Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: injunchile on July 17, 2013, 10:49:39 AM
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What is the verdict re Abu as Center Back. I guess his height is an advantage, especially from Corners.
What sayest forumites about his performance on Monday. Has he cemented his place against Mexico.
I am just looking for an honest opinion, I cant help think of Lawrence , when I see him play.
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What is the verdict re Abu as Center Back. I guess his height is an advantage, especially from Corners.
What sayest forumites about his performance on Monday. Has he cemented his place against Mexico.
I am just looking for an honest opinion, I cant help think of Lawrence , when I see him play.
Nah tallest was more mobile and read the game better. Duff has improved a bit though, he looking a bit more defensively aware than he has in the past. His problem is his speed or lack thereof. I would prever Mitchell and Power in the middle but if it ha to be Duff den pray nah!
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He had one or two lapses in concentration, but overall he had a solid game. He can better compensate for his lack of speed with better positional awareness. Once this improvement is made, I think he can be counted on in the regular rotation of center backs.
In the past, I recall people ridiculed Dennis Lawerence for his lack of speed, but eventually he turned out to be a mainstay for the national team. :beermug: :beermug:
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When you have no speed positioning is key
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going and try not to be bias here. he is a strong, tall and more physical defender in our squad, he also doesn't try and be to fancy at the back, he plays with determination and i think the back 4 from the Honduras game played well together and was our best game defensively since the tournament. however i must admit it is hard for him to play ahead of powers who has bin strong consistently for T&T and has allot of experience but i think if selected ahead of powers supporters should be understanding
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shithound!!... in a word
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shithound!!... in a word
Regarding constructive criticism: You Could have used a better word to describe the player while he currently representing the country at an international tournament. He don the RED,WHITE & BLACK bro...
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good in the air but lacks speed and good positioning..several times he lost his player resulting in scoring chance for honduras. he is not starter material for us.
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What about that lapse in concentration when he dummy our whole defense and let the Honduran in?
Mexico buryin dat with their eyes closed.
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I actually think he is a pretty decent player but like many can see his clear lack of pace is an issue. A lack of pace against pacy & skillful attackers can make the most technically gifted defenders look error prone and amaturish.
Like others have highlighted, improving his posistional awareness and reading of the game will help compensate for the lack of pace but against in-form opponents (unless yuh is Bekenbauer) even that might not be enough. Have a look at Man Utd against Barcelona in 1994; even with the hallowed Bruce and Pallister at the back, Romario, Stoickov et al rip them tuh shreads in that game. They were a great partnership, quality defenders and read the game extremely well but were not known for Des Walker like speed. Barcelona exploited that.
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Ronald Koeman was a very good defender back in the day. He used to play sweeper for Barca, Holland etc
He was EXTREMELY slow but he could pass the ball like few others. His positional play was very good as well.
The point is....Abu Bakr may be slow....but he brings other things to the table and in the right system could flourish.
He certainly passes the ball a whole lot better than my boy Power.
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Ronald Koeman was a very good defender back in the day. He used to play sweeper for Barca, Holland etc
He was EXTREMELY slow but he could pass the ball like few others. His positional play was very good as well.
The point is....Abu Bakr may be slow....but he brings other things to the table and in the right system could flourish.
He certainly passes the ball a whole lot better than my boy Power.
Agreed totally. That said , as a long time critic of Power he actually a much better player now than when he was first introduced to national setup. I feel much more comfortable overall with 'Duff' as we called him at QRC than Seon. To me his lack of speed shouldn't be as much of a factor as our tendency to give opponents too much space in the first place.
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Plays with much more inteligence than Power. I prefer him.
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Agreed totally. That said , as a long time critic of Power he actually a much better player now than when he was first introduced to national setup. I feel much more comfortable overall with 'Duff' as we called him at QRC than Seon. To me his lack of speed shouldn't be as much of a factor as our tendency to give opponents too much space in the first place.
Doh get me wrong. I still think the pairing of Power & Mitchell is the better pairing and while it's true that Power is an improved player, he ALWAYS gave you blood in his shoes every game. He's quick, fearless in the tackle, and is a good foil for the more "cerebral" Mitchell IMO.
Abu Bakr for me has a tendency to play too deep...possibly because he is aware of his lack of speed and doesn't want to be caught out. But that puts a lot of pressure on the defence so he needs to watch that.
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Ronald Koeman was a very good defender back in the day. He used to play sweeper for Barca, Holland etc
He was EXTREMELY slow but he could pass the ball like few others. His positional play was very good as well.
The point is....Abu Bakr may be slow....but he brings other things to the table and in the right system could flourish.
He certainly passes the ball a whole lot better than my boy Power.
Agreed totally. That said , as a long time critic of Power he actually a much better player now than when he was first introduced to national setup. I feel much more comfortable overall with 'Duff' as we called him at QRC than Seon. To me his lack of speed shouldn't be as much of a factor as our tendency to give opponents too much space in the first place.
Don't get me wrong either, in the context of T&T as a 'Team' I am not saying he is the key problem with the side, far from it. It would be stupid to do so considering the MNT has almost always struggled with getting things right on the defensive side of the game; regardless of standard of defenders we have used.
Just commenting on him as an individual player and the issues he is bound to face. Of course he can compensate an overcome. And if the side continue to work for each other and improve he is bound to perform better as well.
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Ronald Koeman was a very good defender back in the day. He used to play sweeper for Barca, Holland etc
He was EXTREMELY slow but he could pass the ball like few others. His positional play was very good as well.
The point is....Abu Bakr may be slow....but he brings other things to the table and in the right system could flourish.
He certainly passes the ball a whole lot better than my boy Power.
very true about ronald koeman but come nah man how yuh will compare abu bakr to koeman.
