Safety of footballers assured

TRINIDAD and Tobago footballers have been assured of tight security for their upcoming two-match tour of Kenya. This assurance was given by the Kenya Sports, Gender, Culture and Services Minister Nnajim Balala, in the light of terrorist bombings in Nairobi. During the past two weeks there were suicide bombings in nearby Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia and in Algiers, Morocco, which killed 41 people including eight Americans. There have also been threats of attacks in Kenya, which recently caused Britain to stop all flights to that country. The 20-man Trinidad and Tobago football team left yesterday for Kenya where they will play two matches against the Harambee Stars, the first of which is on Saturday.

In a letter addressed to Jack Warner as Caribbean Football Union president,, Minister Balala gave the assurance that there will be adequate police, private security (EARS) and the GSU to ensure the safety of the Trinidad and Tobago team at the stadium. Minister Balala thanked Warner for not cancelling the trip because of security announcements by the United Kingdom and the United States. “We believe the security threat is aimed at UK and USA targets,” stated the Kenyan minister. “We are being very vigilant and cautious at this time, and wish to confirm  our undivided attention and efforts to the security of your team and personnel at all times during your stay,” Minister Balala said.

Warner in reply told the minister: “Assurance that there will be adequate security provided for both matches is most welcome and appreciated. “I always endeavour to do whatever I can to establish and strengthen bonds of friendship among peoples and nations through football.” Warner is also a  FIFA vice-president. Trinidad and Tobago will be making their first overseas trip since the recent  appointment of St Lucian Stuart Charles-Fevrier as coach. Only one week ago, the Trinidad and Tobago team was edged 1-0 by top T&T Pro League team W Connection in a match used as preparation for the Kenya tour. The Trinidad and Tobago team is: Reynold Carrington (capt), Silvio Spann, Jan-Michael Williams, Kerwyn Jemmott, Nigel Pierre, Keyeno Thomas, Derek King, Nigel Daniel, Travis Mulraine, Peter Ramon-Fortune, Conrod Smith, Anton Pierre, Dale Saunders, Jason Scotland, Avery John, Clayton Ince, Carlos Edwards, Hector Sam, Collin Samuel and Brent Sancho.