PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — On Friday, Dwight Yorke, the former Manchester United player, was named as the head coach for the Trinidad and Tobago national soccer team. His primary objective will be to guide the national squad back to the World Cup stage.

Yorke has a significant history with the national team, having led the Soca Warriors as captain during their only World Cup appearance in 2006 in Germany. During that tournament, Trinidad and Tobago faced tough competition but did not progress beyond their group, which featured England, Sweden, and Paraguay.

Kieron Edwards, the president of the Trinidadian soccer federation, expressed enthusiasm over Yorke’s appointment, emphasizing that his vast experience, leadership qualities, and dedication to the national colors—red, white, and black—are essential for motivating both the players and the country as a whole.

At 52 years old, Yorke takes on this challenge as Trinidad and Tobago currently sits second in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Costa Rica, which consists of five teams. The teams finishing in the top two positions will move on to the next qualifying stage, and a victory against Saint Kitts and Nevis on June 6 could solidify Trinidad’s chances significantly.

In the context of the World Cup, CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has three guaranteed spots for the upcoming tournament. The event is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, all of whom have automatic qualifications. Additionally, two other teams may secure their spots through intercontinental playoff matches.

Yorke most recently held a coaching position with Australian club Macarthur, where he guided the team to a national cup title in 2022 before departing from the role last year. Following his exit, he successfully pursued a settlement against the club at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Prior to venturing into coaching, Yorke enjoyed a prolific playing career, primarily recognized for his nearly ten-year stint at Aston Villa, after which he moved to Manchester United just before the club achieved its remarkable treble-winning season in 1998-99.