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Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team coach Tom Saintfiet launched an extraordinary attack on four of his senior players today, as he accused Daneil Cyrus and Jomal Williams of arriving two hours to his live-in camp allegedly smelling of rum.
The Belgian coach also blasted Major League Soccer (MLS) players Joevin Jones, who was initially included in his 20-man squad for this week’s Gold Cup playoff matches against Suriname and Haiti, and Kevin Molino for failing to show sufficient desire to represent their national team.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Saintfiet told the media that Cyrus and Williams were dropped on the spot while Jones was also replaced.
Club Sando forward Akeem Roach, Defence Force utility player Curtis Gonzales and Orange County Blues attacker Trevin Caesar were all recalled to replace them after they were initially cut from the squad on their return from Managua yesterday.
It means England-based midfielder Andre Boucaud is the only addition to the squad that faced Nicaragua twice last week and returned with a 2-1 loss and 3-1 triumph respectively. Boucaud is expected in Trinidad on Tuesday, roughly 24 hours before kick off against Suriname, after he received an extra day’s grace to represent his club in England.
Saintfiet’s leniency with his overseas-based players is unlikely to be lost on local Pro League and Caribbean club champs, Central FC, who were told to release their players and not use them for their own clubs. The subsequent stand-off led to goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams and midfielders Nathaniel Garcia and Sean De Silva being omitted.
And although Garcia and Williams are free now—De Silva was injured at a national training session—and Saintfiet lost goalkeeper Marvin Phillip to injury, the coach ignored both players and again left them out of his squad.
(Courtesy Nicholas Williams/Wired868)
Today, Saintfiet revealed internal problems with the players he did want.
“We selected 20 players [and] I have to say that three of the 20 players didn’t show up,” said Saintfiet, who was joined today by assistant coach Russell Latapy for the first time. “Two of the players came one and a half hours too late in camp and had still decent smell of alcohol around [them]. That was Daneil Cyrus and Jomal Williams.
“Both were immediately sent home back to party but are replaced in squad.”
Cyrus stressed that he did not have any alcohol though and claimed the coach was referring only to Williams.
Jones, according to Saintfiet, was simply a no-show. The Belgian coach gave special dispensation to the Seattle Sounders player to skip the Nicaragua tour after complaining about fatigue.
“I spoke with him individually and he did not show up at all for the camp,” said the Belgian coach. “So I think he has no interest to help his country to qualify.”
Saintfiet was not impressed to discover that Jones played in two charity matches over the Christmas period, after he claimed to be too tired to represent his country. And, bizarrely, Jones also represented W Connection in a friendly match against Haiti last week.
Seattle defeated Toronto in extra time penalty kicks.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Claus Andersen)
“Joevin is here on holiday and Joevin played, two days ago, a friendly with W Connection against Haiti,” said Saintfiet. “So if his club had no problem with him playing a friendly match with a club where he is not registered, I see no problem why he cannot play for his national team…
“I had face to face communication with him. I said take a few days off and see you on January 1st. I told him where and when and which time [to enter] camp and he never called or informed us in any way that he would not show up.
“So I think he has no interest to help his country to qualify.”
Remarkably, all four players dropped by Saintfiet for disciplinary reasons since he took over the reigns as head coach are wholly or part-owned by W Connection.
Last week, defender Triston Hodge became the first player to be cut after he allegedly missed one training session, turning up late for camp and failed to win over the new coach with his demeanour.
Williams, who is on loan at Mexico second division club Murcielagos FC, was next today along with versatile Connection defender, Cyrus, who has 62 full international caps.
Peru won 4-0.
(Copyright Ernesto Benavides/AFP 2016/Wired868)
Williams started in Saintfiet’s first game as Warriors head coach against Nicaragua on 27 December and came off the bench for the second contest in Managua. Cyrus featured as a substitute in both fixtures.
Connection are believed to have inserted a sell-in clause in their deal with Seattle, which entitles them to a slice of any revenue earned if the MLS club cashes in on Jones. Jones won the MLS Cup with Seattle last season and is Trinidad and Tobago’s top scorer in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
However, his commitment to the two island republic has been questioned before.
Hart cut Jones—along with Cyrus—for playing minor league football after skipping an international tour, supposedly due to fatigue, in September 2013. Jones was also fined by Hart for breaking camp to attend a boat party, alongside teammates Mekeil Williams and Molino, three days before a World Cup qualifier against Guatemala on 2 September 2016.
The background of the players at odds with successive national team coaches ought to alarm and embarrass Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams, since he is the co-founder of the W Connection team.
(Courtesy Nicholas Williams/Wired868)
The national youth teams have not been spared such disciplinary issues either, as Connection teenager Isaiah Hudson abandoned the Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 Team during their Caribbean Cup campaign last October.
Hudson’s father, Brent Hudson, insisted that the Naparima College student was injured. However, National Under-20 coach Brian Williams denied this.
Arguably, John-Williams did not help Saintfiet’s authority much when he publicly warned the coach, at his unveiling, that he would be sacked if he does not manage four points from World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico on 24 and 28 March respectively.