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shithound!!... in a word
Regarding constructive criticism: You Could have used a better word to describe the player while he currently representing the country at an international tournament. He don the RED,WHITE & BLACK bro...
Point taken. I wish you were here when forumites were lambasting our highest ever goal scorer, master Stern John. Anyway you are correct.
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Agreed totally. That said , as a long time critic of Power he actually a much better player now than when he was first introduced to national setup. I feel much more comfortable overall with 'Duff' as we called him at QRC than Seon. To me his lack of speed shouldn't be as much of a factor as our tendency to give opponents too much space in the first place.
Doh get me wrong. I still think the pairing of Power & Mitchell is the better pairing and while it's true that Power is an improved player, he ALWAYS gave you blood in his shoes every game. He's quick, fearless in the tackle, and is a good foil for the more "cerebral" Mitchell IMO.
Abu Bakr for me has a tendency to play too deep...possibly because he is aware of his lack of speed and doesn't want to be caught out. But that puts a lot of pressure on the defence so he needs to watch that.
Very true
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shithound!!... in a word
Regarding constructive criticism: You Could have used a better word to describe the player while he currently representing the country at an international tournament. He don the RED,WHITE & BLACK bro...
Point taken. I wish you were here when forumites were lambasting our highest ever goal scorer, master Stern John. Anyway you are correct.
Even though my registration show 2005/2008:Just in case fyi I have been around on this site approx. since 1997 before most of the guys on here including yourself so im not a wagonist and yes i do know how forumites treated SJ and that to was disrespectful. S J is a legend in T&T Football btw, leh we stick to da thread topic.
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shithound!!... in a word
Regarding constructive criticism: You Could have used a better word to describe the player while he currently representing the country at an international tournament. He don the RED,WHITE & BLACK bro...
Point taken. I wish you were here when forumites were lambasting our highest ever goal scorer, master Stern John. Anyway you are correct.
Even though my registration show 2005/2008:Just in case fyi I have been around on this site approx. since 1997 before most of the guys on here including yourself so im not a wagonist and yes i do know how forumites treated SJ and that to was disrespectful. S J is a legend in T&T Football btw, leh we stick to da thread topic.
Pointman...I cyah believe yuh fail to recognize de man. Yuh know yuh is ah legend on this site if an award was named after you...If yuh eh know, ask somebody.... ;)
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shithound!!... in a word
Regarding constructive criticism: You Could have used a better word to describe the player while he currently representing the country at an international tournament. He don the RED,WHITE & BLACK bro...
Point taken. I wish you were here when forumites were lambasting our highest ever goal scorer, master Stern John. Anyway you are correct.
Even though my registration show 2005/2008:Just in case fyi I have been around on this site approx. since 1997 before most of the guys on here including yourself so im not a wagonist and yes i do know how forumites treated SJ and that to was disrespectful. S J is a legend in T&T Football btw, leh we stick to da thread topic.
Pointman...I cyah believe yuh fail to recognize de man. Yuh know yuh is ah legend on this site if an award was named after you...If yuh eh know, ask somebody.... ;)
Jezzan-ages! Yeah.. we know that already. stick to da Abu thread nah.. ;D
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What about that lapse in concentration when he dummy our whole defense and let the Honduran in?
Mexico buryin dat with their eyes closed.
Ah trying to keep it positive eh...but as ah big time 'dummier' myself, that's exactly what I thought when ah see dat play..."oh dummy boy", he'll be alright though he had to get that out his system:)
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Aboobuca could be a real good player. I don't think playing in Kazakhstan is going to help him improve....if he were playing in the championship or league1 or even the MLS where the emphasis of the game is on speed it would help make him more tactically astute as it would force him to compensate for his lack of speed.
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Aboobuca could be a real good player. I don't think playing in Kazakhstan is going to help him improve....if he were playing in the championship or league1 or even the MLS where the emphasis of the game is on speed it would help make him more tactically astute as it would force him to compensate for his lack of speed.
The level of football in Kazakhstan could be really good. What evidence do u have that proves MLS, Championship or League 1 is better?
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Aboobuca could be a real good player. I don't think playing in Kazakhstan is going to help him improve....if he were playing in the championship or league1 or even the MLS where the emphasis of the game is on speed it would help make him more tactically astute as it would force him to compensate for his lack of speed.
The level of football in Kazakhstan could be really good. What evidence do u have that proves MLS, Championship or League 1 is better?
C'mon yuh really want to go down dat road????
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Aboobuca could be a real good player. I don't think playing in Kazakhstan is going to help him improve....if he were playing in the championship or league1 or even the MLS where the emphasis of the game is on speed it would help make him more tactically astute as it would force him to compensate for his lack of speed.
The level of football in Kazakhstan could be really good. What evidence do u have that proves MLS, Championship or League 1 is better?
And the moon could be made of cheese! I'm not saying there isn't talent in Kazi, but the league is still developing. I would bet on a Pro League team beating a team from Kazi.
To change the subject, does anyone else think that Abu Bakr looks like Dexter Skeene's long lost son?
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Abu Bakr put in a good ah shift tonight. Actually the whole defense look decent. Cyrus was cool under pressure. Got me worried at times though
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http://www.youtube.com/v/Dowvx0kIA6Y
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WOW Didn't know he could handle his stories good so . . . good stuff.
Thanks for posting
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WOW Didn't know he could handle his stories good so . . . good stuff.
Yeh man, he have forms, is just dat he slow and sometimes his concentration does lapse. He needs to improve his reading of the game and his positional awareness to compensate for his lack of speed.
