Caprietta, 'Toka' hunt playing time in Bolivia

National under-20 defenders Jaydon Caprietta, 17, and Adam "Toka" Pierre, 18, are both eager to get their feet wet at the senior international level as the Trinidad and Tobago men's football team prepare for their friendly away to Bolivia on March 15. The game will be played at the Ramon Tahuichi Aguilera Stadium, Santa Cruz, with kickoff at 6.30 pm (TT time). 

TT men's under-20 defender Adam "Toka" Pierre goes through his paces during a training session with the senior team earlier this week. Photos courtesy TTFA Media

Caprietta, an adventurous left back, was one of the bright sparks in the TT under-20 team's Concacaf qualifying campaign in Costa Rica from February 24-March 4, even scoring in TT's thumping 5-1 win over Barbados. Meanwhile, Pierre was relatively solid at the back for TT, often using his recovery speed and sheer grit to out fires which threatened to break down the TT defence. Despite good individual showings from both players, TT finished third in group E behind Costa Rica and Bermuda and did not advance to the Concacaf Under-20 Championships. 

Both players are taking the lessons from their time in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and are hoping to get a chance to show their mettle in Bolivia. 

"In Bolivia, my mindset is one of focus. I don't know when I will be called upon, but I will always be ready. I expect the game to be hard. Hopefully, I can pick up a couple of minutes. But if I don't, I'd still be grateful for this opportunity," Caprietta told TT Football Association (TTFA) Media, in a video which was shared on March 13. 

TT men's under-20 left back Jaydon Caprietta reacts after scoring against Barbados in a Concacaf Under-20 qualifier last month. 

The Naparima College student, who patterns his game after Portugal and PSG left back Nuno Mendes, says representing his country at the highest level has always been a dream. 

"Since I was younger, I always wanted to be a part of this, so seeing former coach Dwight Yorke and the team almost qualifying for the World Cup, it really excited me, and I want to be part of this." 

And while he said the opportunity to play at the national senior level has come a bit sooner than he expected, Caprietta is locked in and loaded for this new chapter of his career. 

Seemingly a man of few words, Pierre does most of his talking on the football field with his no-nonsense and physical presence at the back. Already with some TT Premier Football League appearances under his belt for a few clubs, Pierre is ready for this next challenge. 

"I feel good being part of this generation for the 2030 World Cup," Pierre said. "It's good being here, and I'm looking to get some minutes. I know it's going to be difficult because there are experienced players. So I'm just going and do my part.

"When I leave Boiliva, I'll continue to develop as a young player. I'm hoping to pick up everything possible while in this camp," Pierre said. "I have some familiar players around me and some new faces. Hopefully, they can pass on the experience to me." 

Caprietta and Pierre are among eight players who have received first-time call-ups. The others are: Jaheim Faustin; Kaieem Lewis; Addae Paponette; goalie Teshorne Ragoo, and the young European-based pair of Elijah Cordner and James Lester. San Juan Jabloteh attacking midfielders Derrel Garcia and Lindell Sween are among the other bright, young prospects in the camp.

Interim coach Derek King has boasted of a good mix of youth and experience in the squad, with players such as Alvin Jones, Joevin Jones, Ross Russell Jr and the Halifax Wanderers pair of Andre Rampersad and Ryand Telfer expected to add much-needed experience to the setup.  

After playing Bolivia, TT will play Venezuela and Gabon in the Fifa Series on March 27 and 30, respectively. 

TT team to face Bolivia: 

Goalkeepers: Jabari Brice, Teshorne Ragoo, Jabari St Hillaire. 

Defenders: Alvin Jones, Jaydon Caprietta, Isaiah Garcia, Shervohnez Hamilton, Darnell Hospedales, James Lester, Adam Pierre, Ross Russell Jr, Jesse Williams. 

Midfielders: Elijah Cordner, Daniel David, Jaheim Faustin, Derrel Garcia, Joevin Jones, Andre Rampersad, Lindell Sween. 

Forwards: Kaieem Lewis, Addae Paponette, Kathon St Hillaire, Ryan Telfer.