Kevin Molino, Jamal Jack bring boost to Soca Warriors ahead of Cuba clash

Trinidad and Tobago's senior men’s football team received a welcomed attacking and defensive boost, as midfielder Kevin Molino and defender Jamal Jack will return to the squad for their final 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary playoff match against Cuba, at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, on March 25, from 7 pm.

The pair rejoined their teammates for an intense training session at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on March 23, after Molino was “unavailable” for the first leg against Cuba on March 21, which TT won 2-1, while Jack was unable to get his visa in time.

Spartak Moscow forward and TT international Levi Garcia remains sidelined with his club after sustaining a minor injury, and will not feature. Molino and Jack are the only two additions to Yorke’s set up for the second leg against Cuba.

The duo is expected to bring a timely advantage to the Soca Warriors, as they attempt to climb the final hurdle ahead of potential Gold Cup qualification. The winner over the two legs between TT and Cuba, will qualify for the Gold Cup which kicks off from June 14 to July 6.

TT winger Tyrese Spicer, 24, who earned his first senior team assist by setting up their opening goal on debut versus Cuba, said despite having a slight advantage heading into game two, the Warriors must not get complacent.

“I think we have a strong mindset going into the game. I feel like we have the advantage, but we cannot take that into consideration because we still have to go out there and work hard as a team.

“This is a stepping stone for the World Cup and we want to make sure we go in there with everything and every person on the squad has a part to play in that. When you get called upon, you go out there and show that you deserve this spot,” he said at the pre-training press conference.

Spicer said when the TT national anthem played before the start of the Cuba contest, it was one of the most memorable moments of his career so far.

“It was a special feeling. It really hit me when I started singing the anthem on the field. It was a proud moment to represent TT, my family and friends. That was one of the highest moments in my life. Going into this game, I just have to be locked in, ready, focused and working hard for my teammates and myself. It’s a good experience so far. I can’t believe I’m playing for TT.”

Defender Josiah Trimmingham said the first-leg win was a confidence booster, but they remain fixated on securing another win to ensure they go through to the Gold Cup. He wants his teammates to stay focused on the task at hand.

“It’s a warm feeling to be playing in front of our home fans regardless if we’re ahead in the game. We are confident enough to go out there and put on a show and obtain the three points to qualify.

“We have to stay focused on the task at hand regardless of playing at home. We already have one foot in the door and it’s just for us to stay focused and stay disciplined,” Trimmingham said.

The Jamaica-based defender expressed pleasure with the team environment, from coaching staff to players, and called on TT citizens to come out in their numbers to provide an added boost in the second leg.

“We’re in a good place where the coaches, staff and players are concerned. We’re ready for the task at hand. After winning the first leg, our confidence is high, the aura is good, the vibes are up, but we’re back here, and it’s reality. We have a couple more days to turn over here and we’re focused to go on to the next leg of performances.”

On the public coming out in support, he said, “It’s very important, that 12th man support. We encourage it and would love to have a lot of our fans here cheering on.”

TT squad

Goalkeepers: Marvin Phillip, Denzil Smith, Jabari St Hillaire.

Defenders: Aubrey David, Isaiah Garcia, Shannon Gomez, Darnell Hosepdales, Alvin Jones, Andre Raymond, Josiah Trimmingham, Jamal Jack.

Midfielders: Ajani Fortune, Wayne Frederick II, Dantaye Gilbert, Real Gill, Joevin Jones, Daniel Phillips, Andre Rampersad, Kaihim Thomas, Steffen Yeates, Kevin Molino.

Forwards: Nathaniel James, Isaiah Lee, Brent Sam, Tyrese Spicer.