Chaves named in 26-man Senior Team squad for Jamaica friendlies

Editor Wednesday 28 February 2024 Global Football, National Football, Volley Leave a comment

Seventeen-year-old Fatima College student Michael Chaves was among 26 players selected to represent the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team in two friendlies against Jamaica on 1 and 3 March respectively.

Chaves, who represented Trinidad and Tobago last night in their 3-0 Concacaf U-20 Qualifying series defeat to Canada, was the only member of the current National Under-20 Team included in coach Angus Eve’s squad.

Trinidad and Tobago attacker Michael Chaves (centre) is tracked by the St Vincent and the Grenadines defence during Concacaf U-20 Qualifying action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 23 February 2024.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868

However, attacker Lindell Sween and right back Rio Cardines are also in Eve’s 60-man shortlist for their upcoming Concacaf Nations League playoff match against Canada on 23 March.

Eve explained that Sween was omitted due to injury while Cardines is unavailable as the game falls outside the Fifa international window.

However, Coventry City Under-21 forward Justin Obikwu was allowed to join the Soca Warriors, while Kai Garvey of lower division Canada team Simcoe County Rovers will also have a chance to show his wares.

Eve said Obikwu was recommended to Trinidad and Tobago by former head coach Dennis Lawrence while Stephen Hart suggested Garvey. Both were born overseas but are eligible to represent the twin island republic due to parentage.

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve directs proceedings from his technical area during Concacaf Nations League A action against Guatemala in Port of Spain on 13 October 2023.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868

Three Jamaica-based Soca Warriors, Kaile Auvray, Nathaniel James and Josiah Trimmingham, also got the nod along with the likes of Police FC full back Alvin Jones, Club Sando custodian Denzil Smith, and the AC Port of Spain midfield duo of Michel Poon-Angeron and Duane Muckette.

The first game on Friday kicks off at 3pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium but is not open to fans, due to work being done at the venue for this weekend’s Carifta trials.

However, fans are welcome for the second friendly on Sunday, which kicks off at 4pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium. Admission is $50. Both matches will be aired live on Sportsmax.

All 26 players are included in Eve’s 60-man shortlist for their Concacaf Nations League playoff fixture against Canada

Trinidad and Tobago right back Alvin Jones passes for a teammate during CNL action against USA at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 20 November 2023.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868

(Trinidad and Tobago team)

Goalkeepers: Denzil Smith (Club Sando), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Christopher Biggette (Defence Force);

Defenders: Alvin Jones, Robert Primus (both Police FC), Jamal Jack, Shervohnez Hamilton (both Club Sando), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay Utd—Jamaica), Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers);

Midfielders: Justin Sadoo, Kevon Goddard Nathaniel Garcia, Kaihim Thomas (all Defence Force), Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron, Liam Burns (all AC Port of Spain), Rhondel Gibson, Kai Moos (both Club Sando), Kai Garvey (Simcoe County Rovers—Canada);

Trinidad and Tobago forward Nathaniel James responds to a missed opportunity during CNL action against USA at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 20 November 2023.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868

Attackers: Kaile Auvray, Nathaniel James (both Mount Pleasant—Jamaica), John-Paul Rochford (AC Port of Spain), Jem Gordon (1976 FC Phoenix), Justin Obikwu (Coventry City—England).

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