By David Gold
November 16 – Following their exit from the Brazil World Cup 2014 qualifiers last week, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister for Sport, Anil Roberts, has said that football in the country needs to be completely reconstructed.
Roberts spoke after a meeting attended by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sport, Ashwin Creed, and communications specialist Natasha Nunez.
A 2-1 defeat to Guyana ensured Trinidad’s exit from the qualifiers in the second round, though they salvaged some pride by beating Group B winners Guyana 2-0 in their final game.
The 2006 World Cup qualifiers came second in the group, but only the group winners of the second round qualify for the third round, where Guyana will now face Group B opponents Mexico, El Salvador and Costa Rica.
“We intend to go into every constituency and probably get 41 coaches and 41 assistant coaches to go through those areas, find the best talent, put them together and bring them to train at least three times per week,” said Roberts.
“Furthermore, these coaches will also go through the scientific analysis and training that is lacking in our coaches.
“We have many people who understand the game and its tactics, but many of our coaches do not understand how to physically prepare athletes to perform at the highest level.”
Roberts also announced that there would be specialists assigned to each constituency in the country, teaching them about psychological and physical preparation, as well as monitoring of performance.
The bulk of the TT$45 million (£4.5 million/$7 million/€5.3 million) approved to fund the campaign to qualify for Brazil in 2014 will now be diverted towards football development.
A particular focus will be put on youth teams, and Roberts also announced a national consultation to discuss the way forward at an event taking place later this month.
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