PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
WITH A fresh, merit-based squad and a steely resolve to break from the past, Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s team head coach Dwight Yorke declared his side ready for business ahead of their crucial Concacaf World Cup qualifying opener against Curaçao this Friday.
The Soca Warriors will step onto the pitch at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo at 8 p.m. on September 5 to begin their arduous campaign for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The match kicks off a demanding schedule that sees Yorke’s troops travel to face Jamaica in Kingston just four days later, followed by October road fixtures against Bermuda and Curaçao, before concluding the group stage at home against the Reggae Boyz on November 13.
Despite fielding a squad with notable inexperience, the former Manchester United superstar expressed unwavering confidence.
“I’m very confident that my players, come Friday night, we’ll be ready to perform at the highest level,” Yorke stated.
Addressing concerns about a potential leadership vacuum following the integration of many new faces, Yorke was clear that leadership would be forged in the fire of competition. He believes the entire team will grow and evolve together with each match.
The coach left no room for ambiguity regarding his selection philosophy, marking a definitive break from what he suggested was a complacent culture of the past.
“I think that there’s been a trend, a trend usually in Trinidad and Tobago football, that the older players tend to pick themselves, and that’s not the case here. There is no curry favours, there is no pat on the back. You’ve got to earn the right to be in this squad.”
POWERFUL MESSAGE
He emphasised that his 26-man roster was selected on merit alone, sending a powerful message that reputation holds no weight under his command.
“Whether young or a senior player, you can’t take anything for granted. We don’t have the luxury to entertain that in our sport. We’re here for business.”
That business, according to Yorke, has one ultimate objective, and that is winning Group B to secure an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.
The first, and most critical, step towards that goal is securing all three points at home against Curaçao.
“The home games are the most important games,” Yorke said, acknowledging the must-win nature of the Friday night clash.
“We know that in this format, you’re going to have to win your home games. Of course, when we play Curaçao at home, we want to win.”
Yet, the debutant coach is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, warning fans that nothing will be handed to them.
“By no means is it going to be a walk in the park. You don’t have the luxury of an easy game. Every game is really difficult for us.”
