PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will have a new leader at the helm as they prepare to face the Windward Islands Volcanoes in their second match of the 2025 West Indies Four-day Championship, scheduled for February 5-8 at Arnos Vale in St Vincent.
Former assistant coach Rayad Emrit has been promoted to head coach following the resignation of David Furlonge, who has returned to Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) in a dual role as cricket manager and head coach.
Furlonge’s decision to step down surprised Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath and Emrit alike. Despite the shock, Furlonge expressed confidence in his successor.
“I think the team’s in good hands, said Furlong in a local media interview. I saw how the guys were with Rayad, and I think the players are hungry to do well.”
Also speaking to a local media outlet, Emrit, a former Red Force all-rounder, acknowledged the unexpected nature of his promotion, but emphasized his readiness to take on the challenge.
“It’s something that was one of my goals when I started coaching, to be the head coach of the Red Force team. I think it came sooner than I expected.”
Emrit’s immediate priority is to guide the Red Force to their first four-day title since 2006. He believes the team has struck the right balance between experience and youth this season, with players like Yannic Cariah, Joshua Da Silva, Amir Jangoo, Anderson Phillip, and Jayden Seales showcasing the progress made under Furlonge’s leadership.
“My main focus is trying to get the team to do the right things consistently to win this four-day title. We have a very talented bunch of guys. We still need to develop the right habits, especially in red-ball cricket. I think we’re very good in white-ball cricket, but we need to improve in our red-ball game as well.” (CMC)
