Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve will lead the Soca Warriors into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, after he was granted a two-year contract extension by the Fifa-appointed Normalisation Committee.
The decision is an about-turn on Normalisation Committee chairman Robert Hadad’s initial stance that the new TTFA board would decide on the future of the head coach.
The Normalisation Committee’s tenure expires in March, at which point the TTFA is due to elect a president and board. As such, last September, Eve was handed a contract that expired in March 2023.
Hadad and fellow committee members Nigel Romano and Trevor Nicholas Gomez—after public lobbying by Eve and a positive string of results by the Warriors—announced fresh terms today though.
“What [Eve], his staff and the players have been able to achieve is commendable,” Hadad told the TTFA Media. “The Normalisation Committee’s tenure is winding down and we have been consistent with a cautious approach to the negotiation of contractual agreements with staff beyond our time (tenure).
“We met with Angus, explained our position, and discussed plans for the future. Angus has led the team extremely well and we believe that we have been able to settle on a new agreement that is a win-win—in the best interest of the Association and Angus.”
Hadad hinted at a termination clause with Eve but did not elaborate.
“It was critical that any agreement allowed for each party to be protected,” said Hadad, “and so that the Association has little to no risk of making missteps as in the past, which resulted in significant unpaid debts to coaches, team members and suppliers.”
Presumably, the TTFA membership would have to wait until they reclaim the reins of the local football body before they could gauge the strength of Eve’s contract.
Eve, who is preparing the Warriors for a 2024 Copa America playoff against Canada, was thrilled at his new deal.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue to serve the country in a positive manner,” said Eve. “Hopefully we can develop and harness the young talent that we have, to give ourselves the best opportunity to qualify for another World Cup.”
Hadad said Trinidad and Tobago’s football will be the beneficiary.
“We are excited for the future as we head into a World Cup qualification year,” he said.