New Soca Warriors coach, German Otto Pfister will see his team in international action for the first time against an un-named European opponent on August 10.
This was stated by T&T Football Federation Technical Director, Keith Look Loy. Look Loy has also been tipped to be elected as the new technical adviser of the local federation after Lincoln “Tiger” Phillip vacated the post earlier this month when his contract was not renewed after six years in the position.
The Soca Warriors, who are yet to play an international match for the 2011 calendar year had hoped to kick off their 2014 Brazil World Cup campaign with a match on June 1, but this has been officially cancelled for various reasons according to Look Loy.
“The international Fifa date on June 1 is now out of the question for certain, but we have already been in contact with a European Football Association member about a match on August 10, which looks highly possible.”
Prior to the match on August 10, Look Loy said, coach Pfister is expected to hold a camp in July. “This camp will consist of selected players from overseas and here at home after which the coach will named a squad for the match.”
With regards to the recent trip by the 73-year-old Pfister, to have a look at potential T&T players and have discussions with current players, Look Loy said things have gone well so far.
“He (Pfister) has already seen a few players in action as well as on video so he has a good idea of what he has at his disposal and what he is still looking for.”
While the 73-year-old Pfister had hinted earlier on that he intended to field the strongest possible T&T squad for the international matches, Look Loy noted that this may not be possible for August 10 match.
“Most of the players in Europe are now coming off of their long domestic seasons and by the time July comes around they may be back in pre-season.
“So we will have to hold discussions with them and see who is available or not. In addition, the US Major League Soccer competition will also be in full swing so we will also have to weigh our options when it comes to looking at the players based in the USA.”
Look Loy added, “For this reason I don’t think players like Christopher Birchall (LA Galaxy/USA), Kenwyne Jones (Stoke City/UK) and Carlos Edwards (Ipswich Town/UK) have anything to prove to the coach and may be excused from the encounter.”
With the Concacaf Gold Cup set to kick off in the USA on June 9 and T&T failing to qualify for the event, Look Loy said the T&T coach will be heading off to North America to use the opportunity to scout future opponents.
The German currently has a squad of local players in training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.