Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on July 15, 2015, 08:39:03 PM
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The last Cummings that scored a double against Mexico was Gally. See clip. Well done Keron.
https://vimeo.com/22977268
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Nice reminder Flex! :-)
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‘Ball Pest’ Keron.
T&T Express.
Friends and teammates call him “Ball Pest”.
And Cummings says he is willing to live up to his nickname by pestering opposing players. He did so against Cuba at the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday, closing down their midfielders and not allowing them to thread through balls at a time when T&T strove to preserve their lead.
“They call me Ball Pest, so I willing to go out and work for meh national team and put them back on the map where they supposed to be,” he said.
Cummings, hails from Petit Valley, and has been one of the outstanding players of the 2014-2015 local Pro League season. Playing on a North East Stars team minus a true attacker since the departure of Trevin Caesar for the USA, Cummings has often been pushed forward with great success. He is also an astute dead-ball specialist.
Cummings has always been talented, but said to be undisciplined, resulting in him bouncing around the Pro League between several teams, including W Connection and San Juan Jabloteh, before finally getting serious under the guidance of disciplinarian Angus Eve at North East Stars. He has also been on a couple of youth national teams and had a previous call-up to the seniors as well.
His newly found maturity has landed Cummings a spot on the senior national team and head coach Stephen Hart showed confidence in him with a second half run against Cuba.
“Ah had a nice lil (Pro League) season and a get call back to the national team. Is a good experience coming back into the team. Ah mean, ah work hard for it, ah thankful for it,” Cummings said. “It’s a good experience being with Kenwyne Jones, being with Boucard, being with Hyland, because ah grow up playing together with some of them.”
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Played well against Cuba as a midfielder and had a wonderful game against Mexico scoring two goals. Is Hart responsible for this switch , if the answer is Yes then credit must be given to the coach for recognizing this talent. Someone said in another post that he has sown up the midfield position. I like him up front.
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Rumour has it that he has matured a lot. He was released by Connection and then Central for playing fete match and minor league football. Graham Rix was really frustrated by him and could never understand how a guy with so much talent would prefer to play minor league than focus on being a professional.
It's good to see that he persevered. I remember his last words to me when he left Central. He said "Mr Harrison, I'm gonna straighten myself out and come back to Central" I heard he was thinking about doing just that this season, so, BallPest...the door is always open!!
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Rumour has it that he has matured a lot. He was released by Connection and then Central for playing fete match and minor league football. Graham Rix was really frustrated by him and could never understand how a guy with so much talent would prefer to play minor league than focus on being a professional.
It's good to see that he persevered. I remember his last words to me when he left Central. He said "Mr Harrison, I'm gonna straighten myself out and come back to Central" I heard he was thinking about doing just that this season, so, BallPest...the door is always open!!
I think you've lost him.
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Rumour has it that he has matured a lot. He was released by Connection and then Central for playing fete match and minor league football. Graham Rix was really frustrated by him and could never understand how a guy with so much talent would prefer to play minor league than focus on being a professional.
It's good to see that he persevered. I remember his last words to me when he left Central. He said "Mr Harrison, I'm gonna straighten myself out and come back to Central" I heard he was thinking about doing just that this season, so, BallPest...the door is always open!!
I think you've lost him.
I think we can't afford him lol
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Rumour has it that he has matured a lot. He was released by Connection and then Central for playing fete match and minor league football. Graham Rix was really frustrated by him and could never understand how a guy with so much talent would prefer to play minor league than focus on being a professional.
It's good to see that he persevered. I remember his last words to me when he left Central. He said "Mr Harrison, I'm gonna straighten myself out and come back to Central" I heard he was thinking about doing just that this season, so, BallPest...the door is always open!!
I think you've lost him.
I think we can't afford him lol
Lol, yea...I think his price tag just got a little too big for us but it's good to see him turn it around. Great story Supporter.
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FS, who is the coach for Central? Your CCL games are coming up soon.
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how old is Ball Pest ??..ive seen him in the pro league a couple times...but nothing like this at all...very very impressed...
very expensive left foot
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He's 27 according to the info out there. Also seeing that he's been linked (or a smartman is presenting that he's linked to Pan American Calcio). This entire script is predictable.
My advice: hold strain soldier, the cavalry coming. Doh make no sudden moves. Yet.
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I wouldn't be surprised to see a few MLS teams make a pitch. Tallman really did say he have something to offer after watching the closed door Haiti game.
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Rumour has it that he has matured a lot. He was released by Connection and then Central for playing fete match and minor league football. Graham Rix was really frustrated by him and could never understand how a guy with so much talent would prefer to play minor league than focus on being a professional.
It's good to see that he persevered. I remember his last words to me when he left Central. He said "Mr Harrison, I'm gonna straighten myself out and come back to Central" I heard he was thinking about doing just that this season, so, BallPest...the door is always open!!
I think you've lost him.
I think we can't afford him lol
Lol, yea...I think his price tag just got a little too big for us but it's good to see him turn it around. Great story Supporter.
If he's truly left minor league behind, my respect for him as a player has grown even more. And, he's a nice guy too!
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Minor league not easy to leave nuh
In his post match interview, he was asked what was the difference in the team for the 2nd half.
First thing out his mouth was..."the crowd". Then he mentioned his teammates etc
This is a major item that hinders the development of the Pro League and helps to make it unattractive to players.
Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
It really comes down to very simple and fundamental stuff.
Respect
Admiration
Love/Hate
Appreciation
$$$
You get all that in Minor League football. Used to get it in Intercol...maybe still do. Not necessarily the same in Pro League
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Impressive stuff so far. Needs to keep focused and keep progressing... Would be great to see an MLS team pick him up. It's crazy how much Joevin Jones has developed while in the MLS. His mentality is stronger, his physique is that of a pro footballer and his overall play has drastically improved.
MLS is at a Concacaf level. We need our stand out local players to be at least at that level...the likes of Cummings, Guerra, Rundell Winchester etc.. It's a great league for development and also a much better showcase for Europe.
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Impressive stuff so far. Needs to keep focused and keep progressing... Would be great to see an MLS team pick him up. It's crazy how much Joevin Jones has developed while in the MLS. His mentality is stronger, his physique is that of a pro footballer and his overall play has drastically improved.
MLS is at a Concacaf level. We need our stand out local players to be at least at that level...the likes of Cummings, Guerra, Rundell Winchester etc.. It's a great league for development and also a much better showcase for Europe.
Re: Joevin Jones.....2 words....professional environment.
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Impressive stuff so far. Needs to keep focused and keep progressing... Would be great to see an MLS team pick him up. It's crazy how much Joevin Jones has developed while in the MLS. His mentality is stronger, his physique is that of a pro footballer and his overall play has drastically improved.
MLS is at a Concacaf level. We need our stand out local players to be at least at that level...the likes of Cummings, Guerra, Rundell Winchester etc.. It's a great league for development and also a much better showcase for Europe.
Re: Joevin Jones.....2 words....professional environment.
Yup exactly my point. It will do Guerra the world of good to be there
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Minor league not easy to leave nuh
In his post match interview, he was asked what was the difference in the team for the 2nd half.
First thing out his mouth was..."the crowd". Then he mentioned his teammates etc
This is a major item that hinders the development of the Pro League and helps to make it unattractive to players.
Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
It really comes down to very simple and fundamental stuff.
Respect
Admiration
Love/Hate
Appreciation
$$$
You get all that in Minor League football. Used to get it in Intercol...maybe still do. Not necessarily the same in Pro League
Exactly.
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Impressive stuff so far. Needs to keep focused and keep progressing... Would be great to see an MLS team pick him up. It's crazy how much Joevin Jones has developed while in the MLS. His mentality is stronger, his physique is that of a pro footballer and his overall play has drastically improved.
MLS is at a Concacaf level. We need our stand out local players to be at least at that level...the likes of Cummings, Guerra, Rundell Winchester etc.. It's a great league for development and also a much better showcase for Europe.
Re: Joevin Jones.....2 words....professional environment.
Yup exactly my point. It will do Guerra the world of good to be there
That is if he get a next game this tournament.
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
I think it works both ways with Pro League. In the stadiums, supporters are so far away from the action they don't feel the buzz, plus people are spread wide apart. Those same 300 at a minor league game would be bumping shoulders and be up close to the action. Same with players. In minor league they can feel the buzz from the crowd. The only good thing about our stadiums from a players perspective is that you can take a corner without being pelted by bottles of urine!!
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
how could you get the crowds when games are played on a neutral ground tens of miles away from home supporters? even the premier league has home grounds, whitehart lane, anfield, tyne side, wareside, goodison park , bramall lane, ewood park, portman road, the hawthorns. these places are all situated in or around the city center and well within walking distance.
the pro league has to find ways of bringing the games into the community where after a game the home supporters could gather at a bar or on the home pitch and celebrate a victory or drown their sorrows in a neighborhood pub.
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This man scored 2 of the best goals i've seen from any tnt squad.
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
how could you get the crowds when games are played on a neutral ground tens of miles away from home supporters? even the premier league has home grounds, whitehart lane, anfield, tyne side, wareside, goodison park , bramall lane, ewood park, portman road, the hawthorns. these places are all situated in or around the city center and well within walking distance.
the pro league has to find ways of bringing the games into the community where after a game the home supporters could gather at a bar or on the home pitch and celebrate a victory or drown their sorrows in a neighborhood pub.
It can be done. I have said before. Jabloteh and Caledonia should be playing at a field constructed in Aranguez. There is enough room in Aranguez to build a 5000 mini stadium(possibly turf field). These 2 teams are about 5 miles apart. Rangers and DF can play in the stadium. NE need a field in Grande. Not a massive field. You mean to say they can't buy a piece a land somewhere in Grande. What about Ojoe rd. Central and Connection have multiple options. Club Sando can play in Skinner Park.
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If the government serious and they want to see the pro league take it to another level they have to grant each team a community ground and install stands for 5000 , a quality pitch, dressing rooms , equipment room, administrative offices and bathrooms for spectators...also a training pitch very close to the main ground. Add one more franchise to make it 10 teams and have Friday night football. Each club lacks identity. I guarantee you each home game will sell out. Charge 20$ a game for the first season and each team can start to make money via gate receipts, eventually merchandise and the more the league grows then a possible tv deal will be another income generator.
Crowds and atmosphere raise the intensity levels 100% and creates a better brand for the pro league. Sponsors can see ROI with 5000 people week in week out.
That would be a fantastic gift from the government to Football development in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a worthy investment.
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plenty room for improvement.
He can shoot but he is not consistent.
one minute he wipping a deadly cross next minute he crossing behind the goal.
At this level in addition to having ability you have to be consistent.
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T&T at Mexico 2009-06-10 : Goal by Hayden Tinto
https://www.youtube.com/v/N5uZsHK4TGE
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If the government serious and they want to see the pro league take it to another level they have to grant each team a community ground and install stands for 5000 , a quality pitch, dressing rooms , equipment room, administrative offices and bathrooms for spectators...also a training pitch very close to the main ground. Add one more franchise to make it 10 teams and have Friday night football. Each club lacks identity. I guarantee you each home game will sell out. Charge 20$ a game for the first season and each team can start to make money via gate receipts, eventually merchandise and the more the league grows then a possible tv deal will be another income generator.
Crowds and atmosphere raise the intensity levels 100% and creates a better brand for the pro league. Sponsors can see ROI with 5000 people week in week out.
That would be a fantastic gift from the government to Football development in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a worthy investment.
@Banter Banton --- I'm not trying to fight-you-down, but why should any government fund this private enterprise, though? Last time I checked, the Pro League was a private venture. If after 10 years, that private venture don't know how to fill seats at its match-venues, then the issue is really with the people who own and run that private venture. Added to that is the fact that no government knows how to properly run or manage a business efficiently, so one would run the risk of having the blind leading the blind, if the government decide to spend money on granting land, and building stadiums, for private organizations that haven't as yet gotten their act together.
What I might agree with though, is maybe POSSIBLY some sort of temporary joint-venture between some of the Pro League teams, and the government, whereby the government could maybe fund-half the cost of any newly built fields/stadiums, and the Pro League teams fund the other half. The government funding could be secured via floating new issue TT Govt Bonds in the market, for the express purpose of building the new venues for those teams. Each team involved in the JV, will have to re-pay those funds to the tax-payers over the course of 10 to 20 years.
Any default, would simply mean that the Government would take-over the defaulting team, or have an independent firm manage the team until any payment issues are resolved etc.
There are numerous other ways to structure such deals -- 50-50 JV, 60-40 JV, and 80-20 JV etc etc etc. And of course with various clauses and covenants specific to each deal.
Regardless, there would need to be full accountability in any deal in which tax-payer funding is procured to help fund any aspect of a private enterprise.
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Yea it has to be a joint venture...the pro league cannot do it on its own.
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Yea it has to be a joint venture...the pro league cannot do it on its own.
So what allyuh saying, the pro-league is a mirror image of the TTFA??
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T&T at Mexico 2009-06-10 : Goal by Hayden Tinto
https://www.youtube.com/v/N5uZsHK4TGE
Yeah Ah remember that Tinto goal. Bullettttttttt
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
how could you get the crowds when games are played on a neutral ground tens of miles away from home supporters? even the premier league has home grounds, whitehart lane, anfield, tyne side, wareside, goodison park , bramall lane, ewood park, portman road, the hawthorns. these places are all situated in or around the city center and well within walking distance.
the pro league has to find ways of bringing the games into the community where after a game the home supporters could gather at a bar or on the home pitch and celebrate a victory or drown their sorrows in a neighborhood pub.
It can be done. I have said before. Jabloteh and Caledonia should be playing at a field constructed in Aranguez. There is enough room in Aranguez to build a 5000 mini stadium(possibly turf field). These 2 teams are about 5 miles apart. Rangers and DF can play in the stadium. NE need a field in Grande. Not a massive field. You mean to say they can't buy a piece a land somewhere in Grande. What about Ojoe rd. Central and Connection have multiple options. Club Sando can play in Skinner Park.
you are saying exactly what i am saying. my point was that most people would not go all the way to a neutral location to watch a games except that they are hardcore fans. but if the games were to be kept in their community or closer to their home base and within walking distance then most likely fans will follow. but no young kid or old man aint traveling all the way to couva or marabella to watch a game especially they are from arima or st anns, that is absurd.
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Been saying that since I joined the site - got louder after I went to a game. Everyone I know and talk to interested in the local game also says it - so why is it so damn hard? Get some locals to clear out a Rec ground and tidy up the stands, maybe the TTFA can rent a large roller vehicle to flatten the ground or whatever.
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
how could you get the crowds when games are played on a neutral ground tens of miles away from home supporters? even the premier league has home grounds, whitehart lane, anfield, tyne side, wareside, goodison park , bramall lane, ewood park, portman road, the hawthorns. these places are all situated in or around the city center and well within walking distance.
the pro league has to find ways of bringing the games into the community where after a game the home supporters could gather at a bar or on the home pitch and celebrate a victory or drown their sorrows in a neighborhood pub.
It can be done. I have said before. Jabloteh and Caledonia should be playing at a field constructed in Aranguez. There is enough room in Aranguez to build a 5000 mini stadium(possibly turf field). These 2 teams are about 5 miles apart. Rangers and DF can play in the stadium. NE need a field in Grande. Not a massive field. You mean to say they can't buy a piece a land somewhere in Grande. What about Ojoe rd. Central and Connection have multiple options. Club Sando can play in Skinner Park.
Jabloteh are getting a stadium at the Ato Boldon ground. North East are getting one at Ojo Road. Tenders are out now. The plan is that by 2017 every Pro League club will have a stadium (although some may share like Connection & Central). Each will be income generating and managed by the clubs (i.e. 30% of income goes to Ministry for maintenance costs, 70% to clubs) This way, subventions can be reduced and maybe redirected to Super League clubs (who would also get access to stadiums for training etc)
The 3 core reasons for WPL are: help the WNT prepare for PanAm, prove that corporate T&T can be attracted to football, prove that there is a hunger for quality football in the communities and this can be serviced.
I feel that all three have been accomplished. We invited many corporate leaders such as Norman Sagba to the WPL games and they were truly inspired. I have met with several CEO's of big brands who want to take a franchise store in the new stadiums. Instead of naming them after former athletes, we would sell naming rights i.e. the BMW Stadium, the Caribbean Kool arena etc. Many companies are interested in this.
Finally, when the English Football League went into meltdown in the 80's, the UK government took active steps to help it recover. Professional football is an inspiration to many and an important part of a nations fabric. It is very much in any governments interest to make it work.
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Players in every sport everywhere love to perform before a crowd. Hostile or not. It's where you get your validation. Not just sports people, but performers in every realm.
People can say what they want about minor league. When you playing with the crowd right around the field, the emotion and adrenaline is primary. Validation is secondary as far as I concern.
I play in St.Joseph Savannah. Eddie Hart, St James Infirmary(Poor House), Red Hill, Dabadie, Trou Macaque. All them community league is just adrenaline. If this current proleague had that, then they will be well on their way to be a success. I don't know why they can't get crowds. They over 10 yrs old, they get govt subvention, but they don't draw the crowd of the old POSFL,SFL, SFA, NFL, etc and the days of ASL and them. This league is an independent league. They are not run by the TTFA. So what is their problem.
