Former Soca Warriors coach Leo Beenhakker has passed away.

He was 82.

Beenhakker helped T&T’s senior men’s football team qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

It remains this country’s only appearance in the tournament.

For the achievement, Beenhakker was awarded the Chaconia Medal Gold.

In a statement, the T&T Football Association hailed the Dutchman as a visionary leader, a mentor and a believer, who turned a dream into a living reality.

It adds, “His legacy in Trinidad and Tobago transcends the field. Leo Beenhakker reminded us of what we are capable of when we dare to dream and when we are guided by those who see greatness in us — even when we forget to see it in ourselves.”

During the course of his career, Beenhakker also coached a number of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Ajax and  Feyenoord.