Warrior Chronicles

Long after this World Cup is over (and some of the Warriors have hung up their national kit for good), the legend of the 2006 Soca Warriors will live on in the hearts and minds of born, bred and adopted Trinbagonians around the world.

There will be alot to remember. This Journey to Germany has been a long and arduous one: the Warriors had to play 20 matches to qualify for the final. We’ve had players come out of international retirement (Yorke and Latapy), coaching changes (Betille St Clair to Leo “Warrior Chief” Beenhakker), various scandals (Jack Warner vs The Government; The Government vs TTFF; The Government vs Itself; Jack Warner vs Everyone; those two guys from leeds) and so much more.

Fortunately, various talented writers, journalists and photographers have been dutifully chronicling the trip so far.

Warrior Beat – The latest issue of Caribbean Beat, a brilliant magazine that always has its editorial fingers on the pulse of the islands, features a tribute to the Warriors. Entitled “Warriors on the Field“, it covers the qualification stage of our World Cup campaign. The writing is typically excellent, and the stories are accompanied by gorgeous photography.

World Class – As much as I’m obsessed with words and thoroughly enjoy a good read, I’m also rather fond of quality photography. James Ferguson’s World Class:
An Illustrated History of Caribbean Football boasts both fine words and excellent illustrations. I received mine in the post this morning, most pleased. Whether you’re a die-hard Warrior fan or just have a passing interest in Caribbean History, you’ll find something worthwhile in this book. [As an added bonus, the foreword is written by Shaka Hislop.]

Boldon in Bahrain – Ato Boldon isn’t just an Olympic medallist and T&T Senator. He’s also a die-hard Soca Warriors fan – and very camera friendly. Boldon followed the Warriors to Bahrain for the second-leg of our playoff, and produced a video diary of the trip that aired to great acclaim in T&T. Now there’s a DVD version, which is even better than the original. Definitely worth checking out.

The next chapter in the Legend of the Soca Warriors is as yet unwritten. The world is waiting for it.