PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – With the CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminary playoffs looming, Soca Warriors head coach Dwight Yorke has opted for a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, naming teenage stars Derrel Garcia and Lindell Sween in the squad for Trinidad & Tobago’s upcoming friendly matches against Jamaica.
Both Garcia, 17, and Sween, 18, have dazzled on the domestic circuit, their skilful attacking play catching the eye of Yorke, who sees echoes of his own teenage breakthrough in their rise. These young talents, known for their electrifying dribbling and attacking flair, will have the opportunity to make their mark as T&T squares off against Jamaica on February 6 and 9.
Coach backs young talent to shine on the international stage
Speaking in a virtual press conference on January 29, Yorke expressed his enthusiasm for the two rising stars, recalling his own journey into the national setup as a teenager in the 1980s.
“We’ve got two young players that I have seen in the domestic game and we have watched them quite carefully,” Yorke remarked. “These two players remind me of when I started playing football for the national team. When you look at Derrel Garcia… he reminds me that we do have talent, and we have the boy Sween who is also a young talent that I like… we want to integrate them.”
With an eye toward long-term development, Yorke emphasized the importance of exposing young players to international competition, allowing them to grow into the fabric of the national team setup.
T&T focuses on tactical growth and squad evaluation
The upcoming matches against Jamaica serve as a crucial stepping stone for Trinidad & Tobago as they prepare for their CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminary playoff clashes against Cuba in March. T&T will face Cuba away on March 21 before returning home for the second leg on March 25.
“This is an opportunity to view the players, integrate our philosophies, and refine our ideas,” Yorke explained. “We have added a few new faces to ensure no stone is left unturned. We have looked at every possible footballer available to us— from college football in the Secondary Schools Football League to the senior domestic game.”
The first match against Jamaica kicks off on February 6 at 8:30 pm (T&T time) at Catherine Hall Stadium, Montego Bay, with the second fixture slated for February 9 at 9:00 pm at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston.
Balancing attack with defensive solidity
When asked about the playing philosophy he envisions for his squad, Yorke underscored the importance of attacking football, while also stressing defensive discipline.
“I don’t think any coach would tell you they want to play a defensive style of football,” Yorke stated. “There are elements of the game you have to be good at. You have to be able to attack and create opportunities, but ultimately, you have to defend as well.”
Anticipating moments when Jamaica will apply pressure, Yorke emphasized the need for resilience and the ability to transition smoothly from defense to attack.
“There will be spells in the game where Jamaica will have us on the back foot, and that’s just football. But we must be able to resist that, come through it, and express ourselves going forward again.”
Foreign-based players must earn their spot
While Trinidad & Tobago has been scouting internationally for players eligible through heritage, Yorke was adamant that no player would be handed a place simply because they play abroad.
“We have our eyes on a few players. I have certainly reached out to a couple of them to let them know we are interested in getting them involved in the team,” Yorke confirmed.
However, he made it clear that selection is based on performance, not reputation.
“You can’t walk into the team just because you are a foreign-based player. The local players are always going to be an integral part of the squad, so let’s not get carried away with the foreign names. The local players have a significant role to play in our success.”
With a mix of promising young talents, seasoned campaigners, and eager new faces, Yorke’s squad is set to lay the foundation for a successful Gold Cup campaign.
Squad: Goalkeepers – Marvin Phillip, Aaron Enill, Jabari St Hillaire.
Defenders – Darnell Hospedales, Jamal Jack, Isaiah Garcia, Justin Garcia, Josiah Trimmingham, Jesse Williams.
Midfielders – Tyeres Bailey, Kevin Molino, Nathaniel James, Joevin Jones, Noah Powder, Steffen Yeates, Michael Poon Angeron, John Paul Rochford, Adriel George, Lindell Sween, Kaihim Thomas.
Forwards – Derrel Garcia, Isaiah Lee, Jariel Arthur, Brent Sam.
