Sports Minister warns Latapy to produce results

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Sports Minister Anil Roberts has warned Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors’ head coach Russell Latapy to start producing results or face the axe.

The outspoken Roberts said T&T’s recent form had been unacceptable and stressed that if they did not win the Digicel Caribbean Cup starting next month, Latapy’s position would have to be reviewed.

“We must win the Digicel Cup or be in the final and qualify for the Gold Cup or else the Federation will have some hard decisions to make,” said Roberts, a former swimming coach.

“I can’t say Latapy should be fired because I’m not in charge. But if you’re saying I should recommend or be of the opinion that he should be removed if the team does not perform well and that his contract should be terminated, yes it should.”

He added: “Government is going to partner with the T&TFF and if the team does not reach the final, I think his job should be in jeopardy.

“This is the Caribbean and if we cannot dominate our region, we cannot say that 2014 Brazil (World Cup) is realistic.”

T&T, the number two ranked side in CONCACAF, have endured a bad run of form of recent which has raised questions over Latapy’s leadership and the side’s quality.