A 20-member national Under-19 women’s football team was yesterday named by head coach Jamaal Shabazz for the Concacaf finals, which will be held in Guatemala from January 19-30.
The squad, which was selected following a practice match at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, includes the nucleus of the team which qualified for the tournament by winning the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) title.
Inspirational captain Mariah Shade, who was injured in the last game of the CFU finals which T&T drew 1-1 with Jamaica, will again lead the team. Speaking on the squad, head coach Jamaal Shabazz explained that the girls have been working hard and the team selected itself.
“We are coming along nicely but must do a lot more work on our defensive action and transition play.” Shabazz said 19 of the players selected were almost unanimous and there was a toss up for the 20th player. “All in all, I think the main criteria of fitness decided the team and we have a squad that would be fighting.”
Shabazz said two standby players were also selected since Kareena Seaton, who was named on the team may have problems for time off from school.” He noted there were several niggling injuries which was a concern, although they were not serious. “As a result of that the technical staff is taking precautions by resting those who are injured.”
SQUAD:
Kimika Forbes, Linfa Jones, Felina Jack, Tiana Bateau, Rhea Belgrave, Arin King, Taylor Mims, Renel Dennis, Kayla Taylor, Natasha Prentice, Karyn Forbes, Afiya Matthias, Cassie Mckensie, Kareena Seaton,Mariah Shade, Natasha St. Louis, Candace Seaton, Jo Marie Lewis, Victoria Swift, Kayla Taylor.
Stand By:
Jenelle Kisson, Shanelle Warrick.