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Dwight Yorke will make his debut as Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach in a friendly away to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 17 December.
The outing, which falls outside the Fifa international match calendar, will be held at the Al Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh and was declared, by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), as “crucial preparation” for the Soca Warriors’ Gold Cup playoffs against Cuba in March 2025.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868
Yorke will be without his Europe-based professionals like Levi Garcia, Andre Raymond, Daniel Phillips, Dantaye Gilbert and Sheldon Bateau while Wired868 understands that Nathaniel James, Andre Rampersad and Ryan Telfer were all declared unavailable for various reasons.
United States-based midfielder Neveal Hackshaw answered the call and makes his return to the fold while Colorado Rapids II attacker Wayne Frederick II, son of former Howard University chancellor Wayne Frederick ORTT, is in line to make his international debut.
Veteran midfielders Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones retained their places in the team, alongside newcomers like La Horquetta Rangers flanker Tyrese Bailey, Defence Force midfielder Kaihim Thomas and 1976 FC Phoenix attacker Jariel Arthur.
Central FC forward Kevon Woodley, 38, and attacking midfielder John-Paul Rochford, 24, who were both in Trinidad and Tobago’s last international squad against Cuba on 14 October, were not included along with goalkeeper Denzil Smith, who is just returning from injury.
Defence Force defeated Police FC 2-1.
Photo: TTFA Media
Yorke described the Saudi Arabia friendly as an important test for him and his squad.
“This game will be the first step in a journey we take together with players who have given great service, as others work for the opportunity to join us along the way,” Yorke told the TTFA Media.
“This is an excellent opportunity to assess the team’s readiness and implement our strategies ahead of a critical year. We are focused on building cohesion and ensuring we are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, starting with the Gold Cup playoff.”
The Trinidad and Tobago players leave from Piarco on Friday 13 December and will spend approximately 16 hours in the air, en route to Riyadh.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
“Securing an international friendly against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh marks a significant step in our journey as we continue to build momentum for the future of Trinidad and Tobago football,” said TTFA president Kieron Edwards.
“This match offers a valuable opportunity for our team to test their skills against strong opposition on an international stage. It’s also a historic moment as Dwight Yorke leads the team for the first time in a international match as head coach.
“This is another part of an exciting new chapter for Trinidad and Tobago football.”
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Trinidad and Tobago team
Goalkeepers: Christopher Biggette (Defence Force), Adrian Foncette (Police FC);
Defenders: Aubrey David (CS Deportivo Municipal—Guatemala), Jesse Williams (Chattanooga FC—USA), Shannon Gomez (San Antonio FC—USA), Alvin Jones (Police FC), Justin Garcia, Isaiah Garcia (both Defence Force), Ross Russell Jr (Central FC), Jamal Jack (Club Sando FC);
Midfielders: Kaihim Thomas, Kevin Molino (both Defence Force), Joevin Jones (Police FC), Michel Poon-Angeron, Duane Muckette (both AC POS), Neveal Hackshaw (Oakland Roots SC—USA), Steffen Yeates (Pacific FC—Canada);
Attackers: Isaiah Lee, Tyrese Bailey (both La Horquetta Rangers), Wayne Frederick II (Colorado Rapids II—USA), Real Gill (Huntsville City FC—USA), Reon Moore (Pacific FC—Canada), Jariel Arthur (1976 FC Phoenix).
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