PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Newly appointed Trinidad and Tobago women’s football head coach Angus Eve has wasted no time setting the tone for his tenure.
In his first in-depth interview since taking charge, the former national men’s coach declared his belief that he can lead the Women’s Soca Warriors into uncharted territory — the final round of qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Speaking on a special edition of the i95.5 FM “6 to 26” World Cup Podcast with Andre Errol Baptiste and Tony Lee, Eve admitted that the journey ahead will be difficult, but he sees in it the promise of something truly historic.
“We’ve never done it before, so obviously, there’s an opportunity to do something that has never been done,” Eve said. “And I believe in that sort of thing. I believe in giving back to my country.”
A return fueled by purpose
Eve, who had a brief stint with the women’s program earlier this year, said that experience reshaped his understanding of the game and the players’ sacrifices.
“I got a better sense of women’s football and the sacrifices that they make to be a part of a sport that they love,” he explained. “I just want to contribute to that.”
But the coach was also brutally honest about the scale of the rebuilding required. The women’s program, he revealed, has been dormant for roughly 18 months, and no active women’s league currently exists in the country — leaving players short of match fitness and competitive rhythm.
Challenges beyond the pitch
Eve also drew attention to the social and cultural barriers limiting young women’s access to football in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Female players don’t just do like men, you know,” he observed. “You could send your son down on the corner, and he will sweat on the roadside with the other players. Parents don’t normally send their daughters out like that. So, they haven’t been actually active for a little while.”
With the much-anticipated ‘Grandparents Law’ — a policy expected to expand player eligibility — still awaiting proclamation, Eve confirmed that the initial squad for the first qualifier against Barbados in November will be mostly locally based.
He also acknowledged that Barbados and other rivals have already begun their preparations, meaning Trinidad and Tobago will have to play catch-up.
Facing the giants
While some might see the road ahead as daunting, Eve views it as an opportunity for growth. He particularly welcomed the scheduled clash with regional powerhouse Jamaica, a fixture arranged before his appointment.
“I’m welcoming the opportunity for our girls to go and show what they can do against a top-ranked team like Jamaica,” he said. “Because then it will give us a better yardstick on the teams that we have to play later on. When you’re playing in a qualifying series, you have to play the best teams to qualify — so this will be a good test.”
Realism with ambition
Eve acknowledged that Trinidad and Tobago have never beaten a major CONCACAF power such as the United States or Canada, but he urged his players and supporters not to lose heart.
His focus, he emphasized, is on steady progress, renewed belief, and national pride.
For Eve, this campaign is about more than chasing qualification — it’s about rebuilding a culture of commitment and conviction, and proving that the Women’s Soca Warriors can once again dream on the world stage.