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Radanfah Abu Bakr joins Lithuanian A Lyga club, FK Kruoja Pakruojis.
http://www.fkkruoja.lt/index.php/pradinis/naujienos/item/372-pries-a-lygos-starta-kruoja-sulauke-solidaus-pastiprinimo
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Radanfah Abu Bakr joins Lithuanian A Lyga club, FK Kruoja Pakruojis.
http://www.fkkruoja.lt/index.php/pradinis/naujienos/item/372-pries-a-lygos-starta-kruoja-sulauke-solidaus-pastiprinimo
Looks good for him - one step closer to the bigger European clubs :)
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WATCH Radanfah Abu Bakr score the game-winning goal in FK Kruoja Pakruojis’s 3-2 win over FK Dainava Alytus in the Lithuanian A Lyga. It’s his first goal for the club.
http://www.youtube.com/v/SCOVfpoCL0k?start=98
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WATCH Radanfah Abu Bakr score his second goal of the season in Kruoja Pakruojis’ 5-1 thrashing of Klaipėdos Granitas.
https://www.youtube.com/v/AwXv9EEYiBY?start=297
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Radanfah Abu Bakr earns plaudits in Lithuania
By Walter Moore (socawarriors.net)
National defender, Radanfah Abu Bakr, recently completed his debut season in Lithuania's A-Lyga, playing an integral role in helping his unfancied club, FK Kruoja Pakruojis, to a second place finish. This runnesr-up position has earned the club a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League Qualifiers.
Despite being on the sidelines for two and a half months due to a hip flexor injury, missing 12 games in the process, Abu Bakr still commanded a spot on the A-Lyga's Team Of The Year. He persuaded five of the eight panelists to vote for him, including Lithuania's national team coach Igoris Pankratjevas, four commentators, and three sports journalists.
His return to action coincided with his team's climb up the table from 6th, to eventual runners-up. Once fit, he was a fixture in his team’s starting lineup. Making 23 appearances, Abu Bakr also contributed as an attacker with two goals and five assists. His consistent, confident and composed performances meant that he quickly became a favourite with the fans. Off the field, his personable and charismatic demeanour only enhanced his image.
Intending to leave his options, Radanfah only signed a one-year deal with FK Kruoja, therefore he’s out of contract at this time. However, the possibility remains that he may see Europa League action with Kruoja next season.
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Radanfah Abu Bakr has signed a 2-year contract with HB Køge of the Danish First Division.
http://hbkoge.dk/Default.aspx?ID=47&Action=1&NewsId=5491&PID=150
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Abu Bakr believes 'Warriors' will come good.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).
Defender Radanfah Abu Bakr believes this country’s outing with Jordan two weeks ago came at a good time as this country’s senior team tries to sharpen up ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup next month.
Abu Bakr looked on from the bench against Jordan has been named in T&T’s final Gold Cup squad and will prepare with the team ahead of the opening game against Guatemala on July 9th. Abu Bakr will be expected to feature with the likes of Carlyle Mitchell and Seon Power set to be out through injury while Robert Primus is still sidelined after his knee operation.
“This was a good opportunity against Jordan for us to continue our preparations for the Gold Cup and just another opportunity for us to gel and combine as a team and get used to the tactics of the coach,” Abu Bakr told TTFA Media.
“They (Jordan) were fully prepared and at a hundred percent. It was a good test to show where we at.”
Abu Bakr believes T&T can raise its game and overcome the absence of Kevin Molino and others who will be missing due to injury.
“I don’ think it will affect us . Of course we will miss those guys because they are important players for us but it’s a good opportunity for the new guys to come in and show their worth.”
Abu Bakr is now playing for HB Køge in the Danish First Division and is looking to keep on featuring for the first team.
“I joined the club late unfortunately because I had some visa issues. But I got into the team and performed quite well. It’s very physical out there so I had to get accustomed to that. It’s a very unique style our coach wants to play so it took some time to get accustom to that but things are going well so far,” the 28-year old former Queen’s Royal College student added.
The former Caledonia AIA player is currently in camp with the T&T team and will depart with the rest of the squad on Wednesday for Fort Lauderdale.
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Radanfah, some very needed interventions today. Well done on a number of fronts. :thumbsup:
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Radanfah, some very needed interventions today. Well done on a number of fronts. :thumbsup:
Agreed!
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He was very solid yesterday. Good game, stay firm.
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Strong Bakr-bone
By Ian Prescott (Express).
The stability which Radanfah Abu Bakr has been giving the Soca Warriors in defence at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, could be the benefit of competing in a tough Danish first division.
“It's very demanding in terms of running and no breaks in play,” Abu Bakr said. “It is very fast paced as well and has helped develop my game as well.”
Bakr, 28, plays for HB Koge, a modest, ambitious club, with a young team that is trying to get promoted this season. Previously, Abu Bakr has been at Vostok and Kruoja Pakruojis in Kazakhstan, Koya (Lithuania), Olympic Club de Charleroi-Marchienne) Belgium and was once on the books of Swansea (England), but rates Denmark as one of the toughest leagues he has played in.
“It took a while to adapt. But you learn to toughen up,” the former Queen's Royal College defender said. “Sometimes there are things you think the game should be stopped for, but it just goes on. You have to just man up and just get on with it. It is a very physical, competitive league.”
No one could ever fault Abu Bakr for effort. But he has definitely stepped up at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in Trinidad and Tobago's opening wins over Guatemala (3-1) and Cuba (2-0).
Obviously, he has grown in Denmark where after initially being confined to the bench, Bakr settled in and has been playing regularly.
There have always been negative issues surrounding his infamous father and greatest fan Yasin Abu Bakr, but the younger Bakr said that has not affected him as a player. He also thinks playing all over the world helped him.
“It's been interesting and very eye opening to experience those football cultures, learn new languages and different lifestyles and stuff. Yes, I have enjoyed my adventures. It has helped me grow as a person and also as a player. I have enjoyed my journey.”
