TTFA starts search for next Soca Warriors coach

The task of replacing axed T&T Soca Warriors coach Angus Eve was officially started by the Keiron Edwards-led T&T Football Association (T&TFA) yesterday.

This was stated via a press release to the T&T, which stated: The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is now accepting applications for the position of Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Team. Applicants are asked to submit their resume, contact information, and a copy of all related documents by email to [email protected] no later than 6:00 pm (AST) on September 28th, 2024, clearly indicating the position they are applying for in the email subject.

The release added: Nondescript applications will not be acknowledged, and among the duties of the new coach will be responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the team’s performance, including developing and implementing training programs, managing game strategies, and fostering player development.

The head coach will work closely with assistant coaches, medical staff, and team management to ensure the team’s success on and off the field.

His other key responsibilities include:

• ↓Can work cohesively with other professionals – physiotherapist, psychologist etc.

• ↓Identify the individual abilities of each player, and create suitable IDP (Individual Development Plans). Communicates openly and effectively in a positive team environment.

• ↓Must have an understanding of tactical periodization.

• ↓Have the ability to be a role model and mentor athletes.

• ↓Ability to analyse tactical trends within elite football, e.g. (Formations and game principles).

• ↓To perform such other duties of a technical nature as may occasionally be assigned to him by the Association.

The role and responsibilities of the National Senior Team’s Head Coach are comprehensive, involving both tactical and managerial duties aimed at achieving success on the international stage. Some of the other responsibilities include:

1. Tactical and Technical Leadership

Game Strategy: Developing game plans and strategies tailored to upcoming opponents. This includes formation, style of play, and specific tactical adjustments.

Training Sessions: Designing and conducting training programs to improve the team’s performance, fitness, and technical skills.

Player Selection: Identifying and selecting the best players from the available pool of talent, considering form, fitness, and suitability to the team’s strategy.

2. Team Management

Squad Rotation and Selection: Balancing the squad by managing injuries, suspensions, and form, while ensuring a competitive team for each match.

Motivation and Mentorship: Keeping players motivated and focused, both on and off the pitch, while managing egos and personalities within the squad.

Communication: Maintaining clear lines of communication with players, staff, and management, explaining tactical decisions and expectations.

3. Scouting and Talent Development

Player Development: Monitoring domestic leagues, youth academies, and international competitions for potential talent to integrate into the national team.

Scouting Opponents: Analysing opponent teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and tactics to devise counter-strategies.

4. Administrative Duties

Collaboration with the TTFA: Working closely with the Association to organize friendly matches, training camps, and logistical support.

Back on July 31, 2024, the T&TFA severed ties with Eve as the senior men’s national football team head coach.

The release back then from the T&TFA stated: “Our focus is firmly set on the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. We recognise the importance of having a clear pathway for qualification, which requires the full support of the government, private sector, and citizens,” the statement said.

The decision to part ways with Eve came as a surprise to too many, as the T&T sits second in Group B behind Costa Rica in the Second Round of CONCACAF World Cup 2026 qualification with four points after a 2-2-2 home draw with Grenada was followed by an emphatic 7-1 blowout of the Bahamas, Eve’s last match at the helm.

T&T’s record appearance maker at senior level with 117 matches Eve, 52, was first hired in 20221 and still had another year on his contract when he was axed. He led the Soca in 23 games with 11 wins, five draws, and seven defeats, with 45 goals scored and 36 goals conceded after taking over from Englishman Terry Fenwick.

Following the departure of Eve, the T&TFA appointed his former assistant and national defender Derek King, 44, as interim coach for the first two matches in this year’s CONCACAF Nations League Group B matches.

However, King had endured a miserable start to his stint, a 4-0 loss away to Honduras and a lacklustre goalless draw at home to French Guiana at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago.

With two matches left to play against Cuba in Group B on October 10 away from home and then four days later at home to close our round-robin play in the CONCACAF Nations League, T&T sits bottom of the six-team standings with one point, the same as French Guiana.

Jamaica and Nicaragua are joint top with four points each, followed by Honduras with three and Cuba with two.

With less than a month before the Soca Warriors take to the field once more in the competition, anybody’s guess if King will still be at the helm for those two must-win matches or a new coach will be appointed to fill the void.

The Soca Warriors will also complete their four-match World Cup qualifying schedule in 2025 with a home encounter against St. Kitts & Nevis on June 6, followed by an away outing to group favourites Costa Rica four days later with the top two nations due to advance to the next round of World Cup qualifying.