Frederick focused on Gold Cup push

Frederick focused on Gold Cup push as T&T prepare for Antigua and Barbuda

Wayne Frederick II says qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup is now the clear priority for Trinidad and Tobago as the Senior Men’s National Team prepares for its two-match Play-In series against Antigua and Barbuda.

The first leg will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on November 12, before the teams meet again in Trinidad and Tobago on November 16.

Frederick, whose performances have shown increasing confidence and maturity, believes the team must build on the lessons gathered during its recent Concacaf Nations League campaign.

“Qualifying for the Gold Cup is a priority,” Frederick said. “We have to build on what we have worked on so far. We learned a lot of lessons in the last camp, and going forward, we just have to learn and improve.”

While Trinidad and Tobago’s Nations League campaign ended with relegation to League B, Frederick said the players cannot spend too much time looking backwards or too far into the future.

“You can’t look too far ahead,” he said. “You have to look towards the next camp and try to be better than you were in the previous camp. That is what we have to do.”

His comments came following Trinidad and Tobago’s 1-1 draw with Curaçao at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, when a depleted squad delivered a determined performance despite the absence of several regular starters.

Frederick praised the depth and mentality within the group, pointing to the readiness of younger and less experienced players to accept responsibility when called upon.

“The depth of the squad is incredible,” he said. “We were missing a lot of key players, but it is always next man up in those situations.

“We trust everyone in the squad and we trust the squad the coach selects. Everyone knows the reason they are there—to go out and put in a good shift.”

Frederick said the team showed commitment and competed strongly against Curaçao but was disappointed that it failed to take all three points.

“I thought we put out a great effort. It was a big shift from everybody,” he said. “We had a few chances we could have capitalised on, but we fought for the country and the nation and gave it our all.”

The 21-year-old also spoke about his personal growth since becoming more established in the national setup. He attributed his improved performances to greater self-belief and a willingness to embrace important moments.

“It is about confidence, trusting my ability and trusting myself to go out there and perform for the country,” Frederick explained.

“I know what I can do and I believe in myself. I know I can make a difference, so every time I go out there, I cannot shy away from the moment.”

Despite the progress he has made, Frederick believes there is considerably more to come.
“I can still do even more,” he said. “There is a lot more for me to work on and improve. I am hoping to get to that point where I can play even better for Trinidad and Tobago.”

Frederick also encouraged other young players to remain committed to their development and avoid becoming comfortable after experiencing initial success.

“You always have to believe in yourself,” he said. “You have to trust your ability and practise the things you need to improve. That practice is what gives you confidence.

“You cannot become complacent. You might reach a certain point, but there is always another level to get to. You just have to keep going.”

With the Antigua and Barbuda series approaching, Frederick said he is eager to rejoin his teammates and help the country take the next step towards Gold Cup qualification.

“It is always a pleasure to represent the nation,” he said. “I appreciate my teammates, the staff and everyone’s belief in me. I cannot wait to come back and represent the country.
“Everyone has to stay healthy and stay fit. We will be ready.”

Interviewer: We are speaking with Wayne Frederick. Every time we speak, it appears that you are coming off something bigger and better. We are seeing a more mature version of you, giving your all for Trinidad and Tobago. What are your thoughts on tonight’s match?

Frederick: I thought we put out a great effort. It was a big shift from everybody. We had a few chances that we could have capitalised on, but it is what it is.

They also put out a good squad, and we stifled most of their attacks. We fought for the country and the nation and gave it our all.

Interviewer: The team was missing some key players who would normally be among the first 18 or starting 11, but other players filled those positions and produced this performance. What does that say about the squad’s mentality and depth?

Frederick: The depth of the squad is incredible. We were missing a lot of key players, but it is always next man up in those situations.

We trust everybody in the squad and we trust the squad the coach selects. Big credit to Luke and Kanye for stepping up. I thought they played particularly well.

We trust everybody and we know the reason we are there,to go out and put in a good shift.

Interviewer: Every time you enter camp, things seem to be falling into place. We saw even more from you today. How have you managed that process?

Frederick: I think it is confidence, trusting my ability and trusting myself to go out there and perform for the country.

I give it my all. I know what I can do and I believe in myself. I know I can make a difference, so every time I go out there, I cannot shy away from the moment.

I think I can still do even more. There is a lot more for me to work on and improve, and I am hoping to reach the point where I can play even better for Trinidad and Tobago.

Interviewer: What message would you give young players about believing in themselves and showing what they can do?

Frederick: You always have to believe in yourself. There is no point in doing something 100 per cent if you do not believe in yourself.
You have to trust your ability and practise the things you need to work on. That practice is what gives you confidence.

When you get repetitions in matches or with the first team, you keep building on that and improving. You cannot become complacent. You might reach a certain point, but there is always another level to get to. You just have to keep going.

Interviewer: What would you say to the supporters who have turned out?

Frederick: I appreciate the fans for coming out. We need you behind us every time, regardless of the result. We are all part of this country.

We will always appreciate that support and we will always play our hearts out for you.

Interviewer: The focus now turns to Concacaf Gold Cup qualification. What is the priority going forward?

Frederick: Qualifying for the Gold Cup is a priority, along with building on what we have worked on so far.

We learned many lessons in this camp, and going forward, we have to learn and improve. You cannot look too far ahead, but you can look towards the next camp and try to be better than you were in the previous camp. That is what we have to do.

I am excited to return. It is always a pleasure to represent the nation. I appreciate my teammates, the staff and everyone’s belief in me. I cannot wait to come back and represent the country.

I am ready to return to camp and looking forward to seeing the guys again. Everyone has to stay healthy and stay fit. We go again in a few weeks, and we will be ready.