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Abu Bakr: Hart instills the confidence.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
National senior men’s team defender Radanfah Abu Bakr has alluded to the strong influence of head coach Stephen Hart on the recent progress made by the “Soca Warriors”.
Abu Bakr was a regular feature in the T&T team during the recent Concacaf Gold Cup during which the team produced a valiant effort in their impressive run to the quarterfinals where they were eliminated in a penalty shootout defeat to Panama.
Two weeks after the team’s campaign, Abu Bakr is now back in Denmark with his club HB Koge where he has another 18 months left on his contract.
But while he remains somewhat disappointed that the T&T team did not make it to the final of the competition, he touched on the positives which he believes will lead the team to higher heights during the World Cup qualifying campaign for 2018 which begins in November.
“The squad was considerably younger and less experienced this time around compared to the 2013 Gold Cup. Even some of the guys who’ve been around the national team for a while like Ataulla Guerra, Lester Peltier and Yohance Marshall, were all in their first Gold Cup. That meant that I had to assume more of the tacit responsibilities like keeping the guys focused and motivated,” Abu Bakr said.
“Coach Hart always gives us his confidence and I think this time we turned that confidence into genuine belief in ourselves that we could go far in the tournament. For me that was probably the biggest difference,” said the ex-Caledonia AIA player when asked to comment on Hart’s influence.
“Overall I’m pleased, but at the same time very disappointed that we didn’t go further. The tournament was an invaluable experience, particularly for the many young guys in the squad. Despite not having had the best preparation, we showed that we could compete with the best in the region. We surprised many, and we can be proud of what was achieved. However, that’s in the past now and there’s that recognition that there are aspects of our game that can improve.
“We want to take that momentum into the qualifiers, and continue to build on those performances. We have the Mexico friendly in September, but it’s crucial that we get games on the other FIFA dates. With the right preparation and support, especially from corporate T&T, I’m confident that we will do really well. We just need to take one game at a time, as we did in the Gold Cup, focus on our individual and collective performances, and the results will take care of themselves.”
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Defender Radanfah Abu Bakr has joined Estonian Premium Liiga club, JK Sillamäe Kalev
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Wow a real demotion here, this is a semi-pro league!
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Wow a real demotion here, this is a semi-pro league!
agreed
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Wow a real demotion here, this is a semi-pro league!
agreed
Even so, at least they have a route to the Champions or Europa League. Six of the 10 teams are professional.
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It tough out there for a T&T player. We have basically no international reputation and yet these men manage to live off their skills for a time.
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr scores his first goal for JK Sillamäe Kalev in their 5-2 win over Pärnu Linnameeskond
https://www.youtube.com/v/l2zUFBaBvqE?start=213
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Radanfah: We are raring to Go.
TTFA Media.
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s team got down to business again on Tuesday as preparations continued for Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Some of the remaining players checked into camp including Dutch-based winger Levi Garcia, Khaleem Hyland, Mexican-based duo Yohance Marshall and Jomal Williams and Russian-based defender Sheldon Bateau.
Stephen Hart conducted an evening session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium as the hosts began to intensify its build up to the encounter.
The Costa Rican team is scheduled in Port of Spain on Thursday night but members of their media contingent have started arriving and were expected to attend the 15-minute window at the start of T&T’s training session.
Estonian-based defender Radanfah Abu Bakr maintained that the mood is upbeat in the T&T camp.
“It’s positive as always and we’re looking forward to a few intense training sessions ahead of what is a massive game for us on Friday,” Abu Bakr told TTFA Media.
“We know we had to bounce back from that result against Martinique. This is a different competition and there is a lot more at stake. It’s World Cup and we all want to be part of that. Hopefully we can get a good start on Friday.”
“It’s just ten games and we know how difficult it is to travel and earn points in Concacaf and we want to take full advantage of playing at home on Friday and then take that momentum in the next game four days later.
“I’m in good physical shape coming off my season in Estonia which has just finished. I’m in good form,healthy and mentally I’m raring to go,” Abu Bakr added.
Abu Bakr has played professionally in England, Belgium, Lithuania, Denmark, Kazakhstan and Trinidad and Tobago. He is currently based in Estonia with JK Sillamae Kalev.
Tickets remain on sale at Lotto Locations nationwide and Season Passes are available at First Citizen’s Banks across the country.
Video - Radanfah looks ahead to Costa Rica encounter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr9xN7cfvB8)
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Abu Bakr might have some problems going to the States now given Trump's "temporary ban"
Donald Trump's travel ban last week was directed at seven majority-Muslim countries: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Sudan. Trinidad, which sits seven miles off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean, is nowhere near any of those nations.
That fact, however, apparently did not stop customs agents from stopping a Trinidadian man — the husband of a prominent reporter — at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport yesterday. Stacy-Marie Ishmael, a former reporter for BuzzFeed and the Financial Times, said on Twitter around 9 p.m. yesterday that her husband had been detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Frighteningly, she claimed Border Patrol agents said her husband could not see a lawyer.
Ishmael declined to speak to New Times last night. At the moment, it's unclear exactly why Border Patrol stopped her husband or if President Trump's recent executive order was cited during the stop.
"CBP says he has 'no right to counsel,'" she wrote. Given the fact that Trinidadians are in no way supposed to be affected by Trump's travel ban, the case could have frightening implications for the way law enforcement officers are imposing the president's immigration restrictions.
FULL STORY (http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/reporter-says-her-trinidadian-husband-was-detained-at-fort-lauderale-airport-last-night-9110815)
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Abu Bakr might have some problems going to the States now given Trump's "temporary ban"
Donald Trump's travel ban last week was directed at seven majority-Muslim countries: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Sudan. Trinidad, which sits seven miles off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean, is nowhere near any of those nations.
