Shaka points way forward

Hislop was speaking after the team’s return from Germany where the Soca warriors played with distinction despite bowing out after the preliminary round.

The West Ham custodian said that as a professional, he was disappointed that the team was unable to attain better results but he was nevertheless filled with pride and satisfaction to have played on the world stage.

“My initial feelings as a player was some disappointment. You never like to lose and regardless of who you are playing with or against, so initially the last couple of matches brought some disappointment,” Hislop said.

“But now I can look back with a lot of pride as a Trinidad and Tobagonian. I feel proud of how we competed on what is the world’s football highest stage. We certainly left an impression in Germany on and off the pitch,” he said.

Hislop said hearing the national anthem before the first fixture against Sweden on June 10 in Dortmund was his proudest moment.

“I’m sure I speak for a lot of fans. I spoke to a few friends there afterwards and I think that one moment summed it up. It lay a lot of ghosts to rest, as it were, to realise that Trinidad and Tobago were really here and about to compete.

“For me it was a dream come true as it was for a lot of fans in TT and those who made the journey. It all of a sudden became real. Bahrain and the qualification were behind us.

“Never to be forgotten and now we were here and hearing our anthem,” Hislop said with pride.

He said he is still to decide where he will continue his club career but has the future of the TT game in sight.

“The way forward is for those very guys who have some years left in them. I say to them and all of us don’t forget not only what we achieved but the disappointment we felt.

“Don’t underestimate what this tiny country has achieved, don’t underestimate what you have achieved and go on to build on that.

“If we do that and do it successfully and we can all understand our role not just in short term but also in long term. Then it should leave Trinidad and Tobago football in good stead. We must not let this momentum die.

“Don’t wait for 2010 to adore and acknowledge the national team. Let’s keep it going,” Hislop said.

He also gave credit to Dutchman Leo Beenhakker and his assistants.