But if a player signs a contract with a pro club, he has no right playing in minor league. punto final.
how could you get the crowds when games are played on a neutral ground tens of miles away from home supporters? even the premier league has home grounds, whitehart lane, anfield, tyne side, wareside, goodison park , bramall lane, ewood park, portman road, the hawthorns. these places are all situated in or around the city center and well within walking distance.
the pro league has to find ways of bringing the games into the community where after a game the home supporters could gather at a bar or on the home pitch and celebrate a victory or drown their sorrows in a neighborhood pub.
It can be done. I have said before. Jabloteh and Caledonia should be playing at a field constructed in Aranguez. There is enough room in Aranguez to build a 5000 mini stadium(possibly turf field). These 2 teams are about 5 miles apart. Rangers and DF can play in the stadium. NE need a field in Grande. Not a massive field. You mean to say they can't buy a piece a land somewhere in Grande. What about Ojoe rd. Central and Connection have multiple options. Club Sando can play in Skinner Park.
Jabloteh are getting a stadium at the Ato Boldon ground. North East are getting one at Ojo Road. Tenders are out now. The plan is that by 2017 every Pro League club will have a stadium (although some may share like Connection & Central). Each will be income generating and managed by the clubs (i.e. 30% of income goes to Ministry for maintenance costs, 70% to clubs) This way, subventions can be reduced and maybe redirected to Super League clubs (who would also get access to stadiums for training etc)
The 3 core reasons for WPL are: help the WNT prepare for PanAm, prove that corporate T&T can be attracted to football, prove that there is a hunger for quality football in the communities and this can be serviced.
I feel that all three have been accomplished. We invited many corporate leaders such as Norman Sagba to the WPL games and they were truly inspired. I have met with several CEO's of big brands who want to take a franchise store in the new stadiums. Instead of naming them after former athletes, we would sell naming rights i.e. the BMW Stadium, the Caribbean Kool arena etc. Many companies are interested in this.
Finally, when the English Football League went into meltdown in the 80's, the UK government took active steps to help it recover. Professional football is an inspiration to many and an important part of a nations fabric. It is very much in any governments interest to make it work.
So its not San Juan Jabloteh anymore then?
Is Covua Jabloteh?
This is real brain wok.
It have men in T&T working backwards.
Just know all de clubs go end up in Central and South.
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Jabloteh are getting a stadium at the Ato Boldon ground
that don't make sense. You mean you have space in Aranguez to go Couva. What kind of dotishness is this. No wonder the proleague lagging.
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Jabloteh are getting a stadium at the Ato Boldon ground
that don't make sense. You mean you have space in Aranguez to go Couva. What kind of dotishness is this. No wonder the proleague lagging.
Bear in mind that Club Sando is based in Couva.
Maybe I should form Diego Martin FC and put it in Arima and use the Municipal Stadium.
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EDIT: Taken from TTFA FB page!
Cummings on trial at Orlando City
Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Keron Cummings is currently on trial with MLS Club Orlando City.
Cummings, who scored in T&T's 3-3 draw with Mexico last Friday, joined the club a few days later. Orlando City officials were actually eager to have the player join them directly after the match but the North East Stars player opted to return home before joining national teammate Kevin Molino at the club alongside Brazilian Kaka.
The club is reportedly very keen on signing the player.
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(http://i.imgur.com/exVJACY.jpg)
Dis man one of di baddest in we squad, 27 years old i was wondering why he never went overseas. Just goes to show dat T&T local league can create good players too
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Dis man one of di baddest in we squad, 27 years old i was wondering why he never went overseas. Just goes to show dat T&T local league can create good players too
Discipline. Is only this past season he get serious. He made his debut under Latapy in 2010.
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Great news!
Shows the benefit of National team exposure against quality opposition.
Hopefully Guerra uses this as incentive to work even harder to get similar opportunities. Lord knows he has the talent but talent alone eh enough.
Same for other Pro League players.
On the flip side....this further weakens the Pro League as the best players usually get these opportunities. That said....opens the door for other players to showcase themselves.
so....Cyrus....then Cummings.....heard a talk about Jonathan Glenn the other day. Mikiel Williams and Yohance Marshall got gigs after the Gold Cup performances.
Who next? I'd like to see Rundell Winchester and Kadeem Corbin in the mix too. Hopefully they can step up.
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Great news!
Shows the benefit of National team exposure against quality opposition.
Hopefully Guerra uses this as incentive to work even harder to get similar opportunities. Lord knows he has the talent but talent alone eh enough.
Same for other Pro League players.
On the flip side....this further weakens the Pro League as the best players usually get these opportunities. That said....opens the door for other players to showcase themselves.
so....Cyrus....then Cummings.....heard a talk about Jonathan Glenn the other day. Mikiel Williams and Yohance Marshall got gigs after the Gold Cup performances.
Who next? I'd like to see Rundell Winchester and Kadeem Corbin in the mix too. Hopefully they can step up.
Guerra have talent to burn but his desire to stay local is killing his career and progress..
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Also good to see Molino condition is looking ok. He is doing well in physiotherapy I understand. :thumbsup:
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Also good to see Molino condition is looking ok. He is doing well in physiotherapy I understand. :thumbsup:
:beermug:
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Kevin put on some muscle too!
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I am so glad for this kid, very good technical player.
I hope all these other youths take note, the benefits of playing for your national team instead of just looking for a quick buck.
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Great news!
Shows the benefit of National team exposure against quality opposition.
Hopefully Guerra uses this as incentive to work even harder to get similar opportunities. Lord knows he has the talent but talent alone eh enough.
Same for other Pro League players.
On the flip side....this further weakens the Pro League as the best players usually get these opportunities. That said....opens the door for other players to showcase themselves.
so....Cyrus....then Cummings.....heard a talk about Jonathan Glenn the other day. Mikiel Williams and Yohance Marshall got gigs after the Gold Cup performances.
Who next? I'd like to see Rundell Winchester and Kadeem Corbin in the mix too. Hopefully they can step up.
Guerra have talent to burn but his desire to stay local is killing his career and progress..
Guerra head in a mess, like Jemmot. He not going no where, I will be surprise if he make a T&T side again, unless we missing a few starters. Guerra have talent, is just he have to get his head straight.
Cummings on the other side, is calm and composed.
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Great news!
Shows the benefit of National team exposure against quality opposition.
Hopefully Guerra uses this as incentive to work even harder to get similar opportunities. Lord knows he has the talent but talent alone eh enough.
Same for other Pro League players.
On the flip side....this further weakens the Pro League as the best players usually get these opportunities. That said....opens the door for other players to showcase themselves.
so....Cyrus....then Cummings.....heard a talk about Jonathan Glenn the other day. Mikiel Williams and Yohance Marshall got gigs after the Gold Cup performances.
Who next? I'd like to see Rundell Winchester and Kadeem Corbin in the mix too. Hopefully they can step up.
Guerra have talent to burn but his desire to stay local is killing his career and progress..
Guerra head in a mess, like Jemmot. He not going no where, I will be surprise if he make a T&T side again, unless we missing a few starters. Guerra have talent, is just he have to get his head straight.
Cummings on the other side, is calm and composed.
Guerra don't want to come out of his comfort zone... staying in trinidad is thinking in the box.. sometimes you have to have that will to leave the shores of trinidad to better your career... i hope he gets his act together
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Goodluck cummings! we have seen what a short time in the MLS has done to joevin hope the same thing happens to cummings :beermug:
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He will be much better than Larin for sure. Orlando making a good move bringing him in.
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Cummings solid in Orlando trial.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Orlando City sees him as the perfect fill for the injured Kevin Molino and he’s looking to grab the opportunity and move into a new phase of his career.
National midfielder Keron Cummings has proven to be the new find in the national team, scoring three goals in two appearances against Mexico. The 27-year-old North East Stars player has been on trial with American MLS club Orlando City for over a week now and has reportedly impressed the management staff.
The club has had their eyes on him since the CONCACAF Gold Cup before finally inviting him to the club the week of the recent 3-3 draw with Mexico.
“It’s an opportunity I’ve been waiting out. I worked very hard to get myself up to a decent level and get back onto the national team,” said Cummings.”
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Congratulations!! Just de tuning you will need to make your contribution towards Russia 2018! Hard work and persistence...take note young talents!
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Always nice to hear a good report. Hope he gets his deal.
Buh wait, he taking Molino spot! Fellas allyuh work it out eh. ;D
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Any word on this soldier? I check OCFC website and I ain't see anything...he not on their roster!
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SWO was reliably informed that national midfielder Keron Cummings was shot this morning after an attempted robbery on him. The culprit knew who he was and shot him in the leg after he resisted, as a result Cummings suffered broken and shattered bones and is warded at the Port of Spain General Hospital. No further details have been released on the extent of the injury, but SWO will update its readers once it becomes available.
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Yes, it's true.
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Wdf!!! Is he ok????
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That is flocking crazy.
Trinidad is the worst place to live now.
Imagine they robbing a national footballer who making little bit of momey, now he could be done and it could cost him his career.
I getting to really hate my country because 90% of crimes is not solved.
Get well soon bredda, ah hope to see you play again soon.
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This is f00king madness. I hope he is okay and is able to continue plying his trade. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Sounds as if the gunman purposely shot him in the leg. I hope this gunman is found and dealt with appropriately.
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Yes just heard a voice message from his cousin. He was shot because of robbery. I have a picture of him in the hospital that shows his injured leg. Won't post because of privacy to him. Seems like his operation went well. Hopefully he recovers well. Crazy and distasteful are some people in Trinidad and Tobago. Be safe out there. Bless
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Tragedy and pain continue to haunt this team but this is why they will succeed. From Jan's wife, to Marvin's baby... From Hyland and Guerra losing their brothers to violence to this... But this team will persevere! Get well soon Soldier!
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Tragedy and pain continue to haunt this team but this is why they will succeed. From Jan's wife, to Marvin's baby... From Hyland and Guerra losing their brothers to violence to this... But this team will persevere! Get well soon Soldier!
Indeed. Cant have the resilience without the adversity.
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Tragedy and pain continue to haunt this team but this is why they will succeed. From Jan's wife, to Marvin's baby... From Hyland and Guerra losing their brothers to violence to this... But this team will persevere! Get well soon Soldier!
Indeed. Cant have the resilience without the adversity.
ditt0 on both count this has madness has to end.....it this point we need some kinda fear factor to deter criminals but what can we do short of turn d country into a quasi police state every time something serious happens
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Foolishness... My prayers are with him to recover and resume playing.. Take the man money but don't shoot the man.. How some men so spiteful and envious
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Steups I just glad he still have his life.
I hope he heals properly.
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oh man PEST....speedy recovery.. met him 3 weeks ago..at a doubles man..the doubles man was " counseling " him..advising him about dis and dat and stay out of dis and dat...THE DOUBLES MAN...
dat shoot in foot sounds like " take dat baller "..
" WE"RE LIVING IN REALITY and T ".
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when will y'all declare war ?
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Prayers and guidance for a full and speedy recovery. Grateful to the almighty that his life was spared, and prayerful that he will be able to continue with a successful career.
Madness.
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oh man PEST....speedy recovery.. met him 3 weeks ago..at a doubles man..the doubles man was " counseling " him..advising him about dis and dat and stay out of dis and dat...THE DOUBLES MAN...
dat shoot in foot sounds like " take dat baller "..
" WE"RE LIVING IN REALITY and T ".
It sounds as if the surgery was well and immediate.. This is good. Let's see when he is released.. if it is soon, the injury was probably not as severe as we think. However if he has shattered bones, it can be a whole other ball game.
So I guessing no Haiti game for sure. Maybe see him in the summer?
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This news real sour my afternoon... BIG SCHUPSSS!!! Get well soon bro :praying: :praying: :praying:
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Real madness, Oh jeezanages wdf going in TnT ? it is really disturbing to say the least what's taking place in TnT . !! ....... Anyways to Keron Cummings Wishing a full and Speedy recovery . blessings to you
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Sad indeed. Our prayers are with you. Speedy recovery.
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damit cummings just give up the material gains and move on nah man. why resist these animals when they come for your things? he's lucky he didn't lose his life. this here is ugly ass news, i am sorely depressed. haitian jumbie i presume.
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the state of my homeland and what everyday people must deal with breaks my heart. so sad.
heal well, fast and hope you can still have a career Mr Pest. Prayers.
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Heard it on the news a little while ago.
Speedy recovery Cummings.
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They saying it wasn't a robbery attempt.
http://wired868.com/2015/12/27/soca-warriors-star-keron-cummings-shot-mls-target-will-miss-copa-play-off/
The bullet broke the thigh bone. This might affect his chances of securing something with Orlando city.
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Speedy recovery my yute and Police try to solve this 1 nah.
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dammm get well soon buddy what a sour way to end of 2015 :-\
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This is sad. I wish him a speedy and full recovery.
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evillous minds!!! get well soon Keron. Father put a healing hand on this yute in Jesus name Amen!
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This can't be happening. Thank you Lord. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
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Very Very lucky. Glad he is on the road to recovery as he was playing very well all year. Luck really was on his side.
Its very difficult to hit someone in the leg, intentionally while they are resisting and/or moving....If robbery is the motive, then its understandable, a struggle/scuffle and hit at close range.
But its is very difficult to comprehend how someone would intentionally shoot him in the leg. If it wasn't a robbery then what else could it be? Maybe a falling out of some sorts. Either way thank God he is ok.
This is terrible to even fathom. Get well soon pest
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Very very hurt by this news and obviously the missed opportunities that will occur as result...
but try and look on the brighter side, Keron, you made it out alive. Your life and family matters more.
So try your best to chin up Keron and same to all the fans who marvel at your football skills.
You'll be back (as a footballer) with prayers .... just like Molino will be.
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Very very hurt by this news and obviously the missed opportunities that will occur as result...
but try and look on the brighter side, Keron, you made it out alive. Your life and family matters more.
So try your best to chin up Keron and same to all the fans who marvel at your football skills.
You'll be back (as a footballer) with prayers .... just like Molino will be.
you alone hurt? i felt like it was a family member who was shot. seems like our football needs a bush bath. just when we get a player who makes a difference, this nonsense happens. there's never a dull moment in trinidad football boy, is negative action from start to finish. any way get well soon keron.
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We lost Molino, now the magical too-good-to-be-a-true replacement: Kern "Ball pest" Cummings
To be brutally honest, Guerra you got selected without knowing this latter crisis would happen to Ball pest.
So Tullah, against Haiti, play like your life depends on it, as this is your chane to show us and Big Mag why we thought you could have been it
Hart is watching you. Perform breddah and secure that contract and hit that right foot to sink Haiti. Guerra you can do it.
Do it for Ball pest.
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National star footballer shot in leg.
By Stephon Nicholas (Newsday).
Rising national football star Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings’ career was almost ended early yesterday morning by an unidentified gunman who shot him once in his leg as he sat in a car driven by his girlfriend on Simeon Road, Petit Valley after returning home from a boat cruise.
Cummings, 27-years-old, suffered a broken leg but is currently warded in stable condition at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.
He will have surgery today that will likely sideline him for several months.
Reports stated that Cummings and his girlfriend arrived at his home around 3am when the gunman sneaked up on the North East Stars footballer and fired once through the vehicle, hitting him on his leg before fleeing. Cummngs’ girlfriend was unhurt in the incident and drove him to the hospital.
No one was arrested up to press time yesterday and West End police officers are investigating.
The predicament brings a sour end to what had been a phenomenal 2015 for Cummings who enjoyed a meteoric rise under national coach Stephen Hart that was highlighted by an impressive double in a 4-4 thriller against Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.
Cummings, who was scheduled to join the national training camp in Couva yesterday, will now miss the crucial 2016 Copa America playoff against Haiti on January 8, 2016 in Panama and likely the tournament itself in June if TT emerges victorious.
His January transfer from North East Stars to Orlando City in the MLS (Major League Soccer) following a successful trial three months ago will now definitely be shelved as the national footballer begins his recovery with the hope of recapturing the form that attracted several MLS scouts. An irate North East Stars head coach Roland Clarke yesterday expressed no doubts as to the motive behind the attack on his player. “They showed no signs of robbery. It was a hit due to envy,” he stated emphatically.
National team manager David Muhammad, who visited Cummings at the hospital yesterday concurred. “That act in my assessment was surely an act of vice and envy. The easy thing would have been to shoot in the head or chest if you’re sitting in a car. This person aimed the gun down and towards his leg. They didn’t want to injure him that bad but it was straight to the bone. “A lot of things are being said that I can’t repeat but one of my immediate concerns is if there is some sort of sick mind out there,” he said, while calling for a thorough investigation to be conducted by the police.
He revealed the incident has left Cummings shaken and in a state of depression as his career, which looked to be taking off with his first overseas contract, is curtailed.
“His mood is understandably sombre. He’s in a state of grief trying to wrestle with this tragedy as he was about to go to camp. He was in magnificent form and it’s very painful to come to terms with this.
I believe he will bounce back and play again. He’s surrounded by lots of family and friends and (Orlando City star and national teammate) Kevin Molino visited him too. He (Molino) can definitely offer words of counsel about coming back after he was out for close to six months (with a torn ACL).” National coach Hart, who yesterday returned to Trinidad after spending Christmas with family in Canada, was left stunned on hearing the news that greeted him mere hours as he came off the airplane.
Taking a moment to compose himself, the soft-spoken coach said: “I mean...It’s...We all hope he recovers back to a state where he can go do what he loves. It’s a reality in Trinidad that citizens are not safe and athletes are not safe anymore.” Despite losing arguably his best attacking player for the Haiti match, Hart said the impact it would have has not crossed his mind and he is cognizant it could have been much worse than what transpired.