That fact, however, apparently did not stop customs agents from stopping a Trinidadian man — the husband of a prominent reporter — at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport yesterday. Stacy-Marie Ishmael, a former reporter for BuzzFeed and the Financial Times, said on Twitter around 9 p.m. yesterday that her husband had been detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Frighteningly, she claimed Border Patrol agents said her husband could not see a lawyer.
Ishmael declined to speak to New Times last night. At the moment, it's unclear exactly why Border Patrol stopped her husband or if President Trump's recent executive order was cited during the stop.
"CBP says he has 'no right to counsel,'" she wrote. Given the fact that Trinidadians are in no way supposed to be affected by Trump's travel ban, the case could have frightening implications for the way law enforcement officers are imposing the president's immigration restrictions.
FULL STORY (http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/reporter-says-her-trinidadian-husband-was-detained-at-fort-lauderale-airport-last-night-9110815)
BTW, Stacy-Marie Ishmael used to frequent de forum back in de day.
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Defender Radanfah Abu Bakr has joined Lithuanian A Lyga club, FK Sūduva Marijampolė.
(http://fksuduva.lt/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/F6O0783.jpg)
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Duff win the award for the most nondescript club career in T&T history. Lithuania, Kazakhstan and Estonia at some clubs in cant even pronounce the names of. His agent clearly has strong links in eastern europe, always moving around.
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr scores the game-winning goal with an authoritative header in FK Sūduva Marijampolė’s 3-2 win over FK Trakai
https://www.youtube.com/v/mLnWSRffgOs?start=237
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr scores a late game-winning goal in FK Sūduva Marijampolė’s 1-0 win over FK Atlantas, to maintain their lead at the top of the A Lyga table with three games left.
https://www.youtube.com/v/Tz8T8KRLMAs?start=152
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Radanfah wins Lithuanian League.
By Wayne Cunningham (TTFA).
Long-time Trinidad and Tobago defender Radanfah Abu Bakr could be getting a taste of UEFA Champions League Football in 2018.
This after his club, FK Suduva secure the Championship in Lithuania’s top flight, the ‘A’ Lyga. Suduva defeated Zalgiris of Vilnius 3-0 to take the Championship on Sunday to top the six-team play-off table.
Going into the match defending Champions Zalgiris were just one point behind Abu Bakr’s team and were expecting to mount a determine effort to grab their 5th consecutive title but that was put to rest with a first half onslaught which saw goals in the 7th and 8th minutes plus one on the stroke of half time.
Despite having the lion’s share of ball possession in the second half, Zalgiris could not come up with a response to address the deficit which was mainly due to some resolute defending by the Vladimir Cheburin coached outfit.
“I'm absolutely delighted with this incredible achievement! It's been a long, arduous season and God has rewarded our endeavour and sacrifice with the league title. The league is competitive and improving all the time, so you must really work hard to earn your points.”
Abu Bakr told TTFA Media. “It’s an historic achievement for the club being its first ever league triumph. It's huge for the city, the fans, the staff, players and of course for me personally, especially after the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup 2018.”
He continued “We also had an amazing adventure in the Europa League qualifiers earlier this year. We became the first Lithuanian club to get to the 4th playoff round and just missed out on group stage qualification.
Next year will be an even greater test in the Champions League qualifiers. It's definitely a competition I'm keen to measure myself in.”
The big defender didn’t forget his supporters at home as he thank those instrumental in his success.
“Must mention and give thanks to my family and close friends for their unwavering support throughout.”
Abu Bakr concluded as he made his way home to Trinidad and Tobago on a much-deserved vacation.
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Someone really needs to help Wayne with his writing. Where is Shaun?
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WATCH: A week after winning the Lithuanian A Lyga title with FK Sūduva Marijampolė, Trinidad and Tobago centre back Radanfah Abu Bakr sat down with CNC3's Ryan Bachoo to discuss his career in Lithuania and his future plans (https://www.facebook.com/socawarriors.net/posts/10155985542679314).
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Abu Bakr enters new contract talks.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Defender Radanfah Abu Bakr has commenced new contract negotiations with Lithuanian club FK Suduva following the end of the 2017 season in which he helped the club capture the Lithuania Premier League title for the first time in its existence.
Abu Bakr, who has also played in Denmark, is currently back home and intends to make the best of the time while here for the Christmas holiday.
“The long season has taken a lot out of me both physically and emotionally, so I plan to enjoy my break, away from the game, with family and friend,” Abu Bakr said.
“I’m in the process of finalising my contract extension. Pre season starts mid-January and I want to help the team build on our success this season. I’m especially eager to test myself in the club’s Champions League qualifying campaign,” he added.
In 2017, FK Suduva became the first Lithuanian football club after Zalgiris Vilnius and FK Ekranas to pass three qualifying rounds in European competition in 2017-18 Europa League.
Reflecting on the league success, Abu Bakr said, “It’s an extraordinary feeling to win any league, but especially so in Europe. I’m grateful to God for rewarding our hard work and sacrifice with this historic achievement. it’s the club’s first ever league title so that makes it extra special.,” he said.
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Ah Shaun Fuentes has a new EMPLOYER ...
