Visa problems delay TT footballers

NAIROBI: Trinidad and Tobago footballers team will now arrive in South Africa today after visa complications forced them to spend an extra night in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday.

Coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier and the TT contingent had already checked in for the flight to Johannesburg, when they were informed by officials of Kenyan Airlines that visa clearances to allow them into South Africa had not been completed in time. Fortunately for the TT team, FIFA vice president Jack Warner was at the airport to board a flight for London, England. Warner was paged by airline officials and was able to make the necessary arrangements which will put the players on the first flight out to Johannesburg today. Warner explained that following quick communication, officials of the South African Football Association agreed to fit all bills incurred by TT for the extra night’s stay in Nairobi as well as the booking of tickets for the next flight.

“It’s unfortunate but the South Africans have agreed to fit the costs and everything will be in place for the flight tomorrow and the tour will continue as planned,” Warner said yesterday. Warner also cancelled his flight to London in order to ensure all was secure for the TT contingent and will now leave today. TT leave South Africa for Botswana on June 8 to face their senior team on June 10 before returning for the final international against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on June 15. Captain Reynold Carrington and his team-mates did not allow the delay to dampen their spirits as they chanted calypso and reggae tunes while some played local Kenyan souvenir drums on the bus journey back to the Utalii Hotel where Warner also checked in for the night. “All is well in the camp. We have enjoyed every moment of it so far and credit must go out to all the guys here. Despite the little setback, we are still remaining focussed and looking ahead the two matches we have ahead of us,” said Carrington. Coach Fevrier says he will be using the remainder of the tour to assess the current members of the squad.