Former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes head coach Dwight Yorke deserves the opportunity to continue leading the national team, even after failing to guide the Soca Warriors to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Trinidad and Tobago managed just one victory from six matches in the qualifying campaign and bowed out after finishing third in Group B, behind group winners Curaçao and Jamaica. The disappointing outcome has fueled widespread speculation that Yorke, appointed by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) last November with a clear World Cup mandate, could be relieved of his duties.
Understanding the criticism, acknowledging the progress
Speaking on Isports on i95.5 FM on Saturday, Hislop acknowledged the frustration among supporters and analysts, noting that the calls for change are understandable given the stated objectives.
“I am firmly on the fence with this one, I really am,” Hislop said when asked whether the TTFA should part ways with Yorke.
While conceding that the primary goal was not achieved, Hislop emphasized that his assessment goes beyond the final standings.
“I will firmly state that I am very biased towards Yorke, but the truth is that he was appointed to get this team to the World Cup and obviously, we haven’t made it.”
A direction worth preserving
Despite the failure to qualify, Hislop believes Yorke’s tenure has brought tangible improvements that merit continuity rather than disruption.
“But in time, I recognised the progress the team has made and I really appreciate the direction that he continues to take this team; so those two kind of balance out each other,” he explained.
For Hislop, the strides made under Yorke’s leadership strengthen the case for patience.
“Now I’d love to see Dwight continue in his role, given that progress and be given the support in trying to identify and develop everything that the team needs…but I can see both sides of the argument so I really couldn’t give a definitive answer on that one, one way or another,” he added.
Disappointment mixed with optimism
Reflecting on Trinidad and Tobago’s overall showing in the qualifiers, Hislop admitted that the campaign fell short of expectations, particularly given the composition of the group.
“I’m disappointed. I was disappointed because I felt we had a group that maybe we should have been able to navigate a lot better than we did,” he said.
Still, Hislop believes the shortcomings are not insurmountable.
“But I’m also encouraged because I feel that we are just missing one or two pieces, most importantly, a natural finisher.”
The missing piece up front
Hislop praised the team’s attacking flair but pointed to a crucial absence in the final third.
“Don’t get me wrong, in terms of our starting front three…I thought we had three fantastic and exciting players that really had me on the edge of my seat, but of the three of them, none of them are natural finishers and at this level, we missed that.”
For Hislop, the debate over Yorke’s future ultimately hinges on whether the TTFA values immediate results over long-term development, a decision that could shape the Soca Warriors’ direction well beyond this qualifying cycle.
