaponising safeguarding!” St Rose on Cooper, NLCL suspensions

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Safeguarding manager Gary St Rose has defended the integrity of the local body’s operation Read more

Dear Editor: T&T football is dying—and we’re losing more than just games

“[…] You’d be lucky to find five kids who can name five national players they admire. The conversations have vanished. Read more

TTFA confirms participation in Unity Cup, alongside Jamaica, Ghana and Nigeria

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFA) has confirmed the Soca Warriors’ participation in the 2025 Unity Cup, an ‘Afro-Caribbean Read more

Dear Editor: Five things that will help improve T&T football

“[…] The administration should set in place a programme to begin teaching the youngsters the technical aspects of the game. Read more

Dear Editor: Misuse of safeguarding mechanisms can stain coach’s career

“[…] As previously mentioned, the goal of Fifa’s safeguarding efforts is to create an environment that includes preventative measures, educational Read more

Dear Editor: Parking setup for Soca Warriors vs Cuba felt like a racket

“[…] Me: What I paying for? Security: To park. My husband: Who is you? Me (in a loud voice): I Read more

Check Also

“Ridiculous to say we’re weaponising safeguarding!” St Rose on Cooper, NLCL suspensions

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Safeguarding manager Gary St Rose has defended the integrity …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.