Newly appointed head coach of Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors, Dwight Yorke, is set to face his first challenge at the helm in an international friendly against Saudi Arabia scheduled for the Al Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh on December 17.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) confirmed the fixture in a press release on Wednesday.
Yorke’s 23-man squad includes 15 locally-based players alongside a mix of experienced internationals and promising newcomers. Notable selections feature team captain Aubrey David, who plays in Guatemala; Canada-based players Reon Moore and Steffen Yeates; and Wayne Frederick II, a standout from the 2024 Major Soccer League SuperDraft.
Veteran players Joevin Jones and Kevin Molino, who recently returned to the national team during the Concacaf Nations League A campaign, bring experience to the squad. The roster also includes uncapped players Tyrese Bailey (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers) and Jariel Arthur (1976 FC Phoenix).
The friendly, scheduled outside the FIFA international match window, offers Yorke a critical opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary playoff against Cuba in March.
The team is set to depart for Riyadh on December 13.
Yorke expressed excitement about the match. “It will be an honour to lead the Trinidad and Tobago national team against Saudi Arabia. This game is not only an opportunity to assess our talent but also to build connections with the Saudi football community, which has garnered global admiration, particularly after their stunning win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.”
He added, “Our goal is to return to the World Cup after 20 years, and this match is a key step in our journey towards that dream.” (CMC)
Soca Warriors squad:
Goalkeepers: Christopher Biggette, Adrian Foncette.
Defenders: Aubrey David, Isaiah Garcia, Justin Garcia, Shannon Gomez, Jamal Jack, Alvin Jones, Ross Russell Jr, Jesse Williams.
Midfielders: Tyrese Bailey, Wayne Frederick II, Real Gill, Neveal Hackshaw, Joevin Jones, Kevin Molino, Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron, Kaihim Thomas, Steffen Yeates.
Forwards: Jariel Arthur, Isaiah Lee, Reon Moore