“If there is a silver lining in a shooting it’s that he’s alive,” he reflected.
Cummings’ shooting is the second incident in just over six months in which a national footballer has been caught in the midst of gunfire. Woman Soca Warrior Ahkeela Mollon escaped death in June earlier this year when she crawled from her car which was shot up in Longdenville, Chaguanas as rival gangs exchanged fire near her home. Mollon was unhurt in that incident.
RELATED NEWS
Team’s co-manager: Someone wanted to ruin Keron’s career.
By Rhondor Dowlat (Guardian).
National midfielder Keron Cummings, 27, was shot and wounded yesterday by a masked gunman, moments after he returned to his home from a boat cruise lime.
Cummings’ team co-manager David Muhammad strongly believes the act may have been committed under envy and is therefore calling for the police to thoroughly investigate the incident “leaving no stone unturned.”
“It seems as though the sole intention was to injure Keron in such a way to ruin his career because Keron has been top of his game more recently,” Muhammad said.
“It is clear that if the gunman really wanted him dead he would have shot him in the head or upper part of the body but he aimed for his leg. And, this of course, is a scary situation,” he added.
Cummings, 27, will definitely miss the Copa América Centenario qualifying play-offs against Haiti on January 8 in Panama City, Panama. Cummings was due to start training with the national team at 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, yesterday, ahead of the Copa playoff.
According to a police report, at about 2 am Cummings was dropped off near Bagatelle corner in Diego Martin by a close female friend when he was approached by a masked gunman, who shot him in the leg before running off.
Cummings, who also plays for the North East Stars, was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital treated and subsequently warded. According to hospital officials, Cumming’s bone has been shattered.
He is due to undergo surgery later today.
An investigating officer said there were no signs of robbery as the motive.
Muhammad said that he, along with several other teammates, have visited Cummings at hospital.
“Keron is struggling to come to terms with this. We all are because this have left all of us in shock,” Muhammad said.
“Some of us are wondering what are the possible risks now especially if that individual (the perpetrator) is still at large and maybe targeting other top players because we still do not know for sure if it is a personal issue or an envy thing. Keron was really in top form. That is why we really want the police to launch an intensive and extensive investigation into this,” he added.
Muhammad said he already spoke to investigating officers and intend to keep in constant contact with them.
Soca Warriors Manager, William Wallace said that he was saddened over the incident and wished Cummings a miraculous speedy recovery.
Cummings was one of the players, who had threatened not to play in the playoff against Haiti but decided to go ahead with the game since they had successfully negotiated for match fees owed to them for the Concacaf Gold Cup, an International Friendly against Nicaragua and two World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala and the United States.
Cummings scored two goals this year against Mexico in an International Friendly match.
Investigations are continuing.
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Keron%20Cummings_0.jpg)
National senior footballer Keron Cummings speaks on his cell phone while warded at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital after being shot in the leg after returning home from a party on Saturday. Cummings was expected to join the national team in camp ahead of the Copa America Centenario match against Haiti on January 8. Photo: MARCUS GONZALES
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Unacceptable!!!
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T&T has to take some draconian measures to alleviate the fear of its citizens from these criminals who on the other hand have no fear to do wrong.BRING BACK DE DAMN FLYING SQUAD !!!
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At least he wasn't shot his left foot.
Speedy recovery youth, see you for the St Vincent games.
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Real sad steupesss.
Would the cops find the person would they look in the right places .Did the gunman follow him back from the cruise or
Does he live in the area?
Does the girl have a secret admirer ?
Do any Haitians ex military live in the vicinity ?
True crime is is stranger than fiction.
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Real sad steupesss.
Would the cops find the person would they look in the right places .Did the gunman follow him back from the cruise or
Does he live in the area?
Does the girl have a secret admirer ?
Do any Haitians ex military live in the vicinity ?
True crime is is stranger than fiction.
You serious? I dont think the Haitians will go that far.
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Maybe am watching to much longmire lol .But someone did it maybe no a haitian but got to check all avenues , someone with a grudge in the vicinity .
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It would be a blessing for Cardiff to see this tragedy as a public relations opportunity and say to KJ "Jonesy go play for your nation".
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Get well soon to Keron Cummings.
Lets hope the unpatriotic cultprit who shot Keron in the leg is caught and gets some serious time so he can rethink his negative direction in life and wicked efforts to try to keep his own brother down.
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It would be a blessing for Cardiff to see this tragedy as a public relations opportunity and say to KJ "Jonesy go play for your nation".
Wtf
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easy folks
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Some things are better left unsaid... Get well Keron... People have to realize, things are not all what it seems...
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Some things are better left unsaid... Get well Keron... People have to realize, things are not all what it seems...
That's so true,I feel like saying so much,so many theories could be acceptable,but as you say,"some things are better left unsaid".The good thing is,in times of adversity our team always seem to come good,lets hope this is the case.Wish him all the best and hope he still gets that contract,move out from an environment where,even your own don't appreciate your beauty.
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Rising violence in CONCACAF a troubling sign for the region.
By Sean Maslin (backpagefootball).
Keron Cummings seemed to have it all going for him. After scoring two goals against Mexico in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Trinidad and Tobago international had just secured a trial with Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer.
Having just been called up for the Soca Warriors Copa Centenario playoff against Haiti it appeared that the 27-year-old had finally received his big break.
Alfredo Pacheco was on vacation with his family after having finished up his footballing career. Pacheco featured for El Salvador 86 times and was considered one of their top players before he was banned for life in 2013 for being implicated in a match fixing scandal.
Despite this, Pacheco continued to make a living as a footballer and lived a quiet normal life in the United States.
Although the two players likely never played against one another they will be inextricably linked due to both of them being shot on the same weekend. Pacheco, like Peralta, was killed in El Salvador on Sunday while Cummings will survive.
The attacks on Cummings and Pacheco, coupled with the death of Honduran international Arnold Peralta earlier in the month, cast a very dark light over the current stability in Latin America and the Caribbean and provide some clues as to the problems that footballers currently have in the region.
Sadly this subject is not something that is new to those who follow the game. Those of a certain age will remember the horror of hearing about the death of Colombian international Andres Escobar during the 1994 World Cup. Players have also died unexpectedly, such as former Venezuelan international Cristian Benitez.
So why do these three situations stick out so prominently? While obviously each case is still ongoing and much more information will likely come out in the days ahead, the similarities with regards to how each attack occurred and the proximity to one another are more than a coincidence.
In all three incidents the player was shot and that each of the three situations occurred in Central America or the Caribbean, two of the most violent and corrupt regions in the world.
It is not just footballers that are being targeted, but football is often a microcosm of society and these three instances provide a perfect opportunity to look at the culture of violence in the region. In this instance the murders of Pacheco and Peralta and the near death of Cummings point to how violent each of these countries are.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Honduras, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago rank among the three highest countries in the world in terms of their homicide rate.
Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the entire world with 90.4 homicides per 100,000 people. El Salvador is fourth highest with 41.2 homicides per 100,000 people while Trinidad and Tobago is positioned at thirteenth with 41.2 homicides per 100,000 people.
This level of violence often points to instability in governance. That would certainly seem to be the case in both Honduras and El Salvador, countries which are rife with gangs, illicit drug trafficking, and government corruption.
In August it was revealed that the Honduras Social Security Institute had been allegedly fleeced by about $200 million from a former Director and various government officials. In El Salvador former President Francisco Flores is currently standing trial for allegedly embezzling $15 million in earthquake relief donations.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago might seem like a relatively stable country but remember this is the same country that allowed disgraced ex-FIFA Vice President Jack Warner to continue to serve in their government until he was voted out in September.
It should come as no surprise that this is not the first time that countries from this region have been tied to either violence or corruption. Anyone who has ever watched a match in Central America will notice barbed wire and riot police officers around the stadium.
Teams are often bussed into stadiums with armed guards. Medical personnel, when attending to injured players, often have to employ the turtle formation once used by Spartans to perform their duties.
CONCACAF has also been the center of the FIFA corruption case. Of the thirty -four officials who have thus far been indicted by the United States Department of Justice half have come from the CONCACAF region.
Those include Mr. Webb and his two sons, Daryan and Darrell, Alfredo Hawit (Honduras-President of CONCACAF and ex-FIFA Vice President) Rafael Callejas (former President of Honduras and former President of Honduran Soccer Federation,) and Reynaldo Vasquez (former President of El Salvador Soccer Federation).
When former Presidents and legislative members are being indicted on fraud and corruption it shows that the issues in each country are not limited to those that commit terrible acts of violence. The root cause is a lack of stability of which football can often contribute to.
So what can CONCACAF do about the violence and the crime within its federation? For starters, it can make sure that funds that are supposed to being used for social economic projects actually go where they are intended. Gangs and violence bloom in areas where there is a lack of opportunity for people to improve their well-being.
FIFA, and by extension CONCACAF, have shown that when they fund social economic projects such as building schools, teaching women’s empowerment, and alerting the public about health issues that they can do some good.
The problem is that many times these projects are often either underfunded or not funded at all.
In the long run the region must start electing leaders that can govern in a responsible manner and look beyond their own interests. It is by no coincidence that a former President like Callejas is responsible for the violence and economic despair within his own country and is somehow able to gain employment within CONCACAF.
The region must start electing individuals who are willing to work on improving conditions in the area for as much as their capacity allows them to.
It might be easy to say that the issues of society have little to do with the issues on the pitch. People often want to enjoy a match and not be bothered by the problems going on outside of the stadium.
But the recent deaths of Pacheco and Peralta and the near death of Cummings are indicators that there are very large problems going on within the region that needs to be resolved.
CONCACAF may not have the biggest role to play in improving conditions within the region but it certainly has a role and must act responsibly in addressing the matter.
Sean Maslin - I am a freelance journalist based out of Washington D.C. In addition to BPF my work can be found on Prost Amerika and at MLS Multiplex where I serve as the site's editor. I am also the co-producer and co-host of Radio MLS
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At least he wasn't shot his left foot.
Speedy recovery youth, see you for the St Vincent games.
ha ha ha you know is true..... the stupid idiot probably didn't know that Cummings was left footed.... :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
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Shot footballer: Gunman was after my gold
By Rhondor Dowlat (T&T Guardian)
Doctors have postponed surgery to the right foot of national midfielder Keron Cummings today.
Cummings, 27, was shot while returning home from a boat cruise lime around 2 am on Sunday at Bagatelle, Diego Martin.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Cummings said yesterday he was in extreme pain and discomfort.
Asked about why he believes he was shot, Cummings replied:
“I went to lime with some of the other national players and when I reached home the gunman was waiting on me. I feel because of my gold but I had on none that night and they maybe just decided to shoot me instead.”
Cummings said he was told that arrangements were being made for a transfer to a private hospital for further medical treatment.
Cummings’ head coach at North East Stars, Roland Clarke said the injured player, who remains warded at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, was in a depressed state because his injury has caused him a major set back in his career.
Clarke said that not only would the 27-year-old be missing out on the Copa América Centenario qualifying play-offs against Haiti on January 8, next year in Panama City, Panama but also his first signing with Orlando City in Florida, United States.
“The guys, his teammates met this morning (yesterday) in camp and they are in a sombre mood. Keron is really the life of the camp and you can see how this has had an impact on them but they had to pull themselves together and do what needs to be done,” Clarke said.
Clarke, who was on his way to visit Cummings at the hospital said that the surgery had been postponed until Wednesday.
“It is because the bullet is still lodged in his leg. The bone is also broken and they are trying to achieve some sort of stabilisation before they proceed to operate,” Clarke said.
President of the T&T Football Association, David John Williams said in spite of the attack on Cummings, there was no need to increase security around the other national players.
Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, John Williams said: “There is no evidence to suggest that security should be beefed up around the other players at this time.”
John Williams described the incident as very unfortunate.
“This is so sad and unfortunate and it could happen to anyone. It could happen to you and it could happen to me,” John Williams said.
Cummings was dropped off near Bagatelle and was heading to the home of a woman when he was approached by a masked gunman, who shot him in the leg before running off.
According to an investigating officer, some headway has been made into the investigations but was unwilling to divulge any information as the probe had reached a sensitive stage.
Investigations are continuing.
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Father: We are grateful he’s alive
By Alexander Bruzual (T&T Express)
Relatives of national midfielder Keron Cummings, who was shot and wounded on Sunday by a masked gunman, are grateful that the 27-year-old man is alive and his injuries are not life threatening.
This was the sentiment expressed by Cummings' father, Christopher Cummings, yesterday evening while speaking to the media at the Port of Spain General Hospital outside his son's ward.
“First and foremost I am thanking God that my son is alive and well and I know by the grace of God he will recover from this and be back better than ever. I want to thank all the persons who are giving us support, including the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Mr Darryl Smith, who came out and visited him earlier today. I appreciate that he took the time to come out and show his support,” Cummings said.
However, he noted that he was concerned about the medical attention that his son was receiving.
“He got shot on Sunday. Up to now we are trying to find out from a doctor what they can do for our son now. All they've told us is that someone is coming in to check him on Wednesday. That is three days. This is a sportsman here, and he needs to be dealt with immediately. We don't want that to linger on, before his injuries become irreparable,” Cummings said.
The Diego Martin father also took the time to correct reports in various media about what transpired on Sunday.
“What happened was that he came home from the boat ride and went inside to harass his mother. He left his car open and turned up the music while he was going back and forth from the house. When he was outside, a gunman walked around the corner and shot him. And that was that. Along Mason Street, Diego Martin. And as I was a few streets away at the time I took him to the hospital. That was it,” Cummings said.
He noted that at first he went to the St James District Hospital where his son was treated, and doctors told him that no arteries were damaged. However, because there was no X-ray machines at the hospital Cummings had to be transferred to the General Hospital.
“I feel disappointed for him. Since he was five he wanted to be a professional footballer like Russell Latapy and Dwight Yorke. That was his dream, and I can't understand why someone would come and try to steal a person's dream like that, but I ask God to forgive whoever did it.
“We are not praying for revenge, we are praying for a miracle of healing. That person who feel they take away his dream...they only gave him more inspiration to fulfil his dream. We love Keron and we know we would make it through this,” Cummings said.
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That Sean Maslin article is pure tata.
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No X-ray machine at a District Hospital? Ludicrous or not?
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That Sean Maslin article is pure tata.
Talk about inaccuracies.. He's trying to connect football to violence. Which cannot be connected. The article does not sit on much.. Conjecture in my book.
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Cummings undergoes successful surgery
TTFA Media
National Senior Men’s Team midfielder Keron Cummings underwent surgery at the Port of Spain General Hospital on Wednesday morning.
Cummings, who suffered a gun shot wound on Sunday, had been warded since then prior to surgery which was performed by Dr Marlon Mencia and his medical team at the hospital.
TTFA Medical consultant Dr Mario John, who is an orthopedic surgeon based in Orlando, was able to observe the procedure.
Dr John stated that the thigh bone (femur) was fractured and a rod was placed into the femur to stabilize the fracture.
According to Dr John, Cummings should have a speedy recovery due to his level of fitness and the success of the surgery. Dr John suspects Cummings should be able to return to playing in ten months time once the rehabilitation process goes well.
The TTFA wishes to thank Dr Mencia and his team for the treatment and care offered to the 27-year-old player.
Cummings said he was relieved following the surgery.
“Firstly I want to thank the Almighty Lord for bringing me through this. I am relieved at the moment. I would like to thank my family and teammates, the national team management and the TTFA for their support over the last few days. This was a very difficult time in my life but I am thankful that with rehab, I will be able to make a comeback,” Cummings said.
Cummings was visited by TTFA President David John-Williams and other members of the National Team during his stay at the hospital.
T&T head coach Stephen Hart added: “This is very good news for the player and also for us. We have kept him in our prayers and we are thankful for the outcome. He will have our support throughout this and it is important now that the follow up care and the rehab process goes well for him.”
The national Senior team continued its preparations for the Copa America qualifier with Haiti with two sessions on Wednesday. The team will train once on Thursday morning at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium.
Goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams spoke about the training camp so far, saying: “We’ve had a good few sessions so far. The boys have responded well and everyone is working hard and remaining focused. Obviously the news about Keron was sad and it was a blow to the team but we continue to have him in our prayers and we are glad to know he will be okay. Generally, we are staying focused and trying to ensure we are ready as possible for the game against the Haitians.”
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Hang in their KC, see you for the Hex :beermug:
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He alive and that's all that matters............in a nutshell I doh even wear meh old school ring in Trinibad no more........I eh going no gunta boatride either........I eh looking to get rob like shadow, Kes or Denise Plummer........but anyways.........he alive
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Ouch. 10 Months is a huge set back. MLS chances are very very slim considering his age. Speedy recovery.
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Find and prosecute the perpetrator!
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Find and prosecute the perpetrator!
If wishes were horses.....*sigh*
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Mollon relives escape after Cummings’ shooting
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
The unpatriotic shooting to the leg of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most promising football stars, Keron ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings, on Sunday, has plunged the national football community into a state of shock and disbelief.
So much so, that national female footballer Ahkeela Mollon was forced to relive her lucky escape of gunfire between warring gangs in Enterprise, Chaguanas (July), upon hearing the disturbing news of Cummings’ most recent predicament.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder was shot in his leg on Sunday, and will now miss out on his nation’s Copa America qualifier against Haiti (January 8th) after yesterday’s surgery ruled him out for 10 months.
