And Suriname is out… Again! T&T U23s play opener on Saturday

The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officially announced last night that Suriname is out of the 2016 Olympic Games qualifying series. Again. And for the last time. Hopefully.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago defender Martieon Watson (second from left) hugs striker Kadeem Corbin (right) during the 2014 Under-20 Caribbean Cup. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago defender Martieon Watson (second from left) hugs striker Kadeem Corbin (right) during the 2014 Under-20 Caribbean Cup.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

For the fourth time in three days, the CFU’s Group Four has undergone a fixture change. And, for the second time, Suriname has been withdrawn for the competition.

The Dutch-speaking nation has apparently struggled to get visas to enter Puerto Rico and has given up hope of arriving with a reasonable timeframe.

St Vincent and the Grenadines were also said to also be AWOL up until last night. However, CFU officials apparently expect them them to show up in time to face hosts Puerto Rico at 8 pm tonight.

Trinidad and Tobago, who have 12 players on the island but should have another nine “Soca Warriors” available by 11 am today, will play their their first qualifier against St Vincent from 8 pm on Saturday.

The Warriors and Puerto Rico will clash at 8 pm on Monday night. Only the group winner will advance to the next round of competition.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago right back Alvin Jones (left) drives the ball into the opposing penalty area while St Lucia player Romiel Felix looks on during the 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifying stage. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago right back Alvin Jones (left) drives the ball into the opposing penalty area while St Lucia player Romiel Felix looks on during the 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifying stage.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Suffice to say that the competition has been a nightmare for the travelling teams while it probably is not much fun either for Puerto Rico football fans.

Trinidad and Tobago will hope that their frantic efforts to get to the US territory were not in vain.

(Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 Team)

Goalkeepers: Aaron Enill (San Juan Jabloteh), Montell Joseph (Unattached);

Defenders: Jesus Perez (North East Stars), Josiah Trimmingham (San Juan Jabloteh), Leland Archer (College of Charleston—USA), Alvin Jones, Martieon Watson (both W Connection);

Midfielders: Duane Muckette, Neveal Hackshaw (both North East Stars), Jelani Felix (Defence Force), Xavier Rajpaul (College of Charleston—USA), Keane McIvor (Lindsey Wilson College—USA), Jabari Mitchell, Jomal Williams, Aikim Andrews (both W Connection), Kadeem Corbin (St Ann’s Rangers);


Photo: Trinidad and Tobago playmaker Jabari Mitchell (second from left) celebrates the winning goal against Suriname during the Under-20 Caribbean Cup. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago playmaker Jabari Mitchell (second from left) celebrates the winning goal against Suriname during the Under-20 Caribbean Cup.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Forwards: Rundell Winchester (Portland Timbers 2—USA), Ricardo John (Virginia Tech—USA), Adrian Welch (both St John’s University—USA).

Staff: Zoran Vranes (coach), David Muhammad (manager), Gilbert Bateau (assistant coach/trainer), Michael Taylor (physio), Esmond O’ Brien (equipment manager), Nigel Neverson (goalkeeper coach).

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About 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.

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7 comments

  1. Caribbean Cup U-23 result: Puerto Rico 2, St Vincent and the Grenadines 2

  2. Hmm. If the TTFA does not use this opportunity to sue, they will may not get any more money if the PP wins election. It is also a great opportunity for RTK to rise to CFU presidency. How much worse can he be? Really?

  3. Regarding de CFU, I will quote an esteemed group member, “dem relly good yes.”

  4. like Nigel trying to make things worse lol

  5. I’m trusting your math brain on that one! Lol

  6. In mathematical terms::
    CFU ≠ Professional
    CFU <> Professional
    CFU != Professional

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