PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
LESS THAN a week after Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Patrick Manning promised million-dollar rewards for members of the Soca Warriors after their performance at the World Cup Finals, the team has received their .
Sports Minister, Roger Boynes made the presentation of over TT$ 24 million at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium Friday.
Pledging government's commitment to ensuring the team for World Cup 2010 in South Africa was adequately prepared, Boynes said it was necessary to set aside funds early enough to facilitate necessary training sessions both locally and abroad, as well as friendly matches with other nations.
Boynes assured the 16 national players who did not make the Germany squad that they would receive TT $250 000, made up of $200 000 in unit shares and $50 000 in cash.
Captain Dwight Yorke, who came out of retirement to lead the team was awarded $1.25 million, comprising $1 million in unit shares and $250 000 in cash.
Meanwhile Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation senior vice-president Raymond Tim Kee appealed to the players to seek professional financial advice as "one million dollars could evaporate in a quick time".
He also warned them to beware of "fancy cars as they depreciate every day", and urged them to "look toward real estate which appreciates every day".
The official issued a challenge to the corporate sector to invest in sporting events beforehand, and not after the fact, as money was needed to ensure the comfort of players, coaches and assistants before major events.
Each of the 24 members of the Soca Warriors squad received $1 million, comprised of $750,000 in unit shares from the Unit Trust Corporation and $250 000 in cash.
T&T competed in Group at the World Cup, finishing at the bottom of the standings with one point after drawing nil-all with Sweden and losing by 2-0 margins to England and Paraguay.