Mollon, who had to flee her car after she was inadvertently caught in the midst of a shootout among gangs earlier this year, expressed great disappointment at what transpired on Sunday morning. Although she escaped unscathed, Cummings was blatantly targeted in contrast.
“When I heard the news about Keron, my situation (in July) immediately ran across my mind,” she said. “It’s sad to know someone would be so vindictive. As a national player, you are an ambassador for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, because it is us who help fly the flag high and bring recognition to this nation.
And to see someone who is now breaking into the national team and doing so well, and in the running for so many accolades such as ‘Best Goal’, ‘Best Breakthrough Player’, it is disheartening to know someone would go to such lengths to set back a national representative.
“From one national athlete to the next, I want to wish him a speedy recovery, and to tell him to keep the faith.” Mollon was forced to crawl from her vehicle to her mother’s doorstep in escape of a hail of gunfire at the front of her home as she returned home from training. And while she may not have been their intended target, Cummings’ incident seems unfathomable to her.
“Football earns this man’s income, not to upkeep himself, but his family as well. It also opened doors for him to go abroad and play, and I can’t even begin to imagine how he is feeling. People will try to stop what God has in store for you. But man’s plan is nothing compared to God’s plan. But this is not the end for Keron. This, as hard as it may be, is a stepping stone for him I’m sure,” she added.
The Woman Soca Warrior also called on communities to rekindle activity within their respective community centres, and provide sporting activities for youths in an effort to veer them away from negative elements in society.
She reminisced on her younger years of coming home from school and heading to the community centre.
“Growing up, sport was always a good way for the youth to channel their energy into something positive,” Mollon continued.
“For me as a youth growing up, I used to put a lot of focus in the community centres because they were known to generate sporting avenues, and having the youth active.
I think we need to start taking back the communities where the youth can have something and events to look forward to, instead of sitting on the block, and being idle.” She also called on veteran athletes and sporting representatives to return to their communities and work with youngsters to further their sporting chances.
“We need to start having the sporting people who (have) been through the system coming back into the communities and giving back. I think we need to start providing more opportunities through sport and show the positives in it. Sport is starting to take the backburner in the community, and I think these community centres should step up and save their youth. We need to get sport back to the forefront,” she noted.
Mollon also revealed that she was again reminded of this nation’s challenge with crime after one of her former students was killed in Enterprise.
“I was again recently hurt by a similar situation where a young 16-year-old died through similar circumstances from my area. I taught him when I worked at the primary school, and for me, it was hard to swallow. Crime is affecting all of us, and it is now affecting our sporting representatives directly. The things of this world are temporary. There is going to come (a time) when these gunmen are going to be no more, so for me, it’s simple, put down the guns. It’s either going to land you in jail, or six feet under. There is no positive end result because you are destroying other people’s livelihoods and happiness.
There are taking away peoples’ brothers, fathers, uncles, nephews,” she concluded.
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May the baller's recovery go well! Provide him with everything he needs to make it happen.
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Firstly. I want to thank the Almighty Lord for bringing me through this,” he said from his hospital bed. “I am relieved at the moment. I would like to thank my family and teammates, the national team management and the TTFA (Trinidad and Tobago Football Association) for their support over the last few days. This was a very difficult time in my life. but I am thankful that with rehab, I will be able to make a comeback.”
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You are a Warrior my youth
Keep it positive and you will make pass this
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WATCH: Keron Cummings attends a National Team training session a day after being discharged from the hospital
https://www.youtube.com/v/lSYe3yrvePc
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Stay strong Cummings, from I noticed, the team was inspired through your presence.
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With fame comes envy, bad people, and we must be careful of everything. Soccer is another world." --- Rodrigo Messi ... commenting on his concern regarding his brother's safety in the book, Messi, by Leonardo Faccio.
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Anyone know how Cummings doing?
DJW promised he would help him recovery or maybe he was just telling us that?
Time for W Connection players to shine.
;)
Did they ever catch the guy who shot him?
I know in T&T crimes are not normally solved.
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Anyone know how Cummings doing?
The last thing I heard is that he is off the crutches.
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Cummings has resumed training https://www.facebook.com/345075305587502/videos/vb.345075305587502/1390711047690584/?type=2&theater (https://www.facebook.com/345075305587502/videos/vb.345075305587502/1390711047690584/?type=2&theater)
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Cummings has resumed training https://www.facebook.com/345075305587502/videos/vb.345075305587502/1390711047690584/?type=2&theater (https://www.facebook.com/345075305587502/videos/vb.345075305587502/1390711047690584/?type=2&theater)
Thanks for the update. I could only imagine how enthusiastic he must feel to get back to prime form to have an opportunity to get ah call up for national duty.
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Well done warrior. Wow, didn't they say 10 months? Steve Austin yes :beermug:
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Well done warrior. Wow, didn't they say 10 months? Steve Austin yes :beermug:
:rotfl: yuh just date yuh self
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Welcomed news! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Hopefully upon sound advice.
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this is pressure.... the pool is getting bigger and bigger with talent.... We going to win the CFU cup or the Caribbean cup this yr
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Great news. Not everybody can come back so quickly.
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Great news. Not everybody can come back so quickly.
Ah get lil worried deh,ah tort yuh was going to say,nobody can come so quickly.Anyway brilliant news for the Warriors. :D
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Shot footballer Cummings eyes Guatemala return.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Shot National footballer Keron Cummings is back on the football field but not training as yet. Yesterday he continued his therapy, doing strength work with the use of the football with his team Japs North East Stars.
He said he wants to play with his club before the season ends on May 31 which will give him an opportunity to be spotted by national coach Stephen Hart once again. “My goal is to be back in the T&T team for the Guatemala return game in September, and to do that I must play with my club in the T&T Pro League soon” the midfielder explained.
He was shot in December last year while returning from a night-out with friends by a lone gunman in front his door. The bullet shattered his femur, leading to emergency surgery to save the leg. No one has yet been held for the shooting, but Cummings gets regular updates from investigating officers.
‘Ballpest’, as he’s commonly known, has since been eager to get back on to the field. He began swimming a few months ago and doctors recently gave him the okay to begin strength work. He told the Guardian when he is done with strengthening his body, he will resume training.
“I cannot run fast or kick the ball as yet, but I want to get back on to the football field so badly. It is frustrating to see football being played and I cannot fit in on the action” Cummings said. Cumming was seen working out with his team, with an elastic band tied to his waist, as he tried to extend the band as far as possible. He was building strength in his legs and upper body while sharpening up on his ball control as well.
Today, he’s expected to begin additional strength work with national team trainer Tobias Ottley. The trainer described Cummings’ progress as refreshing, saying it was testament to the desire and will the player has to recover.
“I think both Cummings and national sailor Andrew Lewis are in the same category, which is above average recovery. It is not what the time line said for Cummings’ recovery but he has been doing well” Ottley explained.
He added “This may have stemmed from his therapy, where he spent almost every day in the sea and doing whatever necessary for him to recuperate.” He pointed out they have been in constant contact with team doctor Terrance Babwah before they do anything.
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
He eh dat young. He go be 28 next month.
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
Keron is one of our best midfielders ... So I don't know what that 2 year comeback you referring to.. Hyland is the one that lucky to be on this team tbh
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What happen to the fella with $6 mill in his legs? Was that Cummings?
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What happen to the fella with $6 mill in his legs? Was that Cummings?
It was Molino, and it was $1mm.
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
Keron is one of our best midfielders ... So I don't know what that 2 year comeback you referring to.. Hyland is the one that lucky to be on this team tbh
it seems like when you have an idea in your head its damn near to impossible to get it out, now what is your obsession with khaleem hyaland mate, and while we are at it did you see the last game we played and the monster game hyland had and the two valuable blatant goal assist?
Did you even know anything about football? You cry because guerra gets left out of the squad who has not scored a goal from open play since Jamaica in pos three years ago and has been poor ever since, but you are crying against Hylands inclusion who mind you, scored a crucial away goal in Guatemala.
Learn the game mate and stop fighting one of our most valuable players, just ask your good friend coach hart how very important hyland's input on the team is before you chat rubbish about the player.
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Well pull stones, yuh hit the nail on the head. I watched the 2nd half and the highlights yet I cannot see where Hyland could be faulted at all. He had a blinding game, he was involved in everything in my opinion. As for Guerra (and Peltier), at this current rate they'll have to really step up their game i.e. score a lot of goals or be playing consistently well to get a look in on the team right now.
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Keron is fighting an uphill battle to make a come back to the national team. The hill has gotten much steeper since the inclusion of Garcia and Bostock and others. Guatemala might be out of reach for Keron. But give him time and he should get to where he wants to be.. Dont think he will get the opportunity to get into the MLS again. Next year he will be 29, and we have yet to see how that serious injury will impact him as a player.
As for Hyland, he either has really good games or really bad games. Rarely anything in between. Last game with SVG was probably his best game since Guatemala. I think we will start seeing more good games from him as the competition for spots on the national team becomes stiffer. Lately, he's has been playing MUCH BETTER.
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Cummings just barely gehhin in rehab mode with respect to touches on the ball. Ah wish the thrust of the comments were more supportive of his recovery to take the field and play de game he enjoys, than to be making predictions about where his career is going or not going. Not so long ago this baller was a baller that brought all ah allyuh much joy. Doh be executioners liming by de gallows.
Cummings, big up yuh chest. Set yuh targets, do yuh thing. Ppl said Charlie Davies wouldn't make it back. He did.
Do yuh ting!
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
I agree with don't rush it. 2018 is two years away, but the reality is that the intervening period counts. According to how things go, the first quarter of 2017 might be more important than the immediacy of Guatemala. BUT, in football if a man takes yuh wuk, yuh basically want it back. Point blank.
In my view, he at least needs to return to his level of competence with the ball. After that, it's going to be whether his tactical disposition fits the bill for the cause of the day.
Unless yuh trying to motivate him with reverse psychology, hard to see how yuh could say "pardna, not to discourage yuh, eh" and then expect him to smile.
When you say he not making de team, yuh mean even the bench?
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Sense sylum, good post :beermug:
Honestly, not sure I agree that it is hard for KC to get back into the national team if his form that he had right before the injury quickly returns. But time will tell and once the hex start truth be told we need all these ballers in tip top form. So let's wish them all the best...
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all I said was, he shouldn't rush back. he has time on his side. We don't need him right now. We will need him for the hex, IF at all...don't rush.. what negativity ppl reading ? If he ketch form, and everybody at present ketch form and current team gelling..that is a negative ? Good for everybody, and maybe he will get his payday...come on fellas, be real, Keep working hard Keron, but don't rush into any game. We need you full strength when selection time 2018.
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all I said was, he shouldn't rush back. he has time on his side. We don't need him right now. We will need him for the hex, IF at all...don't rush.. what negativity ppl reading ? If he ketch form, and everybody at present ketch form and current team gelling..that is a negative ? Good for everybody, and maybe he will get his payday...come on fellas, be real, Keep working hard Keron, but don't rush into any game. We need you full strength when selection time 2018.
These comments are more in line with the view I thought you would hold, but they didn't exactly shine through in your initial post. :beermug: Clarification appreciated.
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
I agree with don't rush it. 2018 is two years away, but the reality is that the intervening period counts. According to how things go, the first quarter of 2017 might be more important than the immediacy of Guatemala. BUT, in football if a man takes yuh wuk, yuh basically want it back. Point blank.
In my view, he at least needs to return to his level of competence with the ball. After that, it's going to be whether his tactical disposition fits the bill for the cause of the day.
Unless yuh trying to motivate him with reverse psychology, hard to see how yuh could say "pardna, not to discourage yuh, eh" and then expect him to smile.
When you say he not making de team, yuh mean even the bench?
The most sensible post ive heard on this thread in response to max
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all I said was, he shouldn't rush back. he has time on his side. We don't need him right now. We will need him for the hex, IF at all...don't rush.. what negativity ppl reading ? If he ketch form, and everybody at present ketch form and current team gelling..that is a negative ? Good for everybody, and maybe he will get his payday...come on fellas, be real, Keep working hard Keron, but don't rush into any game. We need you full strength when selection time 2018.
This is totally different than what you stated before
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not to discourage the youth, but he not making this team for a few years, he actually have to come back better than before.. a la 6 M $ man, as Barataria pointed out.. Don't rush it..2018 is 2 years away.
Keron is one of our best midfielders ... So I don't know what that 2 year comeback you referring to.. Hyland is the one that lucky to be on this team tbh
it seems like when you have an idea in your head its damn near to impossible to get it out, now what is your obsession with khaleem hyaland mate, and while we are at it did you see the last game we played and the monster game hyland had and the two valuable blatant goal assist?
Did you even know anything about football? You cry because guerra gets left out of the squad who has not scored a goal from open play since Jamaica in pos three years ago and has been poor ever since, but you are crying against Hylands inclusion who mind you, scored a crucial away goal in Guatemala.
Learn the game mate and stop fighting one of our most valuable players, just ask your good friend coach hart how very important hyland's input on the team is before you chat rubbish about the player.
so one good game against svg of all teams and hyland is great again? Are you a fool or just naive? What the hell did he do against Haiti when we needed to qualify for the copa? He is not consistent and lacks quality that will be needed in the hex..
Some men are practice champs and play well for their clubs but when coming to national football they are not up to par.. When he puts in a performance like that against the US or Panama then I'll say he is improving.. Right now he can't make my squad at all..
Reality is I know more about football than you'll ever know and was exposed to higher level football than you'll ever be exposed to growing up in my family.. So let's just leave knowledge and exposure out of this talk because you are out of your league here...
This has nothing to do with Guerra idiot... Your presumptuous nature will make you look like a fool.. This is about hyland and his inconsistency and lack of quality in games that count... Putting a monster performance against svg means nothing.. Do it in the next 3 games..
Then you can come back and check me then, if not, ride out with your nonsense...
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What happen to the fella with $6 mill in his legs? Was that Cummings?
It was Molino, and it was $1mm.
Well on road to that. :beermug:
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Cummings set to make comeback from injury.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
KERON “Ball Pest” Cummings, the Trinidad and Tobago and North East Stars FC midfielder, is set to make his comeback from a career-threatening right leg injury as early as Sunday, when his club faces Central FC in a Digicel Pro League encounter at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Mucurapo.
The 27-year-old Cummings was shot on his right thigh in the early hours of December 27 2015, after returning to his Diego Martin home.
During an interview at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Tuesday night, minutes after watching his clubmates defeat Morvant Caledonia United 3-1 in a Pro League fixture, Cummings stated, “(on Monday) I had a doctor appointment with (the doctor who did) the surgery. He did the scan on it and the bone healed completely.
He said I could go ahead and do full-time training.” Questioned about when he will be back in action, he replied, “all now. I started to train from (Monday) after I (got) the okay. So I’m a full-time player again.” He is hoping to get some gametime before TT ’s trio of friendly internationals, away to Peru (May 23), Uruguay (May 27) and China (June 3).
“As I say I can train full-time now so I’m just like everybody else. I’m competing for a pick.” Cummings, who has netted three times in 13 international appearances for Trinidad and Tobago, admitted, “everything’s good. I’m feeling good, strong. Everything’s coming along.”
However, he was quick to note, “life is a disappointment but it’s just one of them. I (have) overcome it already and I (don’t) even take time to study it. I aint even taking it on actually.” Asked what lessons he learnt from his situation, Cummings replied, “sometimes when you have aims and you have goals, you have to try and achieve it without company.
“This is one of the things I’ve learnt about this incident, trying to achieve your goals (you) have to try and achieve it alone. You always have to be focusing on one direction and this is just what it teach me.” He was grateful for the support he got from North East Stars during his recovery process.
“I must say they stick out with me and I want to thank them for that. I didn’t really expect them to go the full 100 (percent) with me, so I really want to thank them for that.” Finally, what was the support like from his family and friends?
“The family is always there. I want to thank my family, my girl, my father, my mother, my close friends, the national team players, the Sports Minister (Darryl) Smith, everybody who’s part they played, the strangers who come and pray I really want to thank everyone for giving me that support. That was nice.
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Hope he is not rushing back. Would like to see the TTFA allow their doctors to sign him off too.
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Hope he is not rushing back. Would like to see the TTFA allow their doctors to sign him off too.
Think that has occurred.
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I'm happy he's back.. We need him in the Center of the park
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I'm happy he's back.. We need him in the Center of the park
:beermug:
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Cummings hope for September return.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Midfielder Keron Cummings is sticking to the belief that he can make a return to international football in September when the national team faces Guatemala and the United States in two World Cup qualifying matches.
It’s an ambitious thought considering that Cummings has not played international football for 2016 after being sidelined by a gunshot wound early in the year but having fully returned to training, who knows what the future holds. Cummings has been named in Central FC’s provisional squad for their CONCACAF Champions League campaign which begins with a match against MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps at the Ato Boldon Stadium on August 2nd.
If he plays and does well enough, T&T head coach Stephen Hart could be hard pressed to consider the player. Central also hosts Sporting Kansas on August 16th, more than two weeks before T&T faces Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
“I’m feeling great at the moment and I feel I could make the national team for the two games in September but it’s God’s call and the coach will have a decision to make. He has to do what is best for the team. Obviously I would love to be in the squad because it has been really difficult missing all the matches this year but I know I should be patient as well,” Cummings said.
