Soca Warriors coach will be having a close eyes on his locally-based players when T&T tackles Panama in an international friendly at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, from 7pm tonight.
According to FIFA records, T&T leads the all-time series, holding a 7-3 advantage in wins from 13 previous encounters.
In their last meeting Panama, won 3-0 on September 7, 2010 in Panama City, but the last time both teams faces off in T&T, the Soca Warriors came away with a 1-0 at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella on March 18, 2009.
Speaking at a pre-match conference at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo VIP Lounge, yesterday, Hart said the match for his squad, which comprises only four overseas players is a unique chance for both himself as a coach.
A former Canada national coach Hart said, “It’s the first international match for us in 2015 and I am really excited with it being against Panama which is coming off a Concacaf Gold Cup finals appearance versus the USA, last year, as well as being some seconds away from qualifying to the playoffs for a spot at the last FIFA World Cup.”
“So it will surely be a good test for our young players as we look ahead to this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup and World Cup Qualifiers, and Panama being a team we could end up facing in either tournaments.”
Commenting on the team’s preparations for the match, Hart said it has been very different to the ones in the past because of the amount of new faces in the team.
“”I must say, its been very different and as much as I’m learning about them, they are also learning about what I expect of them.
“From the feed back I have gotten, the new guys are quite aware of the difference in speed of play from the local club level to what is required at the international stage as well as the intensity, and overall its been an eye opening experience for them.|
With regards to the opposition, Hart who led T&T to a quarterfinals appearance at last year’s Gold Cup before losing to Mexico, and a runner-up spot in the Caribbean Cup to host Jamaica said it will be a good challenge for his youthful team.
He added: “We have reviews some tapes of some of there (Panama) matches and they normally play a solid and rigid 4-4-2 format, they are very athletic and play more of a South American style, than what you expect from Central American teams.”
Asked what was his overall aim of the match and what he hopes to achieve by exposing more local talent to international matches, Hart said he was looking at increasing the competition for places on the team towards the major tournaments.
“The biggest test for the youngsters In think will be how they cope with concentrating for long periods in the game. I will be looking at how well the guys simulate the ideas given and how well they work together,” he added.
Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez who missed the press conference as his team had a training session at the match venue during the same time knows that his team will be challenged.
Children under the age od 12-year-olds are free while coolers will be allowed in the un-covered stands.
Tickets for the T&T versus Panama encounter cost $100 and are available at Fan Club MovieTowne (PoS, Trincity Mall, Gulf City Mall), All Out Restaurant (QP Oval), Heritage Sports Tobago, Ramsingh's Sportsworld, Couva, Econo Supermart and Kenny's Sports Shops and also at the venue today. Gates open at 4 pm.
T&T Squad
Jan Michael Williams (Central FC), Marvin Phillip (Pt Fortin Civic Centre), Sheldon Bateau (KV Mechelen), Justin Hoyte (Millwall), Mekeil Williams (W Connection), Jamal Jack (Central FC), Akeen Benjamin (Central FC) Shannon Gomez (W Connection), Uriah Bentick (Central FC), Dwane James (North East Stars), Khaleem Hyland (Racing Genk), Jomal Williams (W Connection), Neveal Hackshaw (North East Stars), Marcus Joseph (Pt Fortin Civic Centre), Aikim Andrews (W Connection), Hashim Arcia (W Connection), Ataullah Guerra (Central FC), Kevin Molino (Orlando Cuty), Tyrone Charles (San Juan Jabloteh), Willis Plaza (Central FC), Akeem Garcia (W Connection), Johan Peltier (San Juan Jabloteh).
Video: - Press Briefing with Trinidad and Tobago Men's Senior Team