But, thus far, the cringeworthy introduction does not appear to have inhibited Saintfiet much, as the coach has not been shy about imposing himself on the national squad. And, unlike almost everyone else at the TTFA, the new coach does not seem to be interested in holding secrets.
“[Molino] said he was not available [to play] for his country at that point in time,” said Saintfiet. “He told me he didn’t feel motivated or ready for that. And later, I [heard] he played games at lower league or social level…”
(Copyright MLS Futbol)
The downside to Saintfiet’s managerial style is he must now try to outdo Haiti with a notably weaker squad than Hart had last year when the Warriors fell 1-0 to the Haitians in a Copa America Centenario playoff in Panama.
And, after his bullish approach to his senior players and bravado in mentioning Connection during a broadside at Jones, this week’s qualifiers may take on increased importance for the Belgian coach.
The Warriors face Suriname from 7pm on Wednesday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva and then tackle Haiti on Sunday from 5pm at the same venue.
It would be some accomplishment if Saintfiet can lead the Warriors to two wins regardless of the patchiness of his squad. Arguably, his authority—on the training ground and in the corridors of power—can be significantly weakened if his current squad fails to deliver for him. Perhaps irretrievably so.
Whatever is written about Saintfiet when he does depart at Piarco, he certainly will not be remembered as dull.
Now, it is up to his present squad—which includes 37-year-old captain and right back Carlos Edwards and 35-year-old striker Cornell Glen—to prove that the coach can win football matches too.
Suriname would be a good place to start on Tuesday.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
(Trinidad and Tobago 20-man Gold Cup playoff squad)
Goalkeepers: Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Glenroy Samuel (Ma Pau Stars);
Defenders: Carlos Edwards (Ma Paul Stars), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Carlyle Mitchell (Seoul E-Land—Korea Republic), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Sillamae Kallen—Estonia), Maurice Ford (W Connection), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa—Costa Rica);
Midfielders: Kevan George (Jacksonville Armada—USA), Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge—England), Alvin Jones, Hughtun Hector (both W Connection);
Attacking midfielders: Aikim Andrews (W Connection), Trevin Caesar (Orange County Blues—USA), Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Nathan Lewis, Tyrone Charles (both San Juan Jabloteh);
Forwards: Akeem Roach (Club Sando), Shahdon Winchester (Murcielagos FC—Mexico), Cornell Glen (Ozone FC Bengalaru—India).
Technical staff: Tom Saintfiet (head coach), Russell Latapy (assistant coach), Jamaal Shabazz (assistant coach), Lukas Wojciak (goalkeeper coach), Riedoh Berdien (trainer), Dr Terence Babwah (doctor), Dave Isaac (paramedic), Michael Williams (equipment manager), Shaun Fuentes (press officer), Azaad Khan (interim manager).
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Love a good Christmas Panto, oooh no he didn’t, oooooooh yes he did, Tom, the medical staff are behind you!!!!! Brilliant, thank you TTFA for entering the spirit of things…..
Hahahahaha
Hahhha hmm smh
Dwayne Donald read this boy
Note wired 868 spoke to some players, while d others dissapeared like a puff of smoke, dais exactly what their attitude was to training…
This coach may not last very long, sadly, I don’t see his employer TTFA rushing to endorse his actions, which may well be a sign of their disapproval…strange though, Chevaughn, after only a handful of sessions a white man from belgium could make such an accurate analysis, and TTFA who were right here from day 1, seemed to be hearing this for the 1st time….
Sorry day for our football..concentrate on the SSFL guys plenty talented boys from south and the east.Groom them.Reflection of our society today.
Any one remembers a player with a load of talent but also a load of issues called arnold dwarika
Do yuh ting coach
It’s about time we had a coach who is not about wiping ass but about the respect for the game even if it means starting from scratch. Well done coach Tom Saintfiet
I endorse the coach policy…
Daz too many “checks” for a trini Michael Samuel especially if they aint sure about gettin the all important one ➡ Paycheck!
Check!
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.
1. Jack in car…..check.
2. Gas in car…check.
3. Charged up cel phone…..check.
4. No rum before practice…..check.
5. No boat rides and clubbing before game…check.
6. Good tyres……check.
7. 100% commitment…..check.
8. Understanding what commitment really means…check.
9. Manager’s phone number stored…..check.
10. Call early o clock when in a jam…..check.
11. Third world mentality eradicated…..check.
12. Train hard……check.
????
It’s about time someone tell it as it is. We’ve got a laid back attitude to everything which is great for overcoming stress but when it comes to serious commitments like being on the job regularly or representing the RED, BLACK and WHITE we begin to only see $$$. I understand the foreign based players maybe glad to be away from their pro clubs commitments and therefore “free up theyself” but the country needs 100% from all the national footballers or sportsmen. Imagine if we qualified for the World Cup their value internationally will increase tremendously.
Our sportsmen must see the bigger picture of being in a WC or winning an international competition especially now as we little financial resources as we can use this to inspire our beautiful nation.
