Hyland remains eager to represent TT football team

NATIONAL men’s football team captain Khaleem Hyland said he was relieved that the recent suspension of TT from all international football was lifted by FIFA.

According to a media release from the TT Football Association (TTFA), the 31-year-old midfielder said, "Everyone needs to come on board and we need to start from now knowing that the suspension is lifted. The normalisation committee is in charge and everyone involved needs to give (them) the fullest support and respect in order for us to do this for the country, thinking of the future generations,” Hyland said.

The experienced midfielder, who plays for Al Batin in Saudi Arabia, stressed the importance of stakeholders putting the development of the local game above everything.

“It is important that we know at this time the path forward with FIFA assisting in overseeing our football. Right now the normalisation committee is in charge. I have had good conversations with the chairman Robert Hadad on things we need to work on and how we can work together to achieve this,” Hyland said.

“I haven’t met him (Hadad) in person as yet but we have had some great conversations over video calls and he seems like a person who wants to improve the state of our football and a great guy. All the stakeholders need to come together as one to put TT’s football back on the map and back to a respectable position. From partners, fans, coaches and players, we all really need to pull together and play our part.”

On Thursday, Hyland's national teammate Kevin Molino promised to hang up his TT boots. Molino was quoted as saying, "The people at the top have to do things right. If they don't do things right, I don't see myself being a part of the team (for the FIFA World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers) and that's my honest opinion."

Hyland, on the other hand, is still eager to represent the 'red, white and black'.

"It is always a pleasure and honour to represent TT and a dream come true to not only play but to captain the national team," he said. "For me as a player it is just about being able to give back everything and share my knowledge and experiences that I inherited from the older ones who I rubbed shoulders with both at home and abroad. Once I am still in good shape and strong minded I will always be available to play and contribute to my country.”