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Defender Radanfah Abu Bakr has signed with Indonesia Liga 1 club, PS Tira. Abu Bakr last played with Sūduva Marijampolė in the Lithuanian A Lyga.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjOwQIGW4AACo7A.jpg:large)
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WATCH: Defender Radanfah Abu Bakr opens his scoring account in only his second game with PS Tira
https://www.youtube.com/v/osCZP5JkGRQ?start=163
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The age factor is not a problem for Radanfah Abu Bakr. Since recruiting the 31-year old Trinidad and Tobago defender during the second round of Indonesia Liga 1, PS Tira’s defence has solidified. In the last five matches, the team has only conceded two goals. He even garners praise from his opponents. Bhayangkara FC playmaker Paulo Sergio says that Abu Bakr’s ability to read the game and his composure in defending are second to none. Abu Bakr’s performances have seen him nominated to the Liga 1 Team of the Week four times in seven weeks. He has also been made captain of PS Tira.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dpj58UTWsAADagb.jpg:large)
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Sergio says that Abu Bakr’s ability to read the game and his composure in defending are second to none. Abu Bakr’s performances have seen him nominated to the Liga 1 Team of the Week four times in seven weeks. He has also been made captain of PS Tira.
People always used to complain about his lack of pace but I always noted that the defence conceded less when Bakr was partnered with Bateau in the centre. During that period when we had Cyrus and Marshall all competing for the starting role. He brought a sense of calm and leadership. Off the ball attributes, i guess, which would not as obvious to those who not on the field.
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr - 2018 Season Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/v/wgfTmWBTlEg
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Sergio says that Abu Bakr’s ability to read the game and his composure in defending are second to none. Abu Bakr’s performances have seen him nominated to the Liga 1 Team of the Week four times in seven weeks. He has also been made captain of PS Tira.
People always used to complain about his lack of pace but I always noted that the defence conceded less when Bakr was partnered with Bateau in the centre. During that period when we had Cyrus and Marshall all competing for the starting role. He brought a sense of calm and leadership. Off the ball attributes, i guess, which would not as obvious to those who not on the field.
You don't need speed if you're already in the right place at the right time!
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Radanfah Abu Bakr has joined Indian I-League club, Churchill Brothers FC Goa (https://www.goal.com/en/news/i-league-churchill-brothers-abu-bakr-garcia-primus-alhassan/1ekz5e3fs6skw19ibw4pbcpeu3).
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr rounds off the scoring in Churchill Brothers FC Goa's 4-2 win over Mohun Bagan.
https://www.youtube.com/v/MGD0_jUok9M?start=462
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr marks his second consecutive game with a goal in Churchill Brothers FC Goa's 2-1 loss to Indian Arrows
https://www.youtube.com/v/JcGnQLJne_8?start=172
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Churchill might be down for a new keeper. Some of this footage is comical in a 'football ballet' sort ah way, except the slow motion dribbling is at that actual speed.
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Churchill might be down for a new keeper. Some of this footage is comical in a 'football ballet' sort ah way, except the slow motion dribbling is at that actual speed.
Not terribly surprised, the quality of the majority of players is poor even by T&T standards - foreign players are drafted in for back-bone, but it looks like few are interested in developing from within in a serious manner, looking from the outside.
It's also likely that the best talent is nicked by cricket, which doesn't help.
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr heads home his 3rd goal of the 2019/20 campaign during Churchill Brothers FC Goa's 2-1 loss to TRAU FC
https://www.youtube.com/v/0K4m6iLATEc?start=71
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Churchill Brothers FC Goa defender Radanfah Abu Bakr named to the I-League Team of the Month for January 2020.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EP2f-r5UwAE0lV_?format=jpg&name=medium)
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“There is life after football” my dad always insisted - Abu Bakr
By Radanfah Abu Bakr (pushinglimits.net)
With the world on pause, reflection is inevitable - even for footballers. My time with the national team will always trump any experience with a club. Don’t get me wrong, my club experiences have been amazing, but it’s just a totally different vibe. It's a massive responsibility but the sense of pride you feel when representing your country is incomparable.
In 2009, my competitive debut and first start for the senior team was a true baptism of fire. Russell Latapy gave me the nod at age 22 in a World Cup Qualifier against Mexico in front of over 80 thousand spectators at the legendary Azteca stadium. The noise inside that cauldron was deafening. A teammate a mere five meters away couldn't hear you even if you were screaming at the top of your lungs.
The experience became even more surreal when we conceded within the first minute, without even touching the ball! My dream of playing for the senior team had almost instantaneously turned into a nightmare. Certainly not the most auspicious beginning. Thankfully we acquitted ourselves admirably thereafter and managed to equalise. In the end we were unfortunate to eventually go down 2-1.
After playing the remainder of those qualifiers, a stress fracture in my foot kept me out of football for almost a year. Recovery from such a setback is lengthy and painstaking; but in that period I developed a work ethic that has stuck with me ever since. It also gave me the chance to improve on my shortcomings and understand the game a lot better.
My pace, or lack thereof, was often cited as a flaw. I improved other aspects of my game to compensate, but still knew I had to get quicker. At 6’4, this is hard work, but work that I was willing to put in in order to cut it at international level. My skipping rope and ladder became my best friends, staples in my extra individual sessions. I’ve always been my strongest critic, not in a negative way, but in a way that would never allow me to settle for anything other than “better”.
I try to never compare myself with others, but rather with who I was the day before. Football is not an office job; you’re always on display and people will have their opinions. I think for me it was always important to filter out the relevant messages from the irrelevant ones.
I’m not sure if or how I would’ve negotiated that challenging period without the backing of my family. Indeed my career might not have materialised if it wasn’t for them. I remember my mother being prepared on the sidelines with a snow cone in hand after my U-12 & U-14 games with Coach Dada’s Trendsetter Hawks in the Queen’s Park Savannah.
I recall giving my dad the biggest high-five behind the goal where I scored on QRC grounds in a college league game. He was coach, psychologist, fan, motivator, football guru and more ㅡ a lot more in fact. Anyone who claims to have been a regular at football matches in which I played will acknowledge that there was a tacitly reserved section in the stands for my family members both for club, and especially for national team matches. My parents provided every support imaginable. It wasn’t unconditional though. There was an academic standard that had to be maintained in order for me to be allowed to continue to play. “There is life after football” my dad always insisted.
