As the echoes of Carnival’s pulsating rhythms fade into memory, T&T braces for another spectacle—one that could redefine its sporting destiny. The stakes are high, the energy electric.
On March 21, the Soca Warriors will step onto the pitch against Cuba in a crucial Gold Cup qualifier, knowing that victory could be the first domino in a sequence that transforms lives, careers, and the nation’s footballing future. With Dwight Yorke at the helm——there is belief, a quiet confidence that this campaign is different. That this time, history can be rewritten.
June looms large, bringing the restart of the World Cup qualifiers. The dream of 2006 remains etched in the hearts of many, but this generation has its own story to tell. A successful campaign won’t just mean a trip to football’s grandest stage—it would inspire an entire nation, reignite grassroots passion, and bring the country together in a way that only sport can.
The timing could not be more poetic. Just days ago, the T&T women’s cricket team etched their names in history, lifting silverware and proving that talent and determination run deep in the veins of this small but mighty island. Their triumph is a reminder: success is possible. Triumph is within reach.
For the players, these games are more than just fixtures on a calendar. They are opportunities—chances to secure professional contracts, to uplift families, to showcase their skills on the world stage. For the stakeholders, it’s a chance to reshape the sporting landscape, to build sustainable structures that ensure this momentum is not fleeting.
For the people, it’s hope. The kind that makes a country walk a little taller, cheer a little louder and believe in the power of its own potential.
The expectations are high, but nothing can be taken for granted. Cuba may have fallen to T&T 3-0 last year, but this is a new challenge, a do-or-die situation. Every detail must be right—preparation, mindset, execution. These are two games that must be won. No slip-ups, no complacency.
The mission is clear: win both legs, secure a Gold Cup spot, and set the tone for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. The team needs every ounce of support. The second leg on March 25 at the Ato Boldon Stadium is the moment for fans to step up. Tickets go on sale this Monday—get yours early and be there to make a difference.
Corporate T&T must also play its part. The government is already backing the team, but more investment is needed to push this campaign forward. This is about more than just one tournament. A strong campaign could mean new opportunities for players, increased confidence in the sport, and a revival of national pride. Every victory brings us closer to transforming the sporting landscape. Every goal scored is a step toward a brighter future.
This is more than football. This is T&T on the cusp of something great. The time is now. The opportunity is real. Let’s fill the stadium, rally behind our team, and make history together.
I'll shift now to Couva and the feel of the venue. Of course, we must get a favourable result in the first leg away to Cuba on March 21. But when March 25 comes around for the second leg of the Gold Cup qualifier, the setting will be different from the traditional battleground of Hasely Crawford Stadium (Port-of-Spain). It will be an affair under the lights at the Ato Boldon Stadium—a venue that, when packed to capacity, can create a truly special atmosphere. We want the 7,500 seating venue filled to capacity for the 7 pm kick-off.
While Hasely Crawford boasts a larger seating capacity and a historic feel, Ato Boldon Stadium offers something unique—intimacy, energy, and a chance to turn Couva into a fortress. The stadium may not be as massive, but when filled, the noise and intensity can make it just as intimidating for the opposition. Night games carry a special kind of energy.
The combination of the crowd, the stadium lights, and the tension of a decisive match creates an electric atmosphere that players thrive on. Big moments happen under the lights, and March 25th could be one of those nights to remember.
A chance to unite fans from all regions
Playing in Couva gives fans from South, Central, and East a prime opportunity to be part of the action, while the die-hards from North and West we hope can make the trip. The central location means easier access for more supporters, and with tickets going on sale this Monday, the call is clear—let’s fill the stadium!
This is more than just a football match; it’s an opportunity to rally behind the national team, push them over the line, and take another step toward the Gold Cup. Corporate T&T, fans, and supporters—this is your chance to be part of something special. March 25. Under the lights. A packed Ato Boldon. A moment to remember. Let’s make it happen!
Shaun Fuentes is the head of TTFA Media and marketing. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He has traveled to 88 countries during his journey in sport. The views expressed are solely his and not a representation of any organisation. shaunfuentes@yahoo.com