Shaka Hislop believes the national women’s team has been spurred on by adversity as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
Hislop spoke to BBC as he summed up their recent exploits and the situation in Dallas which saw Randy Waldrum appeal for help through twitter.
“The situation gave a bit of a siege mentality,” said Hislop. “It gave the girls real belief in their coach and how much he was fighting in their corner.
“The current administration inherited grave financial straits (since Raymond Tim Kee took over as president). They still have a lengthy list of creditors, a rising bill, and no corporate sponsorship so that’s a challenge.
“The issue the women face is not unique to them. All the teams, including youth teams who have competed in various tournaments this year, have had to endure, and somehow make their way around.
“It would be a huge stride forward for the women’s game,” he said. “Until recently there was no women’s league at all in Trinidad. Before that it was pretty much limited to wherever you can find a game with a boys team who maybe would have you.
“I have daughters who play soccer. I understand the importance of it not just as a spectacle but for the girls themselves and women’s sport in a broader note. They have done a very good job in highlighting some of the issues and some of the values that comes with it."