With the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary matches against Cuba fast approaching, Trinidad and Tobago’s head coach, Dwight Yorke, has made it clear that his primary focus is on preparing his squad for that pivotal showdown.
Yorke’s declaration came as he named teenage talents Derrel Garcia, 17, and Lindell Sween, 18, in his squad for the upcoming two-match friendly series against Jamaica, which serves as a crucial stepping stone toward that Cuba challenge in March.
“We know the international games are very far and few in between, but our main aim here, and part of the main emphasis here, is Cuba. So that is where my sights are set,” Yorke stated during a virtual media conference.
“I am not going to get ahead of myself yet. We know the importance of those games home and away and what the consequences are. Winning gets us more game time, so my focus is on that,” he added.
The Soca Warriors will square off against the Reggae Boyz on February 6 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex and again on February 9 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston.
These matches, played outside the FIFA international window, provide an opportunity for Yorke to assess his local-based players, as foreign-based professionals are unavailable.
“The local players are always going to be an integral part of the squad. Let’s not get carried away that my sole aim is to just bring in these foreign players. I can tell you the local players have an integral part to play in our success,” Yorke declared.
The former Manchester United striker urged local players to seize the moment and prove their worth, especially since opportunities to gather as a full squad have been limited since his appointment.
“I am not here to make excuses, but that is the most challenging aspect of the job, but it is a challenge we have to embrace,” Yorke admitted.
For Yorke, a positive result against Jamaica is important, but it remains part of a bigger plan. Should the Soca Warriors get past Cuba and qualify for the Gold Cup, Yorke believes that would open more doors to schedule additional matches and increase the team’s international exposure.
“So to me, that is where my focus is, where all my energy is,” he reiterated.
“Yes, Jamaica is coming up, and I want that to be a really positive outlet. But what we are working on, as a backroom staff, as a group, is for the players to understand that there are two different approaches to domestic and international football,” Yorke ended.
T&T Squad: Marvin Phillip, Aaron Enill, Jabari St Hillaire, Darnell Hospedales, Jamal Jack, Isaiah Garcia, Justin Garcia, Josiah Trimmingham, Jesse Williams, Tyrese Bailey, Kevin Molino, Nathaniel James, Joevin Jones, Noah Powder, Steffen Yeates, Michel Poon-Angeron, John Paul Rochford, Adriel George, Lindell Sween, Kaihim Thomas, Derrel Garcia, Isaiah Lee, Jariel Arthur, Brent Sam