Manager Khan nails national unity

“THE PRIDE of the nation is in our hands and we must show them what we got inside.” This was the theme of the victorious Trinidad and Tobago cricket team which returned home yesterday after winning the West Indies limited overs competition. “We were united in our effort and as long as there is unity great things are likely to take place, and we did just that for Trinidad and Tobago,” said team manager Omar Khan yesterday on their arrival back home from Barbados.

The team, under the captaincy of Daren Ganga, received a hero’s welcome at Piarco International Airport by officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes. “This is indeed an emotional experience for all of us and even though the Guyanese were credited  at having more seasoned players, we were described as having great team unity and team spirit, and this is what mattered in the final analysis,” Khan added. “Tears flowed from the eyes of all of us as it was a moment never to be forgotten,” he said describing the exciting four-wicket victory at Kensington Oval on Sunday. “Captain Ganga had the Trinidad and Tobago flag on his back parading with the rest of the team in a moment that brought tremedous joy to us and I am sure the whole of Trinidad and Tobago, remembering we last achieved  such a victory in 1996,” Khan said.

“Many did not give us a chance to win and some even thought that we could never make it to the finals, but we had a plan and worked with the plan and victory came our way,” he said. “We believed in our team and this was our greatest strength,” Khan said. The hallmark of the team was self-belief and the confidence to beat any team in the competition he pointed out. “Many people did not know some members of our team but in the end they have placed their names on the list who will be adressing the Selection Committee of the West Indies Cricket Board in the future,” Khan said. He named Sherwin Ganga as a player with a bright future; Dinesh Ramdin, Richard Kelly,  Daren Ganga, for his brilliant leadership; Rodney Sooklal and Greogory Mahabir, Samuel Badree, Ryan Emritt who broke the back of the Guyanese batting.

“In fact, all members of the team who contributed in one way or the other to help us achieve victory,” he said. “It was a great day for Trinidad and Tobago on the cricket field and all thanks must go to the coach, David Williams, and the physiotherapist, Gerard Garcia, all of whom played major roles in our victory thrust,” Khan said. Miniser of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes also addressed the players and officials. “You all have lifted the spirit of Trinidadians and Tobagonians by your performance and we are proud of you. You have kept the TT flag flying high,” he said. “You are the future of West Indies cricket and if you continue in that way the West Indies team will be a force to be reckoned with in the World Cup  of 2007.”