Warriors get overseas support

Japan-based midfielder Silvio Spann recently boasted about the compliments and positive feedback he has received over the last few days since his return to Yokohama.

This was in relation to TT’s recent resounding win over Mexico for the play-off berth. He said support has been growing for his team in the upcoming play-off matches against Bahrain on November 12 and 16.

And Down Under, skipper Dwight Yorke has been getting well-wishes from fans who are most familiar with Trinidad and Tobago through the exploits of international batting star Brian Lara.

According to some of the professionals based in the United Kingdom and United States, TT’s fan base continues to grow as the supporters attached to the respective clubs are backing the Warriors.

They have also been requesting Warriors paraphernalia where available.

"These days I cannot describe the feeling because it seems that everyone wants Trinidad (and Tobago) to qualify for the World Cup," Spann told TTFF Media. "You remember me after the game and I didn’t even play against Mexico but since then I have been enjoying every moment of it. The talk back at my club is ‘Come on Silvio and T&T, let’s do it. We believe you can do it’."

Spann added that the Japanese fans have been talking about having seen the Bahrain team in action. "They all believe that we are a better team than Bahrain but the most important thing is for us to prove it on the 12th and 16th," Spann said.

He also spoke about the influence his father, former national midfielder Leroy Spann is having in terms of getting the former St Benedict’s College skipper ready for the biggest matches of his life.

"He believed from day one that we could get to the World Cup and he’s been through this already so definitely I have been trying to learn from his guidance. As a matter of fact both him and my mom are already arguing about who is going to Germany to see the matches," he said.

"Like my brother Latas says it, we go vibes it up for sure, by the Grace of God," Spann added.

Yorke on the other hand has been a hit with the Sydney Supporters group who recently put up a banner with a T&T flag at one of the club’s matches.

"It’s an amazing thing because there’s no doubt that if we can qualify for the World Cup a lot of people will be supportive of us. We all know what a story this will be," Yorke said. "But before that we have one more hurdle to get over and that has got to be our focus," Yorke said.

West Ham goalie Shaka Hislop is confident the positive vibrations will return once the team assembles in Port-of-Spain on November 7.

"I think once we get together again and the preparations begin then everything will be in place for this match. Nothing will distract us and the people will know what has to be done in terms of supporting the team," Hislop said.

Coach Leo Beenhakker will arrive on November 4 ahead of the clash at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Tickets are also still carded to go on sale on November 10 at advertised KFC outlets and Republic Bank branches and the TTFF has also taken a decision to issue no complimentary tickets for this particular match.