He said: “The rehab went very well and I got clearance from the doctor to step it up even before they thought I would be ready, so that was a good sign. For me it’s just about getting match fit and hopefully I can play in the Champions League for Central and get my fitness back to a good level again.”
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Yes brother, hard work and determination...it'll come, just keep your head up and keep at it! Happy to hear he's back training. Well done!
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How has he been playing in the local league, i notice he was not on the team last 2 games, is he ready to go?
He is a key man for us in the Hex
between cummings, garcia and jones we have 3 boss left footing dont remember ever seeing any team local or foreign that had that must dept with the left foot.
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How has he been playing in the local league, i notice he was not on the team last 2 games, is he ready to go?
He is a key man for us in the Hex
between cummings, garcia and jones we have 3 boss left footing dont remember ever seeing any team local or foreign that had that must dept with the left foot.
Argentina, pardna.
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Updates on Cummings local based...
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Updates on Cummings local based...
Slightly better recently but still a good way off in terms of form and rhythm. Central's system at times doesn't suit him but still no goals and 1 assist from 14 appearances
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Updates on Cummings local based...
Slightly better recently but still a good way off in terms of form and rhythm. Central's system at times doesn't suit him but still no goals and 1 assist from 14 appearances
No guarantees of course, but he should get to sharpness.
Saw him away to Morvant. In the dregs, prior to penalties, he created a chance (really a fraction of a chance) merely by pivoting in the opponent's area ... and the shot was there to be taken ... the crowd was expecting the trigger because the pivot semi-sold the keeper with the defender ... but confidence took Keron to a less convenient angle and he worked himself out of the "half-chance".
I say 'confidence' based on his body language. He knew what he wanted to do and did it, but he lacked the sharpness to pull it off. It wasn't that he overelaborated.
When his goal comes, it will be a BIG goal. A major contribution. Give him time.
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People eh realize to come back from type of human-induced injury period and be playing ball again is nothing short of a miracle. Happy for this brother....
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Updates on Cummings local based...
Slightly better recently but still a good way off in terms of form and rhythm. Central's system at times doesn't suit him but still no goals and 1 assist from 14 appearances
No guarantees of course, but he should get to sharpness.
Saw him away to Morvant. In the dregs, prior to penalties, he created a chance (really a fraction of a chance) merely by pivoting in the opponent's area ... and the shot was there to be taken ... the crowd was expecting the trigger because the pivot semi-sold the keeper with the defender ... but confidence took Keron to a less convenient angle and he worked himself out of the "half-chance".
I say 'confidence' based on his body language. He knew what he wanted to do and did it, but he lacked the sharpness to pull it off. It wasn't that he overelaborated.
When his goal comes, it will be a BIG goal. A major contribution. Give him time.
I'm happy he's back on the mend... he probably will not be selected again for national duty, David johns plans are not winning...
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It would be interesting to see what his real motives were... don't be surprised he's been killed or if he were interrogated for his motives that it would be some disturbing info that would be uncovered, implicating others... I doubt protective custody is even realistic in Trinidad to be honest...
I notice no shooter was ever found and in most cases the shooter would have killed instead of wounding, especially wounding in the leg of a footballer... he messed up because he probably forgot or got nervous and shot the wrong leg... or was sending a signal to one of our key players who was instrumental for us in the gold cup and was headed to the US and also would have made a difference for us in the qualifiers...
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
But if he doh play ...
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
He needs to play more, sitting him won't help... backward process, I hope central could shed some light
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
But if he doh play ...
He's appeared in at least 16 (11 starts or so) of Central's 20 games so far this season. It's a tough situation for him to adjust.
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
But if he doh play ...
He's appeared in at least 16 (11 starts or so) of Central's 20 games so far this season. It's a tough situation for him to adjust.
Adjust in regards to overcoming his injury or the team?
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He needs rehabilitation abroad, locally won't serve him well..
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
But if he doh play ...
He's appeared in at least 16 (11 starts or so) of Central's 20 games so far this season. It's a tough situation for him to adjust.
Adjust in regards to overcoming his injury or the team?
Both. They try to do a version of an intermittent press, which is why Garcia, Paul and Mitchell are automatic starters. And De Silva, Marcano, Joseph understandably have more chemistry with the team and have been in better form.
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
But if he doh play ...
He's appeared in at least 16 (11 starts or so) of Central's 20 games so far this season. It's a tough situation for him to adjust.
Adjust in regards to overcoming his injury or the team?
Both. They try to do a version of an intermittent press, which is why Garcia, Paul and Mitchell are automatic starters. And De Silva, Marcano, Joseph understandably have more chemistry with the team and have been in better form.
Hart is a football brain, no coaches locally can compare .... no offense to Central
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Hey, can anyone say if Kerron is playing for his club right now and if so, how is he looking?
He isn't a consistent starter for Central and is still struggling to regain form. It will take some time to get back his rhythm.
But if he doh play ...
He's appeared in at least 16 (11 starts or so) of Central's 20 games so far this season. It's a tough situation for him to adjust.
Adjust in regards to overcoming his injury or the team?
Both. They try to do a version of an intermittent press, which is why Garcia, Paul and Mitchell are automatic starters. And De Silva, Marcano, Joseph understandably have more chemistry with the team and have been in better form.
How long do you think it will take Cummings to get back in stride?
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Cummings ready to regain final team spot.
By Shaun Fuentes (Guardian).
Central FC midfielder Keron Cummings is grateful to be able to contest for Senior Team selection again a little more than a year after being sidelined after suffering gun shot wounds.
Cummings was forced to stay away from the game last year, undergoing rehab before taking the pitch again with Central FC. And though not quite back to the form that saw him break into the starting team at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Cummings is feeling good again.
“I am grateful to God for this opportunity to rejoin the national team and press for selection for the two World Cup qualifiers in March. And I would like to thank head coach Dennis Lawrence for seeing it fit to bring me back in the team at this time,” Cummings said.
“I intend to give it my all, work hard and try to do what is best for the team during the upcoming training camp and hopefully I can be part of the team in March.”
Cummings was named among 27 players called up by Dennis Lawrence for a training camp beginning on Monday. If it’s one player the Mexicans will recall is the former W Connection player after his second half double put them on the backfoot in the 4-4 draw during the Gold Cup in 2014.
“It’s been a long road back and I still have some way to go but I am hungry again and I really want to work my way back into the final team and try to help us push forward in the remaining qualifying matches,” Cummings added.
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Cummings eyes strong showing versus Barbados.
TTFA Media.
Central FC midfielder Keron Cummings is hoping to make a strong impression on his return to international football when this country’s senior men’s team takes on Barbados in Friday’s International Friendly at the Ato Boldon Stadium from 7pm.
Cummings earned a call up from head coach Dennis Lawrence and has participated in every training sessions since the start of the training camp last month. On Friday, Lawrence will get the chance to see just how much progress Cummings has made. The player last appeared for T&T on the international stage against United States in a 0-0 draw in World Cup qualifying action in November 2015. He has since returned to action for Central FC in the T&T Pro League.
“It’s a blessing for me to be back in the national team and having the chance to make a return to international football,” Cummings told TTFA Media. “And I am grateful for coach Lawrence for giving me the opportunity. For me the main focus is fitting back into the set up and being mentally strong and ready to wear the Red,White and Black again on the international stage.
“I will know exactly where I am at the moment once I get on the field and get some minutes under my belt. The decision is up to the head coach to decide if and when he puts me into the game but as usual I will be ready to contribute in the best way possible,” Cummings added.
Cummings, who struck a double in the memorable 4-4 draw with Mexico at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, spoke about the preparations under Lawrence.
“So far the sessions have been properly organised and solid. It has been enjoyable also. Coach knows what he wants from the players and he is settling in nicely and we as players are giving it our best so that he has all the options when it comes to selecting his team,” Cummings said.
Gates open at 4pm and tickets will be on sale at the venue. Tickets are priced at $50 (Adults) and $20 (Children).
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Cummings beginning to regain confidence.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
NATIONAL FOOTBALL team midfielder Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings is continuing to work on his fitness, as he seeks to earn selection on the Trinidad and Tobago squad for the March 24 and 28 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico respectively.
The 28-year-old Cummings featured as a second-half substitute on Friday as Trinidad and Tobago whipped Barbados 2-0 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva in a friendly football international.
This game was Cummings’ first at the international level since sustaining a gunshot wound to his right leg on December 2015.
According to Cummings, “The first game coming back out, the confidence started to come back. I feel good to know that I could come on and still get (to perform).
“The body feels good as I start back to get fit,” added Cummings.
“And we still come out and gave a good performance.
So everything is falling back into place.” Concerning his overall performance on Friday, Cummings said, “In your first game you always try to catch back your rhythm and we were (already) on top two-nil so I was just pacing myself and getting back to the normal me and getting all the players involved in the attack.”
The Central FC midfielder admitted that he has been doing extra work to regain full fitness, even though it is the off-season (the 2017 TT Pro League season is set to start in late April).
“Personally, I have no off-season,” said Cummings.
“Every day I’m doing my training because I have to get back to exactly (how I was before) and more - better, fitter and stronger. So it don’t really have any off-season for me at this point in time.” The 2016- 2017 season was his first at Central FC, having previously starred at North East Stars (now Ma Pau Stars).
“It’s the first time I ever had to go into a team that was winning,” he acknowledged. “I wasn’t getting as much playing time as I (was) accustomed but it’s a winning team.
“I just had to keep pushing myself, knowing that I had an injury to recover (from). It was a little task but it was for the good,” he ended.
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There are some players you can easily tell are a cut above the average. Even during the half time break while the subs were doing some ball work some of the skill on the ball was easily distinguishable. The ability to receive a cross field pass juggle two or three times and volley a return without the ball ever touching the ground. Even when he came on you can tell the spacial intelligence, in his movement and interplay especially with Paul and Hector.
He still looks a bit heavy, so it raises the question on what type of conditioning training Central FC actually does. He has been with them for months to still be looking that heavy. His condition speaks more to how pro league clubs manage players more than anything.
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There are some players you can easily tell are a cut above the average. Even during the half time break while the subs were doing some ball work some of the skill on the ball was easily distinguishable. The ability to receive a cross field pass juggle two or three times and volley a return without the ball ever touching the ground. Even when he came on you can tell the spacial intelligence, in his movement and interplay especially with Paul and Hector.
He still looks a bit heavy, so it raises the question on what type of conditioning training Central FC actually does. He has been with them for months to still be looking that heavy. His condition speaks more to how pro league clubs manage players more than anything.
The feedback is appreciated :beermug:
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KERON CUMMINGS HOMECOMING – SIGNS WITH PETIT VALLEY/DIEGO MARTIN UTD
http://ttsuperleague.com
http://ttsuperleague.com/keron-cummings-homecoming-signs-petit-valleydiego-martin-utd/
Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team midfielder, Keron “Ballpest” Cummings will line up for his hometown club Petit Valley/Diego Martin United in the Trinidad and Tobago Super League Two for the 2017 season.
The gifted midfielder was recently on the roster of defending TT Pro League champion, Central FC and played in the CFU Club Championships in May.
However, after helping the “Sharks” secure a historical third consecutive league title, Cummings did not renew his contract with the club for a second season.
“Ballpest” as he is known throughout the football community, rose to prominence with the T&T National Team following a series of sterling performances in the 2015 Gold Cup, particularly against Mexico in the group stage. The playmaker struck a thunderous brace in the 4-4 draw in the match that many experts consider to be the greatest Gold Cup game ever.
His ascent was however tragically halted as he was shot in the leg outside of his home, later that year.
He committed himself to working on his recovery and at the start of the 2016/17 season, signed for two time reigning TT Pro League Champions Central FC from North East Stars.
With the newly formed Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) starting in June 2017, it offered Cummings the unique opportunity to play for his hometown team as he attempts to rekindle a joy for playing and fluency on the field.
“I decided to come and play for my village team to try and find that joy in football again,” stated Cummings.
“It’s not that I stopped loving football or anything like that. I just wasn’t feeling myself. So I decided to take a little time out from the professional level and spend time with my family and friends as well as do some more therapy work on my leg.”
Cummings also commented that the life of a professional footballer is quite demanding and that he was looking forward to being able to be with his family and his children for the next few months at least.
“Right now, I am just focused on my family and friends and being with them. ”
He continued, “once I playing football and I performing, in whatever division, it shouldn’t matter. Once you could play, you could play. So Super League is good for me right now, especially as I’m home.”
The prospect of seeing one of their more talented sons on the field has certainly lifted the spirits of those in the community of Petit Valley/Diego Martin.
Cummings is expected to make his League Two debut against Youth Stars on Saturday 1 July 2017 at 4 pm at Diego Martin North Secondary School Ground, alongside former Central FC stalwart Keion Goodridge, twin brother Keino Goodridge and Samuel Delice.
In the other match-ups, opening round winners, Central 500 Spartans and Prisons FC will face off at Youth Training Centre Ground (Arouca), while Harlem Strikers will host Marabella FCC at Frederick Settlement Ground.
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‘Ball Pest’ Cummings joins Super League outfit.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
FORMER TRINIDAD and Tobago football team midfielder Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings has joined TT Super League’s League Two outfit Petit Valley/Diego Martin United, as a free agent, having left three-time TT Pro League champs Central FC during the off-season.
The 29-year-old playmaker has struggled to regain full fitness and form since he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, near his Petit Valley home, on December 27 2015.
At the time, Cummings was an integral member of North East Stars, as well as the national squad under the guidance of Stephen Hart.
Cummings joined Central FC ahead of the 2016-2017 season but he hardly managed to get an extended run, both at club and national level. He last played for T&T during a 2-2 draw, away to Grenada, in a friendly international on April 29.
However, the easy-going midfielder is hopeful that his stint at Petit Valley/Diego Martin United can see him, not only reconnect with his fans in his community, but earn a contract with a Pro League club in the near future.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Cummings noted, “It’s a community team, and the only reason why I had the thought of coming back and play, until the transfer window opens back, (is because) I wanted to spend some time with the family.
“It’s a village thing, so I just decided to spend time with family and still play football,” he continued.
Asked about the response of the community regarding his move, Cummings replied, “That’s my home team, that’s my village team.
(The) boys will always show me that love. I have experiences to share with them.” He went on to add, “Some players, even (if) they are free agents, they wouldn’t give up (better opportunities) to come and play with their village (because of) pride.” About his fitness level, he said, “I feel good.
It’s just to start to get back form.” However, he does not envision himself returning, as a player, to Central FC. “I (have) crossed that bridge,” he admitted. “I don’t want to cross back that road.
I was a little challenge playing with them but that’s how it (goes) in life sometimes. Not everything you (do) get exactly how you want.” With his new chapter, at least at the club level, Cummings hopes that he will still catch the eyes of the national team’s technical staff, headed by coach Dennis Lawrence.
“Nobody (from the TT staff) hasn’t checked me or called,” he admitted, “but everything will fall into place. God is a good God.” Assistant Petit Valley/ Diego Martin United team coach Gordon Pierre, who is also a television football commentator, spoke of the addition of Cummings, as well as ex-Pro League players Samuel Delice, Kadeem Corbin and twins Keion and Keino Goodridge, to the Petit Valley/Diego Martin United squad.
“To have them back home, we’re trying to rebuild the western peninsula. After passing Port of Spain, there is no (top-flight) team representing the west,” Pierre said. “We’re glad to have back our senior players.
We understand the sacrifice they made in terms of giving up their (immediate) chance to be on the national team by coming down (to the Super League level).” Pierre continued, “we want to build back the community as well.
We think that football belongs to the community and we have set ourselves a three-year plan to be playing at the highest level of football in the country.”
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Rough world out here, hang in there KC, enjoy your football and keep pressing...such is the nature of the life...
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3rd division football yes
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So they shoot our midfield maestro, then after his rehab he get drop from the national team and now he is no longer in the pro league
People could say what they want but he's more talented than molino imo much more deadlier in the box as well
My prayers are with him but such is the nature of politics and corruption in regards to our football in TT
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So they shoot our midfield maestro, then after his rehab he get drop from the national team and now he is no longer in the pro league
People could say what they want but he's more talented than molino imo much more deadlier in the box as well
My prayers are with him but such is the nature of politics and corruption in regards to our football in TT
Why doesn't he go to a small team in Central America first division to prove it?
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the man is 29 he eh no spring chicken so unless he's at the top of his game no team in Central America will be willing to take a chance on him
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So they shoot our midfield maestro, then after his rehab he get drop from the national team and now he is no longer in the pro league
People could say what they want but he's more talented than molino imo much more deadlier in the box as well
My prayers are with him but such is the nature of politics and corruption in regards to our football in TT
Based on what? Molino has consistently shown for club and country and consistently at a higher level. I agree that Cummings is very talented, I was really looking forward to seeing him move onto the MLS and farther. It was terrible what happened to him. I hope he can come back, stronger than ever, he's had an amazing record against one of the stronger footballing nations in the world. I do think he possibly has a greater potential than Molino, but I think ya gotta give Molino his due respect. He took a half chance against Costa Rica that last game and did extremely well.
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Based on what? Molino has consistently shown for club and country and consistently at a higher level. I agree that Cummings is very talented, I was really looking forward to seeing him move onto the MLS and farther. It was terrible what happened to him. I hope he can come back, stronger than ever, he's had an amazing record against one of the stronger footballing nations in the world. I do think he possibly has a greater potential than Molino, but I think ya gotta give Molino his due respect. He took a half chance against Costa Rica that last game and did extremely well.
