Déjà vu? 'Soca Princesses' promised monetary rewards

Recently appointed Minister of Sport Dr. Rupert Griffith has indicated that the government is offering a $50,000 incentive to the members of the 'Soca Princesses' team who are on the brink of World Cup qualification. This means that each player of the women's national team, along with the coach and technical staff will be the recipients of this cash reward. This reward comes after numerous money woes were endured by the team who is just one win away from a place in next year's World Cup in Canada. They will play Costa Rica tomorrow in the semi-finals of the ongoing CONCACAF qualifying tournament and a win will guarantee them automatic entry to the World Cup. If the team fails to beat Costa Rica they will have another opportunity at direct qualification in the 3rd place playoff match against either Mexico or the United States.

This move by the government has already been endorsed by team captain Maylee Attin-Johnson and coach Randy Waldrum. "That's huge these players have worked so many years for nothing and have struggled so much to keep this dream alive. It will be a great boost of morale." Waldrum said.

Coach Waldrum was in a much angrier mood when he took to twitter two weeks ago.

I do not necessarily have a problem with the $50,000 incentive that will be given to the players, as they deserve every cent of it and continue to work tirelessly towards their goal of making the World Cup. However I do have a problem with the timing. Where was this support and financial backing when the team departed for Dallas a few weeks ago? What were the administrators doing when the team was on  separate continents prior to the Caribbean Cup? This is what really troubles me, the organization or lack thereof from those in power, whether it be the TTFA or the Sports Ministry. They have continuously failed our sportsmen and sportswomen and I guarantee that will not stop anytime soon.

The powers that be continue to believe that money solves all issues in this country. This $50,000 reward would definitely be a nice coup for the team as they really have left everything on the line for their country. However, I think our problems run deeper than money. The TTFA has been a disoriented organization for quite some time and I think some drastic overhauling needs to take place in order for positive changes to be seen.

The Trinidad and Tobago women's team take a pre-game photo. Hopefully we see this Canada next year.
Photo Courtesy CONCACAF

The idea of a reward is good but please be reminded of what happened to the 'Soca Warriors' and the ugly impasse that transpired following 'a million dollar' promise.