The discipline that my parents instilled to prioritise and establish balance in my pursuits was critical in my personal and professional development. My dad and I still frequently have lengthy discussions about the game, both the on-field happenings, and the politics off of it.
After the injury layoff, I would have to wait another three years for a recall. A pair of decent performances away to Romania and Estonia earned me a place in the newly appointed Stephen Hart’s 2013 Gold Cup Squad. A summer tournament meant that most of the guys were in their off-season. I knew I had a bit of an advantage over them because my season in Kazakhstan was in full swing at that time. Still, I had to watch from the bench as we stumbled to a draw in the opener against El Salvador; then we were on the brink of elimination after being brushed aside 2-0 by Haiti.
With most coaches you have a fair idea of who would be playing based on how the training sessions were set up, but Stephen Hart always left you guessing. He always insisted that once he selected you for his squad, you were good enough to play on the starting XI, but you would have to earn it. Everyone was there on merit. No one was there just to make up the numbers. Between the travel and the proximity of the tournament’s games, it was virtually impossible to get a full session in, so I would always find the gym as soon as we checked into a hotel to keep pace with those who played.
The night before the final must-win group game against Honduras, Coach Hart came to me after dinner and said “if we get a clean sheet tomorrow we’ll qualify. . . Are you ready to help deliver that?” I assured him I was, but prior to that conversation I honestly didn’t expect to play, so much so that I went a little too hard in the gym that very morning, the effects of which I felt during the game. I silently endured my muscle soreness and we overcame Honduras 2-0.
“A clean sheet is all you wanted, coach? Why you didn’t ask me before?” I quipped amidst the post-game celebrations. I always saw that game as the catalyst for my revival at the international level. For the team, it also sparked a period of relative success under Hart that hadn’t been seen since the glory of the 2006 World Cup qualification.
I became a fixture in the team thereafter as we built a solid unit that grew into one of
the most respected and feared teams in the CONCACAF. We were eventually edged out 1-0 in the quarterfinal by Mexico and at the same stage two years later, this time to Panama, in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. Sandwiched between that, was a Caribbean Cup runners-up finish. Among those results were two unforgettable draws against Mexico, 4-4 at the 2015 Gold Cup and 3-3 in a friendly a couple months later.
Coach Hart helped convince us that we could match and overcome any team in the region, and that belief began to show in our performances and results. Perhaps at times he believed in us more than some of us believed in our own abilities. The battle for places was intense! But that never undermined the camaraderie in the squad around that time which was unlike anything I’ve ever felt in any team in my entire nomadic career thus far.
We took this momentum into the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers where we negotiated a tricky semi-final round group with two key back to back results. First a 1-2 win in Guatemala. This was no mean feat considering our famed 2006 Soca Warriors - with Yorke, Hislop, Lawrence and Stern John in that lineup - were trampled there, 5-1 along their qualification route. That was followed by a solid 0-0 draw at home against the USA a few days later.
I remember the huge Trinidad and Tobago flag draped over our fans in the uncovered section. Both the President and Prime Minister came out to greet us before kickoff. The rhythm sections in the near sold-out crowd all contributed to the truly special atmosphere that night. Sadly it was to be the last time the Hasely Crawford Stadium would be anywhere near capacity till this day― besides of course on Machel Monday.
The fortunes of the team plummeted thereafter as a new TTFA administration sought to dismantle the staff and squad. I too, became a casualty. By the time we had finished bottom of the HEX, I had already been unceremoniously phased out, along with several other previously key senior players. I have rarely felt so confident about something in football, so it still irks me to think about how the opportunity to qualify for that World Cup evaporated in the manner in which it did. The less said about that the better I suppose. But what’s for sure is that when you reach rock bottom, the only direction you can go is up. That upward trajectory is long overdue for T&T football.
My appetite to train and compete remains as strong as ever, maybe even more so with the current enforced hiatus. Admittedly though, that ‘life after football’ is a lot closer than I might want to acknowledge. I’m still undecided as to which path I will take after retirement, but my preferences definitely lean towards an endeavour that is sport related; management, administration, coaching perhaps.
I believe that the vast and varied experiences that I’ve accrued throughout my travels would serve me well in those capacities. I’m also keen to give back and rectify some of the issues that I had to endure as a player, that can all too often limit the potential of T&T’s footballers and athletes in general.
God willing, when this time of reflection and introspection is over, I sincerely hope that we do NOT simply return to business as usual. Rather, we grasp this opportunity to restructure and reform not just our football, but our society at large, of which the flaws and inequalities have been amplified by this pandemic. Forever an optimist, I eagerly await my participation in the manifestation of this ‘new normal’.
Radanfah Abu Bakr is a Trinidad and Tobago defender now based in India. He has played professionally in Belgium, Estonia, Indonesia, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, England and Trinidad and Tobago with Caledonia AIA. He was educated at Queen's Royal College and Kingston University in London. He holds a BA in Business Management.
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WATCH: Radanfah Abu Bakr - 2019/20 Season Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/v/0B5p0PqQJok
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Radanfah Abu Bakr on racism: The perception is we are lazy and create trouble
ESPN India
I'm from Trinidad & Tobago. I've played football around the world and I've had my fair share of experiences with racism. It was particularly bad in Eastern Europe. But I've been lucky that I haven't experienced anything close to that in Indonesia and India, where I've played most recently. Perhaps it's the fact that our skin tones are not so different compared to how it is in Europe. At the same time I am conscious that it might be easier for me compared to others, I can almost pass off as an Indian in many places. Some of the players from Africa don't have that and unfortunately they face the spotlight much more.