How is that possible at this stage? He is older and playing at levels nowhere near where Nashy is right now. Sadly I think his may be a story of robbed potential. While he was exciting in that brief moment it was only that. When yuh could be on a team with Kaka and he showing respect and appreciation for yuh talent yuh cah just be ordinary with the potential to be met and passed by a footballer who playing several levels below and older. So by now we need to drop any comparisons between him and Nashy until such time that Ballpest back to playing at a comparable level.
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Based on what? Molino has consistently shown for club and country and consistently at a higher level. I agree that Cummings is very talented, I was really looking forward to seeing him move onto the MLS and farther. It was terrible what happened to him. I hope he can come back, stronger than ever, he's had an amazing record against one of the stronger footballing nations in the world. I do think he possibly has a greater potential than Molino, but I think ya gotta give Molino his due respect. He took a half chance against Costa Rica that last game and did extremely well.
How is that possible at this stage? He is older and playing at levels nowhere near where Nashy is right now. Sadly I think his may be a story of robbed potential. While he was exciting in that brief moment it was only that. When yuh could be on a team with Kaka and he showing respect and appreciation for yuh talent yuh cah just be ordinary with the potential to be met and passed by a footballer who playing several levels below and older. So by now we need to drop any comparisons between him and Nashy until such time that Ballpest back to playing at a comparable level.
Good assessment, my opinion is based solely on national football and comparing both, molino is indeed talented, whether he plays to his full potential on the national team is another story..
I believe from what I read, prior to him being shot he was suppose to join molinos club, then shit hit the fan
If I had a choice, of a healthy and in form ball pest, I would choose him over molino but that is just my opinion, I think ball pest has a lot more to offer
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Very exciting player. Sad what happened to him. Give him another 18 months to figure it out. If nothing happen by then, then I don't think anything close to MPS will be happening for him. I hope he does figure it out. But reality is reality.
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Based on what? Molino has consistently shown for club and country and consistently at a higher level. I agree that Cummings is very talented, I was really looking forward to seeing him move onto the MLS and farther. It was terrible what happened to him. I hope he can come back, stronger than ever, he's had an amazing record against one of the stronger footballing nations in the world. I do think he possibly has a greater potential than Molino, but I think ya gotta give Molino his due respect. He took a half chance against Costa Rica that last game and did extremely well.
How is that possible at this stage? He is older and playing at levels nowhere near where Nashy is right now. Sadly I think his may be a story of robbed potential. While he was exciting in that brief moment it was only that. When yuh could be on a team with Kaka and he showing respect and appreciation for yuh talent yuh cah just be ordinary with the potential to be met and passed by a footballer who playing several levels below and older. So by now we need to drop any comparisons between him and Nashy until such time that Ballpest back to playing at a comparable level.
since you have forgotten allow me to remind you that Cummings was well on his way to orlando city to start his career in the mls when he was wounded. Cummings imo is not as skillful as molino I front of goal but in the midfield he is way more clever and visionary than molino despite his age. By the way latapy was playing in scotland whil hector Sam was playing in the epl, who do you think is the more talented of the two? before you answer that, I rate molino over cummings so there be no misunderstandings.
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Hector Sam never played in the Premier league.
Lower levels of the English pyramid even in his prime.
Get real. No offense to Hector Sam.
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since you have forgotten allow me to remind you that Cummings was well on his way to orlando city to start his career in the mls when he was wounded. Cummings imo is not as skillful as molino I front of goal but in the midfield he is way more clever and visionary than molino despite his age. By the way latapy was playing in scotland whil hector Sam was playing in the epl, who do you think is the more talented of the two? before you answer that, I rate molino over cummings so there be no misunderstandings.
I don't need reminding as I haven't forgotten about anything you mentioned, so try and take off de "lemmeh school yuh attitude." Unless you missed it I said currently, not past tense, not 2 years ago, not if everything went as best as it could, but currently. Reflecting on the idea that he was about to join Orlando means nothing now. It is speculative at best to believe that it meant he would surpass/usurp Nashy at the club or would go on to have any sort of career in mls unless you have a crystal ball that can see different projected timelines. So it really means nothing in the scheme of things. BTW that comparison fails miserably as you aren't comparing 2 players who anyone in their right mind could consider similarly skilled or suited. Furthermore you have your facts crossed up as Sam never played at a comparable level to Latapy ever!
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Hector Sam never played in the Premier league.
Lower levels of the English pyramid even in his prime.
Get real. No offense to Hector Sam.
pardon me I meant to say Clint marcelle but must have had hector Sam on the brain.
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Hector Sam never played in the Premier league.
Lower levels of the English pyramid even in his prime.
Get real. No offense to Hector Sam.
pardon me I meant to say Clint marcelle but must have had hector Sam on the brain.
Well with that correction now we have a discussion. There are some who favored Clint over Russell. And while it isn't a close 50-50 split it always made for an interesting argument. Correction not withstanding, I still stand by everything I have said with regards to any comparison of Molino and Cummings.
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I see he is back with Central FC.
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WATCH: Keron Cummings talks about his return to form and his desire to once again represent Trinidad and Tobago. Dennis Lawrence, are you watching, are you listening?
https://www.youtube.com/v/K1XK3N1XaiA
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He's talented for real, I hope he can continue to push himself to perform at a high level on the field and take care of his body off the field, something coach Hart always stressed to the local players.
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If he plays consistently, I think it will be a no brainer for Dennis. We must realize that Keron was and probably stillrecovering, physically and mentally from that very traumatic incident. It is not like he got injured while playing on the field. The demon could have taken taken this gifted player’s life. It nice to see he getting his confidence back. It is a pity he was not ready for the last Hex. But God Bless. I like how he said, “the army boys is he friends, but come game time, is beat".
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Verry happy to see this level of form from him. Also his overflowinf confidence. Hope he gets to play in our next campaigns.
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Good to see for real, so sad what typifies our society now, smh. Glad to see him overcome it....
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Totally love de vibe and respect. Take it to the limit, Cummings. Joy on the pitch and joy in the interview. Nutten eh wrong. Maximise yuh opportunities and express yuhself. Fruits will bear.
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Special player
And to think DJW did publicly and loudly waste down his selection when Ball Pest was selected to the Gold Cup team
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Special player
And to think DJW did publicly and loudly waste down his selection when Ball Pest was selected to the Gold Cup team
Blame SH for DJW talkin outta he azz at the time..he couldn't help heself since he didn't choose SH, except do everything in his power to sabotage the program..now in gauva season, seems he mouth cork..liks like fire, bobol like peas
oops, did i say that out loud..no wuk for me now :laugh:
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Happy to see him back and he’s gaining his confidence
The only problem is, will he be in form 4 years from now when we rolls around
I hope tallest is gone by then tbh
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Special player
And to think DJW did publicly and loudly waste down his selection when Ball Pest was selected to the Gold Cup team
Of course he did, it went against his plan to sabotage our program.. how can he achieve that with a talented mid pairing with Kenwhine...
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Happy to see him back and he’s gaining his confidence
The only problem is, will he be in form 4 years from now when we rolls around
I hope tallest is gone by then tbh
DJW have to leave first. Cuz once he stays he'll keep Tallest there to do crap
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Happy to see him back and he’s gaining his confidence
The only problem is, will he be in form 4 years from now when we rolls around
I hope tallest is gone by then tbh
DJW have to leave first. Cuz once he stays he'll keep Tallest there to do crap
I know the crap you referring to brother
Benching Levi, dropping Cummings, Jones and who knows what else would happen
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‘Ball Pest’ looks for stability at Caledonia.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
FORMER national football team midfielder Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings is looking for stability at his new club Morvant Caledonia United, having joined them from Central FC a fortnight ago.
The 30-year-old played an instrumental role, with a pair of goals, as he guided Central FC to the First Citizens Cup at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on July 21.
Cummings netted twice as Central FC and Defence Force were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Central FC prevailed 4-2, courtesy kicks from the penalty spot, to secure the trophy.
He ended his second stint at Central FC with a 3-0 defeat to San Juan Jabloteh in a Pro League encounter on August 21 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.
And Cummings said on Monday that he is looking to start a new chapter at Caledonia, who are currently eighth in the league standings with five points.
“Sometimes, as a player, you have to take it up on your own and try to see about yourself,” he noted. “I just feel it was a time for me to (start a new) chapter and try different things.”
He insisted that his move had nothing to do with the current financial struggles affecting the Pro League clubs, especially Central FC.
“I just need a new environment,” Cummings said.
Asked what he will bring to the Caledonia squad, under the guidance of coach Jerry Moe and technical director Jamaal Shabazz, Cummings replied, “They (have) a new bunch of guys who’re willing to work (like) Maurice Ford, Aikim (Andrews) and Keion Goodridge.” He continued, “But I feel the key thing to the Caledonia team is leadership. And that’s my role, where I’m focusing on, leadership and trying to get the job done for the team.”
Shabazz welcomed Cummings to the team and is optimistic that the former W Connection, St Ann’s Rangers, North East Stars (Pro League); Westside Superstarz and Petit Valley/Diego Martin United (Super League) member can “blossom to the player he should be”.
According to Shabazz, “Over the years he has demonstrated a lot of talent, but he remains still in need of being blossoming to the player he should be. I think he needs some stability and he would get that in an organisation that shows love and care for our players.
“We always admired him as a player and we’re looking forward, after playing against him for all these years, to him contributing to the forward thrust of the club,” Shabazz added.
The ex-national men’s and women’s team coach revealed that Cummings has signed a two-year deal. “Such is our confidence,” Shabazz said.
RELATED NEWS
Morvant Caledonia to unleash marquee signing “Ball Pest” against rivals Jabloteh.
ttproleague.com.
Trinidad and Tobago attacking midfielder Keron Cummings “Ball Pest” is expected to suit up for new employers Morvant Caledonia United against crosstown rivals San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm on Friday when the Pro League resumes with a mouth-watering double-header at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Star-studded Defence Force FC will host Club Sando, a side boasting the likes of newcomer Jabari Mitchell and returning winger Tyrone Charles, from 8pm in the second game at the Mucurapo Road venue.
Cummings, 30, made the switch from three-time former league Central FC, becoming part of a handful of marquee signings by Morvant Caledonia after 22-year-olds winger Aikim Andrews, defensive midfielder Jesus Perez and centre-back Maurice Ford, and 20-year-old Grenada national team forward Saydrel Lewis -- all during the August transfer window.
Morvant Caledonia, coached by technical director Jamaal Shabazz and head coach Jerry Moe, are in crucial need of points after five league outings, positioned eighth on the 10-team PL 2018 standings with just five points and a game in hand against cellar-placed North East Stars.
Shabazz pointed out that while aim of Morvant Caledonia is to grow competitively this season, the ultimate goal is to become the team of 2019 and to return to Concacaf and Caribbean glory in 2020.
“We are in it for the long haul …for instance, we signed Keron Cummings for two years,” said Shabazz, who guided Morvant Caledonia, then Caledonia AIA, to the Caribbean crown in 2012 and on the Concacaf Champions League stage in 2012 and 2013.
“I was never one afraid to take the small steps towards the bigger goal of getting us into Concacaf in 2020,” continued the former T&T Men’s and Women’s coach and Guyana national team coach. “We are seeing a team -- with time and proper planning -- that could emerge as a force again.”
Shabazz, who also welcomed the addition of experienced ex-Central defender Keion Goodridge during the transfer window, says he is confident that his club’s latest signings, together with the talent across the team such as 19-year-old forward Renaldo Francois, Guyana international attacker Sheldon Holder and veteran playmaker Kerry Daniel, will improve performances.
“We always wanted to be competitive [this season], although we started cautious,” the Morvant Caledonia boss said. “But the injection of capital through the Government’s subvention opened the opportunity for us to invest in about four marquee players who can make a huge impact on the field and also assist in bringing along the younger players.
“In doing so, we are overly focused on building the infrastructure of the team and a more holistic approach in the players’ development in areas nutrition and so on.
“We want to try to win on and off the field by creating a team that could motivate the communities of Morvant, Laventille, East Port of Spain, Caledonia and environs.”
Shabazz, while admitting there will be an adjustment period for the new players “because they came from backgrounds that are pretty set in their ways”, praised the immediate influence of Cummings.
“Keron Cummings certainly has made his presence in training felt,” added the Morvant Caledonia technical director. “He has forced his way into the starting 11. Most importantly he has been a good person to his fellow players, being very encouraging on the pitch. We are not seeing a cocky brat. We are seeing a humble talented young man who is sharing his experience with his teammates.”
Shabazz revealed that he wants defender Ford, a former youth level player at Morvant Caledonia, to show a bit more commitment to take over the captain’s armband from evergreen full-back Kareem “Tiny” Joseph. “He (Ford) has matured a lot but he needs to show more ambition and focus regarding his football career.”
Friday’s opponents, Jabloteh, meanwhile, are a side equipped with recent signings Kevon Villaroel, Akeem “Battery” Benjamin, Elton John, Jason Marcano and Kishon Hackshaw. The San Juan Kings will provide a huge test for Morvant Caledonia as Keith Jeffrey’s men are hoping to return to winning ways after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Defence Force on Aug. 28 which snapped an unbeaten run of five games.
On Saturday, Point Fortin Civic will host leaders W Connection from 6pm at the Mahaica Oval while the Ato Boldon Stadium will host a double-header with Terminix St. Ann’s Rangers against Central from 4pm and Police FC against North East Stars from 6pm.
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He is 30 already !!!
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He is 30 already !!!
How yuh mean already? He make his debut for de national team back in 2010 when he was 21.
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My honest hope is to see Kerron Cummins play football for TT again,what a bloody sad story.Imagine what was in store for him,who knows how far he could have gone.The man that shot him should be fed to Hyenas.
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He is 30 already !!!
How yuh mean already? He make his debut for de national team back in 2010 when he was 21.
That robbery/shooting shit was so f**ked up. He should should have spent the year rocking the MLS getting looks from European outfits. Things can still happen though.
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Player to watch - Keron Cummings
https://www.youtube.com/v/1qhGPKz2xc4
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We could use Kerron in that midfield presently
Curious why he wasn’t even selected
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We could use Kerron in that midfield presently
Curious why he wasn’t even selected
where have you been mate? the la horqetta rangers owner did not release his players to train with the national team so fenwick moved on, can't say that i blame him. i think i heard that just before the team was getting ready to leave for the DR mr ferguson was in a war of words with terry over him not selecting his players, then he challenged terry to a match citing if terry won he would give the national team $100,000.
some how i can't get past the childishness of these local trinidadians who hold some influence on that big stone in the atlantic, it's always some rigmarole over the smallest things and in the end it's only the innocent who gets hurt. that is why we languish on the bottom of every sport discipline, these jokers always put their self interest to the fore front and ignore their responsibilities to the nation. you already know the deal.
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This player is a baller.
Always interesting to hear players reflecting on aspects of their game that they had previously neglected.
At this stage of the proceedings, I wouldn't think twice about Cummings. Bring him! He's a weapon. No pun intended.
He's also a rhythm player.
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We could use Kerron in that midfield presently
Curious why he wasn’t even selected
I think L.H Rangers (Cummings Club) boss Richard Ferguson is/was not releasing any of his players?
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Isn’t Plaza a Rangers player?
Good to “see” you Flex. Hope all is well with you and yours
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Isn’t Plaza a Rangers player?
Good to “see” you Flex. Hope all is well with you and yours
played with the national team in a warm up against police ...then got selected . Plaza joined without rangers permission and would be diciplined when he returns ... i think his contract will be terminated ...
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Isn’t Plaza a Rangers player?
Good to “see” you Flex. Hope all is well with you and yours
Glad to see you as well.
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We could use Kerron in that midfield presently
Curious why he wasn’t even selected
where have you been mate? the la horqetta rangers owner did not release his players to train with the national team so fenwick moved on, can't say that i blame him. i think i heard that just before the team was getting ready to leave for the DR mr ferguson was in a war of words with terry over him not selecting his players, then he challenged terry to a match citing if terry won he would give the national team $100,000.
some how i can't get past the childishness of these local trinidadians who hold some influence on that big stone in the atlantic, it's always some rigmarole over the smallest things and in the end it's only the innocent who gets hurt. that is why we languish on the bottom of every sport discipline, these jokers always put their self interest to the fore front and ignore their responsibilities to the nation. you already know the deal.
Yeah I missed that, the ttfa should have taken the 100k and played the match but Fenwick is afraid to lose..
And in the process Kerron gets left off the team, but we have never played with a full strength team in a while, or our best players.
Plenty egos in TT and little consideration for the players and our football
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This player is a baller.
Always interesting to hear players reflecting on aspects of their game that they had previously neglected.
At this stage of the proceedings, I wouldn't think twice about Cummings. Bring him! He's a weapon. No pun intended.
He's also a rhythm player.
Exactly but Cummings don’t want to burn his bridge with his club from what I’ve read above :beermug:
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‘I will be back!’ ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings on his football education, silencing Mexico, and his international exile.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
“I will be back on the pitch soon,” said Terminix La Horquetta Rangers playmaker and ex-Trinidad and Tobago international star Keron ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings. “So I hope Mr [Angus] Eve keeps a place open for me!”
Cummings was not among the 60 players selected by Men’s National Senior Team interim head coach Angus Eve in his provisional squad for next month’s Concacaf Gold Cup. And the omission followed his non-appearance at the Concacaf Futsal Championship in May, after a medical scare.