Discipline is MOST IMPORTANT in all sports…. without DISCIPLINE the team/individual is doomed to fail?
About time
Where does the ‘big player’ attitude come from? That is what really baffles me
These guys playing in MLS…imagine of they were playing for Man Utd or Milan…probably would have cursed off the coach.
is ah long time dis team eh get shake up so…Finally a coach with a purpose
Discipline is essential for any professional work or sports. And maintaining team discipline is critical.
Good move coach. Whip OUR team in to a cohesive unit and let’s see them kick some AS2
Unprofessional overrated clowns.. do it with your club but don’t disrespect my country.
Kelvin you couldn’t have said it better!
Lasana Liburd Ok, I get it. Thanks Las.
Michael to be fair, usually the manager is the person to deal with these matters.
But he apparently spoke to the manager when he was already late as opposed to before.
That’s y we can’t reach nowhere ?
Just some day we talking about that inno smh
Well done coach let them see how it is in other countries
Steeuuppsss This sounds that the other national player I cannot remember his name right now who went and play in a minor league game eh while representing the national team and got his ankle broken and the said the dresser fell on his foot steeuuppss again eh. Them really good yes
Good ban them…
Good call coach. Keep them in line with a strong hand and whoever cannot or does not want to make the grade then get rid of them.
Imagine is carnival season….we will see who really want to represent TT.
Sacrifice and hard work is the only way to success!!
A flat tyre and you sending a message with your mates? Call a member of the management team.
I like this coach
Come-on people, the sorry state of affairs in the national football team is reflective of the degrading state of our beloved country.
Be the nice youth playing the game, and when they think they reach, it’s partytime. To hell with allyuh & country, I enjoying my life
These players act like ” prima donnas” even before they become recognized as being good. When will they learn?
D reason for our National team like dis is if d fuckin Government PAY d players and staff properly an stop d corruption in d selection on d players we will reach every world cup
Put fully dedicated and talented player Neveal Hackshaw back on the team
Neil that’s why we play so flat and lackluster, without any passion, there is no commitment to put out 100%.
Maybe, just maybe, Saintfiet could be our next Commissioner of police… well done coach..
It is disheartening that the main problem affecting our football teams , is not the availability of talent but the stark lack of discipline and pride for representing one’s country. For the likes of Cyrus and others , who are supposed to be seasoned campaigners , it is inexcusable the course of action that was chosen. My mind wonders what was allowed to happen before under the watch of Stephen Hart.
But when they go back to their various clubs, they serious like a “hart” attack
The arrival of the new coach has exposed a serious fact when it comes to internal discipline. And it is sad , that no local could have exposed the realities , and brought about a paradigm shift in the way we do things at the senior national level. The report even suggests that some of this is also being experienced at the junior level , so we have a serious problem. Someone has to be prepared to take the bull by the horns.
No wonder we cant win our games….
It is said that the definition of “madness” is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome, how many coaches Trinidad and Tobago has changed In its efforts to reach world cup? So if the team don’t make it our solution is to fire the coach, never the players. Smh! My suggestion is keep the consistent,Disciplined players, fire the rest and build your national team from your secondary school league, not the pro league where players done learn bad habits, so you have a mix of youth and experience.
?? better scouting shld start even earlier….as u said…cuz some of these pro league players too big for their breeches
“We don’t win matches with quality, we win matches with commitment”
I thought this guy was a joke at first but his philosophy is obviously spot on. I doubt that he will last long but hopefully Latapy will learn something from him so that philosophy can be carried on. Commitment is everything. It is why we are regularly beaten by lower quality opponents.
Good job coach
Please, let us be honest with ourselves. There are 2 things we are known for;
1) Trinidad Time
2) Fete
Tom, good luck in trying to change a culture in two months. I am not telling you to accept it, I am saying that you should be aware of it. It is the same culture that developed our 22+ Internationally based players. The players you have right now are fighting for recognition and you may discover a couple diamonds, but as a group they are not ready for this level.
I will guess that your next move will be to follow the Jamaican and Haitian coaches who preferred the more “disciplined” foreign born players yet they still did not get to the Hex.
Tom please try to understand our culture.
Start a Fete Match Team you will see results. Dat is all they like…. Together with some Boat ride after…. Bunch of talented fools. Some not all…
Isn’t this the same thing Hart was doing?
He wouldn’t last long when he takes actions .. wait n see .. these players have no discipline whatsoever and think they’re bigger than the game .. get rid of them
This goes to show that Mr Hart WAS NOT the main problem but the sudden lack of discipline and commitment from our so call big players
But hart did have some technical flaws in his line up. E.g. why was whillis Plaza not started each match. He looked more lively than kenyn jones
Good point taken but no matter what eleven you put on the field, talented and swell headed players who think dey reach will never be enough .We need more than that to complete with concacaf let again the world
He will have another opportunity to show discipline and commitment
Primary school excuses…better than that!
Unbelievable!! We need to focus our effort on under 8 players!
I totally agree with the coach them guys is a set of clowns you must put your country first