In India, like in Trinidad, we see fair-skinned as better. You see that with the Indian actors getting their skin bleached and promoting lighter skin. It's a lot harder to be overtly racist with me. I'm 6' 5". That probably doesn't encourage a lot of people to say things. At the same time, I don't really notice a lot of racism. I'm also someone who doesn't tolerate any injustice so I will speak out about it. It could be that it doesn't exist or it could be that it's so normal that I don't notice it. I've come to realise a lot of racism is very subtle and sinister.
When foreign players come to India, there's always a feeling that you have to justify your place in the side. It's a lot more if you are of African descent. You have to work twice as hard. You know that there are some stereotypes that come so you have to work extra hard to change it. I know that players of African descent have to go extra steps in being professional. The perception is that we are lazy and create trouble. I always have to make sure that no one can say that about me. It's not just me, all the Trinidad players before me made sure to do that.
There's also a perception that we can only play a certain way. We are seen as the guys who can push down a wall if we need to. Physically very strong but not someone who can use intelligence on the field. That's the belief across the world. Players of African descent are seen as extremely strong but lacking brains. But that's not true at all.
A lot of people are surprised to realise that I'm a very articulate and intelligent person. But I've studied a lot and only began my football career after completing my graduation. A lot of people speak to me and when they find out I'm a footballer, they ask me 'what is it you really do?' There is this perception in their head about footballers and especially those of African descent.
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Abu Bakr: Disappointed to be out, but pleased with effort
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)
T&T defender Radanfah Abu Bakr stated that the T&T Soca Warriors are disappointed to be out of the Concacaf Gold Cup after the group stage but should hold their heads high.
The T&T senior men's football team with interim head coach Angus Eve in charge drew goalless with reigning champion Mexico in their Pool A opener of the Gold Cup before losing 2-0 to El Salvador followed by a 1-1 draw with Guatemala, to end with two points and third spot in their group thus failing to advance to the quarterfinals.
This after the national team won their Preliminary Round qualifiers, first against Montserrat 6-1 followed by an 8-7 sudden-death penalty-kicks triumph over French Guiana after a 1-1 full-time draw to seal a spot in the group stages.
However, before their Gold Cup campaign, the T&T team was in turmoil having just been booted from the Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup after ending in the second spot to St Kitts and Nevis in a five-team round-robin pool from which only the winner advance to the Concacaf Second Round of qualification.
During the qualifiers, T&T defeated Guyana 3-0 but then drew 1-1 with Puerto Rico, 0-0 with minnows Bahamas, before blanking already qualified St Kitts and Nevis 2-0 to end in the second spot with seven points, two behind the group winner.
Following the failed World Cup campaign, then coach, Englishman Terry Fenwick was axed and replaced on an interim basis by Eve, who was given a contract until August 31 ahead of the Fifa-installed Normalisation Committee's appointment of a permanent replacement for Fenwick.
Based on the team's displays during the Gold Cup, Eve should no doubt be among the candidates for the vacant position and speaking on his return home on Wednesday night from the Gold Cup where he played a key role in T&T's opening goalless draw with Mexico, 34-year-old Abu Bakr who is attached to PS Tira in Indonesia said, "Obviously we are a little bit disappointed not to still be in the competition, but we could be pleased with what we have done out there.
"It's just about now building and learning from some of the errors and picking up some momentum now."
Reflecting on the team's involvement in the competition, Abu Bakr who has two goals in 38 senior team appearances said he thought the highlight of the campaign has to be the performances of everyone.
"We used our full squad and everybody contributed and it's hard to pinpoint any one person so it's just the super team effort and the pride that we played with that was the highlight for me."
Looking forward, former Queen's Royal College stalwart Abu Bkar who has played locally for Joe Public and Morvant Caledonia United said, "We have to get back playing football, especially the local guys. We have to stay fit and we have to build on the performances and all the experiences that we have had in the last few weeks and we have to be stronger.
"We played for ourselves, for each other, for our teammates, families of course, and the fans and everybody in T&T who suffered through this pandemic and suffered through a low point in our football. This is for them and of course, some of our injured brothers who sort of fell along the way in this journey, so Khaleem (Hyland) and Jones (Joevin) and all the boys who fought so hard with us, this is dedicated to them as well."
Another tireless performer for T&T during the competition was Canada-based striker and former Fatima College student, 27-year-old Ryan Telfer said the end of the campaign is a bittersweet moment.
Telfer, who has five goals in 15 senior teams appearances and featured in all the team's matches, added, "Knowing where we were as T&T football a couple of months ago, being knocked out of the World Cup qualifying campaign and then being able to turn things around quickly with a new coaching staff and maybe some new players and just being able to go through that pre-qualifying campaign to qualify for the Gold Cup, was huge for us.
"It was a big step for us and then obviously the results against Mexico is something that the whole on T&T and maybe Mexico was ultimately surprised about but it was a proud moment for all the guys here.
"Having that results against El Salvador and losing that game that hurt us a lot because of what we did in that game before against Mexico, and then hopefully trying to get something out of the Guatemala game, which we ultimately ended up tying the game that we believed that we should have won, but all-in-all it's a good note from where we were before and a huge step in what's to come in T&T football."
Concerning the rest of the year, Telfer said based on what has happened the team has to take it one step at a time.
He said, “Through all the turmoils the federation and the players have been through, this is a huge step for us and we just have to take it one game at a time when it comes, and if it comes in the form of an international friendly or when Nations League starts back up."
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WATCH: Highlights of Radanfah Abu Bakr's performance against Mexico at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
https://www.youtube.com/v/JMcz3uludck
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Mind Games: Radanfah Abu Bakr talks about the mental health of athletes.
https://www.youtube.com/v/C5ZamZdzeDA
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Condolences, Radanfah.
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Condolences to the family.