But the gifted 33-year-old maestro assured his fans that it is just a temporary hiccup.
Four days before the National Futsal Team’s departure to Guatemala, the players had a pre-tournament physical check-up inclusive of an ECG scan. On the eve of their flight, the results returned with a note of concern for the attacker.
Cummings and team doctor Dr Akash Dhanai immediately headed to see a specialist, but there was not sufficient time for the athlete to be cleared before the team travelled.
“They said my heart is large but they also said that is a normal thing for sportsmen,” said Cummings. “But for them to give me clearance, I needed to do a stress test first—and it was Sunday night and it would be 48 hours for me to get back the result. If I did that, I would not have been able to leave with the team.
“[…] The coach asked me to still travel with the team to help motivate the players, because of my seniority in the squad. So I went and said I would do the stress test when I get back.”
On his return, though, Cummings found a public health sector reeling from a surge in Covid-19 cases. More than a month later, he is still waiting for his medical appointment. He expressed gratitude for the Robert Hadad-led Fifa-appointed normalisation committee, which is helping him to navigate the health system.
A National Futsal Team technical staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed Cummings’ account of the doctor’s visit in May.
“I went with Cummings and it is true that they told us that what they saw was not abnormal for athletes,” he said, “but they still wanted to rule out the possibility that it might be something serious. I think they wanted to be sure he wasn’t the one in a million case like [Denmark and Inter Milan midfielder Christian] Eriksen.
“[…] The advice at that time [from the cardiologist] was he could not authorise him until he did a stress test, a MRI of the heart, and a third thing that I cannot recall at the time, which would rule out the possibility of a particular condition. Those tests would have been able to confirm that it was just a case of him having that size heart-wall because he is an athlete.
“[…] It definitely is not a case where he can’t play anymore.”
Trinidad and Tobago football fans could breathe a bit easier then. Whether they will get to see him in national colours again is a different story. But, before we get there, it might be instructive to understand why this left footed maestro became such a cult figure in the first place.
Cummings’ entire national senior team career so far adds up to just seven starts and nine substitute appearances with three goals. He has made only one appearance more than forward Trevin Caesar and one less than left back Triston Hodge, who can hardly claim to have established themselves at that level.
But Cummings feels different.
Trinidad and Tobago have never lost a competitive match with Cummings on the field. And before you sniff suspiciously at those stats, his appearances comprise fixtures against: Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, and the United States—only the final outing was played on home soil.
(Trinidad and Tobago lost on penalties to Panama in the 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinal fixture, but Fifa records games decided by penalties as drawn—even though the loser goes home.)
His three goals came in two matches against Mexico: a double in a thrilling 4-4 group stage tie, and then a single item in the rematch, which ended 3-3.
Cummings’ last competitive international appearance was also the last occasion in which the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) had anything resembling a sell-out crowd, as over 20,000 patrons watched the Soca Warriors play to a goalless draw against the United States on 17 November 2015—with thousands more forced to leave the venue, due to poor management of the gates and unholy lines.
But let’s go further back still to the birth of ‘Ball Pest’, near his home in Simeon Road, Petit Valley.
As a boy, Cummings would slip outside and down to the nearest recreation ground to watch minor league action at night. And, as the teams caught a breather during the intermission, he was one of several children who would snatch a ball and run on to the field—pretending to be football stars themselves.
“During half-time, I would take the ball and try to dribble everybody who would come out with me,” he said. “I remember a man there told me one night: ‘come off the field nah boy, you’re a pest eh!’ And it went from there to them calling me a ‘ball pest. And the nickname just stuck.”
Cummings played Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) competition with a talented East Mucurapo Secondary team that included Khaleem Hyland, Tyrone Charles, Ataulla Guerra, and Richard ‘Shaka’ Roy, who all went on to win national senior team caps. Current Soca Warriors stars Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones were two younger members of that school team.
The Mucurapo stand-outs were not short of offers from Pro League clubs. Cummings chose W Connection in Couva.
“I was the only Port of Spain player there at the time,” he said, “and that was when they had all the Brazilians, like Gefferson Goulart and them.”
While Hyland went straight into the San Juan Jabloteh first team under then coach Terry Fenwick and won a professional contract in Belgium before his 20th birthday, Cummings’ rise was slower.
“For a young player in Connection at that time, it was hard to get into the team and I had to wait my turn,” he said. “But I think that’s the club where I learnt the most about professional football. From the Brazilians in particular, I learnt about professionalism, about developing your technique, and the sacrifice you have to put in for the game.
“At the time, we were travelling a lot and playing in the Caribbean Championship and so on. It was exciting and a really good opportunity for me.”
By then, Cummings already knew how he wanted to play. He offered a clue when asked to name his favourite player.
“I can’t name one favourite player—I have to name four,” he said. “My four favourite players are Ron La Forest, Russell Latapy, Kerwin Jemmott, and Nigel Pierre. I love technical players!
“[…] The game has changed now and it is just about energy. But before it was what you could bring to the table with your touch.”
North East Stars, rather than W Connection, finally unleashed Cummings on the Pro League. And there was plenty to appreciate about the slim ball handler with dancing feet and a booming left foot shot that could extend goalkeepers from almost any distance.
Eve, who was Stars’ head coach at the time, is not the type to encourage ball possession just for the sake of it, though. Cummings was a playmaker who relished attackers running off of him to create passing angles. Instead, Eve stuck him upfront as a ‘false 9’ and challenged him to become a finisher.
“Eve for me is one of the coaches who knows how to get the best out of you,” said Cummings. “He takes you out of your comfort zone. I was a creator before; it was not that I couldn’t finish but my game was built around trying to create for others. He brought out the goal scorer in me, by teaching me how to play with my back turned [to the opposing defence].
“One of my most exciting times as a player was with Eve playing me on top as a false nine.”
As it turned out, then National Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart was looking for just that sort of player, as Molino was out with a serious knee injury.
In June 2015, Hart selected Cummings for the first time in his provisional squad, just weeks before the July Gold Cup. Initially, he was back-up to Guerra—remarkably, all three Trinidad and Tobago ‘number 10s’ at the time were former Mucurapo teammates.
However, while Molino perfected the role of an advanced midfielder, playing in tandem with giant, talismanic centre-forward Kenwyne Jones, Guerra was often unwilling to follow suit. Instead Guerra preferred to drop deep or slide to the side of the field in search of a pass to feet.
Cummings, thanks to his new role at Stars, was a natural fit.
His first game under Hart was a 3-0 loss away to Jordan, after which the coach criticised the players for an ‘awful’ showing. Cummings said they were just jet-lagged. A few days later, they managed a 1-0 win over Haiti in a scrimmage before entering the competition.
“For the Jordan game, I feel after the hours we spent travelling we didn’t get to settle in so we could play properly,” said Cummings. “But for me when I got to see the level of those teams, I knew I could compete. Against Haiti too, I realised that these teams are beatable. They are not more talented than us; they just work hard and are a bit more focused.
“Once we applied ourselves, we could get a good result.”
Cummings was an unused substitute in Trinidad and Tobago’s Gold Cup opener, which was an impressive 3-1 win over Guatemala. But Guerra did not distinguish himself and was replaced by forward Willis Plaza in the 62nd minute.
In the second outing, the Warriors defeated Cuba 2-0 with both goals in the first half. Again, Guerra came off after just over an hour. On this occasion, Cummings replaced him.
For the final group match, the Warriors led Group C by two points and facing a Mexico team that were not used to being runners-up to Caribbean opposition.
With nearly 56,000 partisan Mexico supporters at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Hart decided the time was right to give the then 27-year-old ‘Ball Pest’ his first international start.
“[Hart] said he wanted me to stay close to Kenwyne Jones to feed off the second balls,” said Cummings. “He kept stressing to me ‘stay close to Kenwyne and the chances will come’, and that is exactly what happened in the game.”
Mexico, as expected, went ahead through an opportunistic far post finish by Paul Aguilar in the 31st minute. Ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela put ‘El Tricolour’ two goals clear in the 51st minute with a fine solo effort, after a wayward pass by Jones (K).
But then the Warriors tore up the script. Jones (K) got a chance to run at the Mexican defence and played a square pass to Cummings who was at his side—just as Hart instructed—to tuck past the opposing goalkeeper.
Cummings was involved in the equaliser too, three minutes later, as he released Cordell Cato down the right flank and his cross was steered home by Jones (K). Then, in the 66th minute, Trinidad and Tobago scored the type or route one goal that was only possible with the big forward.
Jones (K) chested down an Aubrey David long throw and Cummings beat Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa with a sublime angled shot into the far corner.
The Warriors were ahead 3-2!
There would be three more goals in the last six minutes of the breathless affair, with defender Yohance Marshall tying the scores at 4-4 with a memorable stoppage time header off a Jones (J) corner kick.
Cummings was the only outfield Trinidad and Tobago-based player in Hart’s starting team that evening; and if that didn’t matter to you, it sure did for him.
“Honestly speaking, I don’t fear no player—I respect players for what they bring to the table, but I don’t fear any player at all,” said Cummings, after brushing shoulders with the likes of Giovani Dos Santos, Herrera, Andres Guardado and Vela on his full international debut. “[…] I wanted to do well for my people back home, to let them know I am representing them. I was also representing the local players in the Pro League.
“Many times, you don’t get a fair chance when you are fighting for your place against the foreign-based players. I wanted to show that the local-based players are people to respect too!”
In the Gold Cup quarterfinal, Phillip saved two penalties while a Panamanian kicker skied a third. However, Sheldon Bateau, Jones (J) and Daneil Cyrus all failed to score from the spot as the Warriors were eliminated on penalties.
Mexico went on to win the 2015 Gold Cup. But they were not done with the Warriors yet. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) rang the TTFA and proposed a return match on 4 September, at altitude in Salt Lake City, to see if Trinidad and Tobago could match them a second time.
“I had an abscess in my mouth and I remember Hart saying: ‘Cummings, you sure you could play with your mouth swell up?’” said Cummings. “And I said it is not if I want to play; I have to play! Plenty people were saying it was a fluke. It was the greatest game in the history of the Gold Cup and people thought we couldn’t do it again.
“I wanted to show them!”
The Warriors were ahead after just seven minutes as Cummings dribbled between two opponents and his right footed shot deflected off a Mexican defender and looped into the air, before being headed in by forward Jonathan Glenn.
And, six minutes before halftime, Cummings doubled T&T’s lead with a close range finish after flanker Lester Peltier stole the ball from the dozy opposing left back.
This time, Mexico were the ones who had to claw their way back; and they did. Jones (J) scored a second half free kick but the game finished 3-3.
Cummings was wearing number 20, but the ‘number 10’ role—at least in Molino’s absence—was his. He played for 90 minutes in a 2-1 friendly win away to Panama, as the Warriors continued to defy the Concacaf’s top nations.
Then, Orlando City offered him the chance to play alongside Molino for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
“I was training with them and it was going well,” said Cummings. “They wanted me to stay with the team so I could fit in with their players, and they would sign me for the next season. But then we had the game coming up against America.
“So far, all my games for my country were away and I didn’t feel the people in Trinidad really saw the level I was playing at. I mean they saw me on tv but it is always better to see someone live. So I asked [Orlando] to let me come home.”
Cummings played from the start in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Guatemala in Guatemala City on Friday 13 November. And, with Hart starting a slightly more conservative line-up against USA on Tuesday 17 November at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the attacker featured for just the closing 10 minutes in a goalless draw.
He was still in Trinidad, biding his time to return to Orlando and become a MLS player when he went to a boat cruise put on by a Pro League colleague.
“After two months outside and hardly doing anything, we decide we will take a little go out,” he said.
Cummings was shot in the leg by an unnamed assailant after the party, just outside his home, on the morning of Sunday 27 December. By the time he recovered fully, Hart had been sacked while the Orlando City offer was a distant memory.
His international heyday lasted just six months, between June and November 2015.
He got two subsequent caps as a substitute for Lawrence against Barbados and Grenada in 2017. But he never felt the former World Cup 2006 hero had confidence in him.
“I had a good Gold Cup and then I had an unfortunate injury—and after that you don’t see Cummings again,” he said. “It was the same for Ataulla [Guerra]. You keep asking yourself, if you were getting success with something and the players are still there; how can you turn away from that and pretend that there aren’t people to do the job, even when you’re losing games?
“I remember when [Tom] Saintfiet was here and Tyrone [Charles] got picked. He was playing amongst the foreign-based players and showing form. Then a new coach comes (Lawrence) and you don’t see Tyrone again; and you ask yourself why are you not seeing Tyrone?
“There are local players who have the ability to do well and are not getting a fair chance. Football is not forever [and they are denying us our opportunity].”
He slammed Lawrence’s decision to leave him out of the national squad for the remainder of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2018 World Cup campaign, the 2019 Gold Cup, and the 2019 Concacaf Nations League. The Warriors finished bottom of the table in all three competitions.
“You saw me play [for Central FC] against ‘Army’ in the [2018] First Citizens Cup final,” said Cummings. “Did I look like I had lost it to you? Can a man in bad shape play like that?!
“A coach can give any excuse and say anything in the press and people will just go with it. That’s unfair.”
Cummings left Central for Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in 2019. The style of play there—Rangers play a direct game at high speed—is not tailor-made for the silky playmaker, but he found a way to fit in.
He hopes Rangers provide him with a launchpad to return to the national team.
As Rangers managing director Richard Ferguson and then Warriors head coach Terry Fenwick butted heads over the national team’s training schedule, with the former refusing to release his players, Cummings turned temporarily to Futsal.
National Futsal Team manager Nigel Roberts said he is still heartbroken that Cummings could not play. He suggested that American coach Constantine Konstin’s decision to take him as a non-playing team member was a master stroke, though.
“Cummings played an invaluable role for us at the Futsal Championship,” he said. “I never knew he had that side to him. He has such a calm demeanour and he is very analytical, and also assertive when he needs to be. Whether it was in the hotel, at training, or on the field, he was excellent with the players and they responded to him.
“Had he been able to play though, it would have been a different story. We were depending on him to make a difference on the court, but if we didn’t carry him at all it would have been a huge disadvantage.”
Cummings, he said, would make an excellent coach in the future. But the player still believes he can have more glorious adventures on the field.
“I have goals that I still want to achieve,” he said. “I’ve never stopped training. The doctor said I can do fitness work at 70 percent, so I keep doing work. I am looking forward to getting back on the team.
“[…] My ambition is to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and compete for a pick with Mr Eve. He asked me about the health scare and he knows I am waiting to do the medical tests. He said once I get the clearance, I can compete for a pick.”
At 33, it might seem unlikely that Cummings can reclaim his international place—after six years in the wilderness. But then Mexico might have thought they had nothing to worry about with a 27-year-old debutant who was still a Pro League player.
And we all know how that went.
The Simeon Road kid dismissed any suggestion that his international career was over. Ball Pest has no intention of being chased off the football field.
Watch Keron Cummings - T&T international - July 2018 amazing match First Citizens Cup (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs7HtTquUo)
Watch Mexico vs. Trinidad and Tobago - 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZBhf7f5ilw)
Watch MEXICO VS TRINIDAD Y TOBAGO 3 - 3 AMISTOSO 2015 Resumen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEUx0HQ8eWg)
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“They said my heart is large but they also said that is a normal thing for sportsmen,” said Cummings. “But for them to give me clearance, I needed to do a stress test first—and it was Sunday night and it would be 48 hours for me to get back the result. If I did that, I would not have been able to leave with the team.
Ah suppose there are NO doctors and similar testing in Guatemala.
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‘I will be back!’ ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings on his football education, silencing Mexico, and his international exile.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
“I will be back on the pitch soon,” said Terminix La Horquetta Rangers playmaker and ex-Trinidad and Tobago international star Keron ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings. “So I hope Mr [Angus] Eve keeps a place open for me!”
Cummings was not among the 60 players selected by Men’s National Senior Team interim head coach Angus Eve in his provisional squad for next month’s Concacaf Gold Cup. And the omission followed his non-appearance at the Concacaf Futsal Championship in May, after a medical scare.
But the gifted 33-year-old maestro assured his fans that it is just a temporary hiccup.
Four days before the National Futsal Team’s departure to Guatemala, the players had a pre-tournament physical check-up inclusive of an ECG scan. On the eve of their flight, the results returned with a note of concern for the attacker.
Cummings and team doctor Dr Akash Dhanai immediately headed to see a specialist, but there was not sufficient time for the athlete to be cleared before the team travelled.
“They said my heart is large but they also said that is a normal thing for sportsmen,” said Cummings. “But for them to give me clearance, I needed to do a stress test first—and it was Sunday night and it would be 48 hours for me to get back the result. If I did that, I would not have been able to leave with the team.
“[…] The coach asked me to still travel with the team to help motivate the players, because of my seniority in the squad. So I went and said I would do the stress test when I get back.”
On his return, though, Cummings found a public health sector reeling from a surge in Covid-19 cases. More than a month later, he is still waiting for his medical appointment. He expressed gratitude for the Robert Hadad-led Fifa-appointed normalisation committee, which is helping him to navigate the health system.
A National Futsal Team technical staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed Cummings’ account of the doctor’s visit in May.
“I went with Cummings and it is true that they told us that what they saw was not abnormal for athletes,” he said, “but they still wanted to rule out the possibility that it might be something serious. I think they wanted to be sure he wasn’t the one in a million case like [Denmark and Inter Milan midfielder Christian] Eriksen.
