T&T’s senior women’s team head coach Randy Waldrum is expected to arrive in T&T on Tuesday, along with a number of US-based players, and will join the remaining players as they begin preparing extensively for the December 2 second leg Fifa Women’s World Cup playoff match against Ecuador.
Among the priorities of the coaching staff is to have each player fully fit for what can be described as the match of their lives. T&T will need a win to progress to the World Cup finals as the first match ended goalless.
A draw will not suffice for T&T unless the match also finishes goalless and goes to a penalty shoot-out. If Ecuador scores a goal and T&T fails to win the match, Ecuador will progress to the finals on the “away goals” rule.
Part of making sure the team is fully prepared, two conditioning coaches have worked with the team, along with a doctor and physiotherapist. According to T&T Football Association (TTFA) general secretary, this is crucial to the modern game and part of the flagship programmes or both the men and women’s senior national teams. He said the set-up will be used as a template for all national teams particularly in the lead up for such important qualifiers and tournaments.
History will be made if T&T defeats Ecuador as the “Women Warriors” will be the first Caribbean team to represent at the Women’s World Cup and the second smallest in population. Phillips said he is working with certain ministries and agencies to see that the occasion lives up to the hype, with the inclusion of entertainment and a way in which to recognise those who have contributed to where the women’s team is currently.
“We need to acknowledge the pioneers of the women’s game, the coaches, the past players, the admins and I think December 2 will be the best time to do that,” said Phillips.
“We want the people to feel good about it. This is a team that believes in itself and they deserve it (to qualify).”
High demand for tickets
The original batch of 10,000 tickets are dwindling and at least a couple thousand more will be printed to satisfy the demand for the December 2, second leg match against Ecuador.
“The ticket sales are brisk,” Phillips said. He did not quote figures but said the TTFA will go forth with an advertising campaign “becoming the 12th warrior” this coming week to ensure the women’s team gets maximum exposure.
The tickets, which cost $200 for covered and $100 for uncovered stands, are being sold at the Fan Club, Kenny’s, Skinner Park, Ramsingh’s Sporting Goods, All Out, Econo Supermarket and at various other locations.