TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Women Warriors goalkeeper Kimika Forbes says she feels like nothing can go past her at the moment.
“Right now I feel like nothing can beat me. I feel like I can stop anything that comes my way and I’m just ready to take the field against Ecuador,” Forbes said as she completed her first full session with the Women Warriors, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Thursday evening, since returning from studies in the US.
“I’m ready to take the field now just like my teammates. There is a lot of positive energy around at the moment.”
Forbes and her teammates had a rest day yesterday as coach Randy Waldrum focused on some off the field aspects of their preparations at their camp at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain.
Waldrum conducted a 90- minute session on Thursday and has had double sessions all week.
Today, the team will train at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, as the Stadium focuses on ensuring that the playing surface is in prime condition for Tuesday’s all-important second leg World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador, which kicks off at 6 pm.
“What I’ve experienced over the past few weeks is something I don’t have words for. It’s just been an amazing experience for me and the team.
“We’ve received a lot of love and support and now all we’re focused on is producing the goods to get that result on Tuesday that will take us to the World Cup,” Forbes added.
“Words can’t explain like I said. Everyday I go in front the mirror and I say: ‘Hey’ I have to go and represent and represent hard. I know I can get even better and I just want to make sure I don’t let anyone down.”
Forbes is currently pursuing a degree in secondary and physical education at the University of Maine in Fort Kent, USA, and says her teammates are all behind TT for Tuesday’s match.
“My Facebook is blowing up. All my teammates and friends across there (US) are all excited about us and they are supporting the Trinidad and Tobago team one hundred percent.
“Even in the community like when I visit the clinic and stuff, people are talking about my performances and the progress of the team.” Forbes said.
Looking ahead to the match on Tuesday, she added: “There is a little bit of pressure because of the significance of the game but I’m not nervous because now I know what Ecuador gives.
“I was nervous for the USA game and I was less nervous for the first Ecuador game. I’m not going to be cocky but I’m confident that I can give my best performance on Tuesday.”
As to what her pre-game ritual usually involves, she added “I usually listen to slow music just in the period before the game to relax and calm me down. I listen to my Soca during the bus ride but then just before the warm up I have to listen to my slows to calm down and focus.”
Meantime, The Local Organizing Committee had another meeting and site inspection yesterday and FIFA match commissioner Teral Cullen will arrive at the weekend for a final inspection of the match venue and will conduct her meetings with the various match officials and match officers leading up to the match.
The Ecuadorems are scheduled to arrive today and will be based at the Courtyard Marriot Hotel.
Tickets are still on sale at all advertised outlets while the official supplier for the “12th Warrior” T-shirts is the The Fan Club.