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St Benedict’s College coach Randolph ‘Balo’ Boyce has been selected as the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team head coach, in the second major appointment done by the Kieron Edwards-led Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
He replaces Brian Haynes, who led the young Soca Warriors to a first round exit from the Fifa 2025 Under-20 World Cup qualifying series on home soil in February. Haynes’ contract is believed to have expired in April, leaving the post vacant.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Trinidad and Tobago, as a result of their early Under-20 World Cup qualifying elimination, do not have a competitive game in that age group until 2026.
In a TTFA Media release, president Edwards suggested that Boyce would use the “fair amount of time” before his first qualifying match to scout for overseas-based talent and to ensure his players are “not only physically and technically prepared but also mentally resilient for the qualifying campaign”.
“Boyce’s appointment is part of TTFA’s broader strategy to strengthen the foundation of Trinidad and Tobago’s football by investing in the youth,” Edwards told the TTFA Media. “The focus will be on creating a cohesive and competitive team ready to tackle the challenges of the next qualifying campaign. However, the vision extends beyond immediate goals.
“The TTFA aims to prepare players well in advance, providing them with opportunities to engage in training camps and we are also looking to set up international practice matches in different windows so that the team can gain crucial exposure.”
Photo: TTFA
Unusually, Boyce is also the president of the Central Football Association (CFA)—a body that had two votes in the TTFA election, just four months ago.
He also coached TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) team Central FC last season, which boasts Edwards as club director.
New TTFA general secretary Kareem Paul, the biggest hire of the new executive to date, was director at Terminix La Horquetta Rangers where Edwards also served as director up until the 2024 election campaign. Paul was also a board member of the Northern Football Association.
And Letitia Mora, listed as Leticia (sic) Mora-Edwards on the TTFA Members Register, was voted in as Women’s League of Football (WoLF) president on 29 May 2024—just six weeks after Edwards was elected.
Mora is also a director at Central FC. She denied being the wife of the TTFA president.
“I am not married to him (Edwards) or anyone else,” Mora said, when asked for comment in May.
She did not clarify whether her denial also ruled out a common-law union. However, what is certain is that she was fairly elected by her peers.
Boyce, just like Paul, does not lack the competency to be a genuine contender for the post. The St Benedict’s coach was also considered to be in the running for the National Under-20 post in 2023 when the TTFA opted for Haynes.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
On this occasion, Boyce is believed to have pipped a three-man shortlist to the job. San Juan Jabloteh coach Marvin Gordon and Queen’s Royal College College (QRC) coach Kenwyne Jones were also under consideration.
“It is an honour to lead the Men’s Under-20 team,” stated Boyce. “My goal is to build a team that not only excels in the next qualifying campaign but also sets a new standard for youth football in Trinidad and Tobago.
“We will focus on developing a strong team ethic, tactical awareness, and individual skill, ensuring that our players are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
As with the sacking of Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve, it is uncertain who was involved in the final decision beyond the executive.
On 18 April 2024, Edwards told Wired868 that he was set to be installed as the technical and development committee chairman and promised to draw up a list of committee members for ratification before the end of the month.
“Before anything is done, those standing committees are to be put in place,” said Edwards, on 18 April. “[…] Hopefully within a week or less, all of those standing committees will be populated.”
(via TTFA Media)
Wired868 was informed by a source that the TTFA does have a functioning technical committee. However, if so, the members are yet to be officially made known to the public—whether by release or the TTFA’s media channels.
Wired868 has been unable to reach Edwards for comment on the matter.
Edwards did tell his own media officer he was confident that the TTFA made the right signing to lead the National Under-20 team.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
“We are excited to welcome Randolph Boyce to our coaching setup,” stated Edwards. “His dedication to youth development and his strategic approach to the game align perfectly with our goals for the Under-20 team.
“We are confident that under his leadership, our young players will not only be prepared for the next qualifying campaign but will also gain invaluable experience through our program in the coming months.”
The TTFA, in a subsequent release, invited teenaged boys from east Trinidad to attend screening for the National Under-20 team starting with a session at Phase II Recreation Ground in La Horquetta from 3pm on Tuesday 6 August.
Sween and Gomez are both eligible to represent the next National Under-20 team—although Gomez is a part of the current National Under-16 pool.
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The La Horquetta session, according to the press statement, is “the first of several zonal screenings planned across the country”.
Remarkably, the TTFA release quoted Edwards rather than technical director Anton Corneal. The TTFA technical director, according to the Fifa-approved constitution, has overriding control over all national youth teams—but it is uncertain whether he was involved.
“The zonal screenings are a fundamental step in identifying and nurturing the next generation of football stars,” Edwards told the TTFA Media. “We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all eligible players to demonstrate their talents. Our aim is to build a strong and competitive Under-20 team that will represent our nation with pride and excellence.”
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Boyce, the first-time national coach, will “supervise” screening according to the press statement.
“This is an excellent opportunity for young players to step up and show what they can bring to the national team,” said Boyce. “We are looking for individuals who are not only skilled but also demonstrate the right attitude, work ethic, and passion for the game.”
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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.
Heard good things about Boyce. A hard working coach and overall nice guy. However, TTFA leadership continues with our trademark lack of transparency. But the real question, is there a plan for development across the board? Coaches, players, administrators, etc. We keep doing the same thing while expecting different results.