Not only has there been a change in the player roster, but Russel Latapy takes over the reins as coach from Barbados Football Association (BFA) Technical Director Ahmed Mohamed, who held the post for two years. Latapy’s legacy as a player has been a fitting tool inside the dressing for the Tridents. There has been an empirical experience of confidence, trust and passion oozing from the veins of the youthful Tridents’ squad.
The Trinidadian tactician has entrusted the top youth players in the island with some major responsibility and opened the door for many others to contribute to their country’s success.
Who's showing promise
At 22 years old Omani Leacock has come into his own as the team’s midfield magician, 23-year-old Akeem Hill’s game intelligence, particularly without the ball has been impressive to watch and teenage sensation Thierry Gale is playing well beyond his 18 years.
Latapy has complemented the talent of the island with the professionalism of Israeli-based forward Nick Blackman and Swindon Town’s Hallam Hope, who have combined to score seven of the team’s 14 goals in the Nations League. It is obvious to identify that Blackman and Hope add something special to the team and a couple other top quality professionals like these players will boost the Tridents towards their objective of playing in the Gold Cup next year.
Mansfield Town captain and center half Krystian Pearce has not featured for the national team since 2018 in Guyana due to a pending decision on his eligibility to represent the Tridents. Pearce’s commanding presence and leadership qualities will be essential assets to the squad and to further argue his case, he is 30 years old with just over 13 years of professional experience.
A possible partner for Pearce at the center of the defense and/or suitor for Barbados' troubled left back position is former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett, who currently represents Reading FC in the English Championship. Born to a Barbadian mother and Jamaican father, Blackett has represented the “Three Lions” across the youth international stage, however he is yet to break into the senior team at 26 years old.
Those responsible for our recruiting should make a swift and serious effort to make Blackett a Trident before Barbados' neighbours up north take him to Kingston. Another player who may add some value to the squad is Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman. Blackman, born to a Barbadian father, has represented England at the U16, U17 and U19 category, however at 26 years old is yet to feature for the senior squad and with a number of young, uprising goalkeepers emerging in England, his window of opportunity maybe closing.
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