“[…] The advice at that time [from the cardiologist] was he could not authorise him until he did a stress test, a MRI of the heart, and a third thing that I cannot recall at the time, which would rule out the possibility of a particular condition. Those tests would have been able to confirm that it was just a case of him having that size heart-wall because he is an athlete.
“[…] It definitely is not a case where he can’t play anymore.”
Trinidad and Tobago football fans could breathe a bit easier then. Whether they will get to see him in national colours again is a different story. But, before we get there, it might be instructive to understand why this left footed maestro became such a cult figure in the first place.
Cummings’ entire national senior team career so far adds up to just seven starts and nine substitute appearances with three goals. He has made only one appearance more than forward Trevin Caesar and one less than left back Triston Hodge, who can hardly claim to have established themselves at that level.
But Cummings feels different.
Trinidad and Tobago have never lost a competitive match with Cummings on the field. And before you sniff suspiciously at those stats, his appearances comprise fixtures against: Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, and the United States—only the final outing was played on home soil.
(Trinidad and Tobago lost on penalties to Panama in the 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinal fixture, but Fifa records games decided by penalties as drawn—even though the loser goes home.)
His three goals came in two matches against Mexico: a double in a thrilling 4-4 group stage tie, and then a single item in the rematch, which ended 3-3.
Cummings’ last competitive international appearance was also the last occasion in which the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) had anything resembling a sell-out crowd, as over 20,000 patrons watched the Soca Warriors play to a goalless draw against the United States on 17 November 2015—with thousands more forced to leave the venue, due to poor management of the gates and unholy lines.
But let’s go further back still to the birth of ‘Ball Pest’, near his home in Simeon Road, Petit Valley.
As a boy, Cummings would slip outside and down to the nearest recreation ground to watch minor league action at night. And, as the teams caught a breather during the intermission, he was one of several children who would snatch a ball and run on to the field—pretending to be football stars themselves.
“During half-time, I would take the ball and try to dribble everybody who would come out with me,” he said. “I remember a man there told me one night: ‘come off the field nah boy, you’re a pest eh!’ And it went from there to them calling me a ‘ball pest. And the nickname just stuck.”
Cummings played Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) competition with a talented East Mucurapo Secondary team that included Khaleem Hyland, Tyrone Charles, Ataulla Guerra, and Richard ‘Shaka’ Roy, who all went on to win national senior team caps. Current Soca Warriors stars Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones were two younger members of that school team.
The Mucurapo stand-outs were not short of offers from Pro League clubs. Cummings chose W Connection in Couva.
“I was the only Port of Spain player there at the time,” he said, “and that was when they had all the Brazilians, like Gefferson Goulart and them.”
While Hyland went straight into the San Juan Jabloteh first team under then coach Terry Fenwick and won a professional contract in Belgium before his 20th birthday, Cummings’ rise was slower.
“For a young player in Connection at that time, it was hard to get into the team and I had to wait my turn,” he said. “But I think that’s the club where I learnt the most about professional football. From the Brazilians in particular, I learnt about professionalism, about developing your technique, and the sacrifice you have to put in for the game.
“At the time, we were travelling a lot and playing in the Caribbean Championship and so on. It was exciting and a really good opportunity for me.”
By then, Cummings already knew how he wanted to play. He offered a clue when asked to name his favourite player.
“I can’t name one favourite player—I have to name four,” he said. “My four favourite players are Ron La Forest, Russell Latapy, Kerwin Jemmott, and Nigel Pierre. I love technical players!
“[…] The game has changed now and it is just about energy. But before it was what you could bring to the table with your touch.”
North East Stars, rather than W Connection, finally unleashed Cummings on the Pro League. And there was plenty to appreciate about the slim ball handler with dancing feet and a booming left foot shot that could extend goalkeepers from almost any distance.
Eve, who was Stars’ head coach at the time, is not the type to encourage ball possession just for the sake of it, though. Cummings was a playmaker who relished attackers running off of him to create passing angles. Instead, Eve stuck him upfront as a ‘false 9’ and challenged him to become a finisher.
“Eve for me is one of the coaches who knows how to get the best out of you,” said Cummings. “He takes you out of your comfort zone. I was a creator before; it was not that I couldn’t finish but my game was built around trying to create for others. He brought out the goal scorer in me, by teaching me how to play with my back turned [to the opposing defence].
“One of my most exciting times as a player was with Eve playing me on top as a false nine.”
As it turned out, then National Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart was looking for just that sort of player, as Molino was out with a serious knee injury.
In June 2015, Hart selected Cummings for the first time in his provisional squad, just weeks before the July Gold Cup. Initially, he was back-up to Guerra—remarkably, all three Trinidad and Tobago ‘number 10s’ at the time were former Mucurapo teammates.
However, while Molino perfected the role of an advanced midfielder, playing in tandem with giant, talismanic centre-forward Kenwyne Jones, Guerra was often unwilling to follow suit. Instead Guerra preferred to drop deep or slide to the side of the field in search of a pass to feet.
Cummings, thanks to his new role at Stars, was a natural fit.
His first game under Hart was a 3-0 loss away to Jordan, after which the coach criticised the players for an ‘awful’ showing. Cummings said they were just jet-lagged. A few days later, they managed a 1-0 win over Haiti in a scrimmage before entering the competition.
“For the Jordan game, I feel after the hours we spent travelling we didn’t get to settle in so we could play properly,” said Cummings. “But for me when I got to see the level of those teams, I knew I could compete. Against Haiti too, I realised that these teams are beatable. They are not more talented than us; they just work hard and are a bit more focused.
“Once we applied ourselves, we could get a good result.”
Cummings was an unused substitute in Trinidad and Tobago’s Gold Cup opener, which was an impressive 3-1 win over Guatemala. But Guerra did not distinguish himself and was replaced by forward Willis Plaza in the 62nd minute.
In the second outing, the Warriors defeated Cuba 2-0 with both goals in the first half. Again, Guerra came off after just over an hour. On this occasion, Cummings replaced him.
For the final group match, the Warriors led Group C by two points and facing a Mexico team that were not used to being runners-up to Caribbean opposition.
With nearly 56,000 partisan Mexico supporters at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Hart decided the time was right to give the then 27-year-old ‘Ball Pest’ his first international start.
“[Hart] said he wanted me to stay close to Kenwyne Jones to feed off the second balls,” said Cummings. “He kept stressing to me ‘stay close to Kenwyne and the chances will come’, and that is exactly what happened in the game.”
Mexico, as expected, went ahead through an opportunistic far post finish by Paul Aguilar in the 31st minute. Ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela put ‘El Tricolour’ two goals clear in the 51st minute with a fine solo effort, after a wayward pass by Jones (K).
But then the Warriors tore up the script. Jones (K) got a chance to run at the Mexican defence and played a square pass to Cummings who was at his side—just as Hart instructed—to tuck past the opposing goalkeeper.
Cummings was involved in the equaliser too, three minutes later, as he released Cordell Cato down the right flank and his cross was steered home by Jones (K). Then, in the 66th minute, Trinidad and Tobago scored the type or route one goal that was only possible with the big forward.
Jones (K) chested down an Aubrey David long throw and Cummings beat Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa with a sublime angled shot into the far corner.
The Warriors were ahead 3-2!
There would be three more goals in the last six minutes of the breathless affair, with defender Yohance Marshall tying the scores at 4-4 with a memorable stoppage time header off a Jones (J) corner kick.
Cummings was the only outfield Trinidad and Tobago-based player in Hart’s starting team that evening; and if that didn’t matter to you, it sure did for him.
“Honestly speaking, I don’t fear no player—I respect players for what they bring to the table, but I don’t fear any player at all,” said Cummings, after brushing shoulders with the likes of Giovani Dos Santos, Herrera, Andres Guardado and Vela on his full international debut. “[…] I wanted to do well for my people back home, to let them know I am representing them. I was also representing the local players in the Pro League.
“Many times, you don’t get a fair chance when you are fighting for your place against the foreign-based players. I wanted to show that the local-based players are people to respect too!”
In the Gold Cup quarterfinal, Phillip saved two penalties while a Panamanian kicker skied a third. However, Sheldon Bateau, Jones (J) and Daneil Cyrus all failed to score from the spot as the Warriors were eliminated on penalties.
Mexico went on to win the 2015 Gold Cup. But they were not done with the Warriors yet. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) rang the TTFA and proposed a return match on 4 September, at altitude in Salt Lake City, to see if Trinidad and Tobago could match them a second time.
“I had an abscess in my mouth and I remember Hart saying: ‘Cummings, you sure you could play with your mouth swell up?’” said Cummings. “And I said it is not if I want to play; I have to play! Plenty people were saying it was a fluke. It was the greatest game in the history of the Gold Cup and people thought we couldn’t do it again.
“I wanted to show them!”
The Warriors were ahead after just seven minutes as Cummings dribbled between two opponents and his right footed shot deflected off a Mexican defender and looped into the air, before being headed in by forward Jonathan Glenn.
And, six minutes before halftime, Cummings doubled T&T’s lead with a close range finish after flanker Lester Peltier stole the ball from the dozy opposing left back.
This time, Mexico were the ones who had to claw their way back; and they did. Jones (J) scored a second half free kick but the game finished 3-3.
Cummings was wearing number 20, but the ‘number 10’ role—at least in Molino’s absence—was his. He played for 90 minutes in a 2-1 friendly win away to Panama, as the Warriors continued to defy the Concacaf’s top nations.
Then, Orlando City offered him the chance to play alongside Molino for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
“I was training with them and it was going well,” said Cummings. “They wanted me to stay with the team so I could fit in with their players, and they would sign me for the next season. But then we had the game coming up against America.
“So far, all my games for my country were away and I didn’t feel the people in Trinidad really saw the level I was playing at. I mean they saw me on tv but it is always better to see someone live. So I asked [Orlando] to let me come home.”
Cummings played from the start in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Guatemala in Guatemala City on Friday 13 November. And, with Hart starting a slightly more conservative line-up against USA on Tuesday 17 November at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the attacker featured for just the closing 10 minutes in a goalless draw.
He was still in Trinidad, biding his time to return to Orlando and become a MLS player when he went to a boat cruise put on by a Pro League colleague.
“After two months outside and hardly doing anything, we decide we will take a little go out,” he said.
Cummings was shot in the leg by an unnamed assailant after the party, just outside his home, on the morning of Sunday 27 December. By the time he recovered fully, Hart had been sacked while the Orlando City offer was a distant memory.
His international heyday lasted just six months, between June and November 2015.
He got two subsequent caps as a substitute for Lawrence against Barbados and Grenada in 2017. But he never felt the former World Cup 2006 hero had confidence in him.
“I had a good Gold Cup and then I had an unfortunate injury—and after that you don’t see Cummings again,” he said. “It was the same for Ataulla [Guerra]. You keep asking yourself, if you were getting success with something and the players are still there; how can you turn away from that and pretend that there aren’t people to do the job, even when you’re losing games?
“I remember when [Tom] Saintfiet was here and Tyrone [Charles] got picked. He was playing amongst the foreign-based players and showing form. Then a new coach comes (Lawrence) and you don’t see Tyrone again; and you ask yourself why are you not seeing Tyrone?
“There are local players who have the ability to do well and are not getting a fair chance. Football is not forever [and they are denying us our opportunity].”
He slammed Lawrence’s decision to leave him out of the national squad for the remainder of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2018 World Cup campaign, the 2019 Gold Cup, and the 2019 Concacaf Nations League. The Warriors finished bottom of the table in all three competitions.
“You saw me play [for Central FC] against ‘Army’ in the [2018] First Citizens Cup final,” said Cummings. “Did I look like I had lost it to you? Can a man in bad shape play like that?!
“A coach can give any excuse and say anything in the press and people will just go with it. That’s unfair.”
Cummings left Central for Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in 2019. The style of play there—Rangers play a direct game at high speed—is not tailor-made for the silky playmaker, but he found a way to fit in.
He hopes Rangers provide him with a launchpad to return to the national team.
As Rangers managing director Richard Ferguson and then Warriors head coach Terry Fenwick butted heads over the national team’s training schedule, with the former refusing to release his players, Cummings turned temporarily to Futsal.
National Futsal Team manager Nigel Roberts said he is still heartbroken that Cummings could not play. He suggested that American coach Constantine Konstin’s decision to take him as a non-playing team member was a master stroke, though.
“Cummings played an invaluable role for us at the Futsal Championship,” he said. “I never knew he had that side to him. He has such a calm demeanour and he is very analytical, and also assertive when he needs to be. Whether it was in the hotel, at training, or on the field, he was excellent with the players and they responded to him.
“Had he been able to play though, it would have been a different story. We were depending on him to make a difference on the court, but if we didn’t carry him at all it would have been a huge disadvantage.”
Cummings, he said, would make an excellent coach in the future. But the player still believes he can have more glorious adventures on the field.
“I have goals that I still want to achieve,” he said. “I’ve never stopped training. The doctor said I can do fitness work at 70 percent, so I keep doing work. I am looking forward to getting back on the team.
“[…] My ambition is to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and compete for a pick with Mr Eve. He asked me about the health scare and he knows I am waiting to do the medical tests. He said once I get the clearance, I can compete for a pick.”
At 33, it might seem unlikely that Cummings can reclaim his international place—after six years in the wilderness. But then Mexico might have thought they had nothing to worry about with a 27-year-old debutant who was still a Pro League player.
And we all know how that went.
The Simeon Road kid dismissed any suggestion that his international career was over. Ball Pest has no intention of being chased off the football field.
Watch Keron Cummings - T&T international - July 2018 amazing match First Citizens Cup (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs7HtTquUo)
Watch Mexico vs. Trinidad and Tobago - 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZBhf7f5ilw)
Watch MEXICO VS TRINIDAD Y TOBAGO 3 - 3 AMISTOSO 2015 Resumen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEUx0HQ8eWg)
Like I said before, Lawrence didnt want to win, he saw Kerron and left him off the squad.. right there is sabotage
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‘I will be back!’ ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings on his football education, silencing Mexico, and his international exile.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
“I will be back on the pitch soon,” said Terminix La Horquetta Rangers playmaker and ex-Trinidad and Tobago international star Keron ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings. “So I hope Mr [Angus] Eve keeps a place open for me!”
Cummings was not among the 60 players selected by Men’s National Senior Team interim head coach Angus Eve in his provisional squad for next month’s Concacaf Gold Cup. And the omission followed his non-appearance at the Concacaf Futsal Championship in May, after a medical scare.
But the gifted 33-year-old maestro assured his fans that it is just a temporary hiccup.
Four days before the National Futsal Team’s departure to Guatemala, the players had a pre-tournament physical check-up inclusive of an ECG scan. On the eve of their flight, the results returned with a note of concern for the attacker.
Cummings and team doctor Dr Akash Dhanai immediately headed to see a specialist, but there was not sufficient time for the athlete to be cleared before the team travelled.
“They said my heart is large but they also said that is a normal thing for sportsmen,” said Cummings. “But for them to give me clearance, I needed to do a stress test first—and it was Sunday night and it would be 48 hours for me to get back the result. If I did that, I would not have been able to leave with the team.
“[…] The coach asked me to still travel with the team to help motivate the players, because of my seniority in the squad. So I went and said I would do the stress test when I get back.”
On his return, though, Cummings found a public health sector reeling from a surge in Covid-19 cases. More than a month later, he is still waiting for his medical appointment. He expressed gratitude for the Robert Hadad-led Fifa-appointed normalisation committee, which is helping him to navigate the health system.
A National Futsal Team technical staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed Cummings’ account of the doctor’s visit in May.
“I went with Cummings and it is true that they told us that what they saw was not abnormal for athletes,” he said, “but they still wanted to rule out the possibility that it might be something serious. I think they wanted to be sure he wasn’t the one in a million case like [Denmark and Inter Milan midfielder Christian] Eriksen.
“[…] The advice at that time [from the cardiologist] was he could not authorise him until he did a stress test, a MRI of the heart, and a third thing that I cannot recall at the time, which would rule out the possibility of a particular condition. Those tests would have been able to confirm that it was just a case of him having that size heart-wall because he is an athlete.
“[…] It definitely is not a case where he can’t play anymore.”
Trinidad and Tobago football fans could breathe a bit easier then. Whether they will get to see him in national colours again is a different story. But, before we get there, it might be instructive to understand why this left footed maestro became such a cult figure in the first place.
Cummings’ entire national senior team career so far adds up to just seven starts and nine substitute appearances with three goals. He has made only one appearance more than forward Trevin Caesar and one less than left back Triston Hodge, who can hardly claim to have established themselves at that level.
But Cummings feels different.
Trinidad and Tobago have never lost a competitive match with Cummings on the field. And before you sniff suspiciously at those stats, his appearances comprise fixtures against: Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, and the United States—only the final outing was played on home soil.
(Trinidad and Tobago lost on penalties to Panama in the 2015 Gold Cup quarterfinal fixture, but Fifa records games decided by penalties as drawn—even though the loser goes home.)
His three goals came in two matches against Mexico: a double in a thrilling 4-4 group stage tie, and then a single item in the rematch, which ended 3-3.
Cummings’ last competitive international appearance was also the last occasion in which the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) had anything resembling a sell-out crowd, as over 20,000 patrons watched the Soca Warriors play to a goalless draw against the United States on 17 November 2015—with thousands more forced to leave the venue, due to poor management of the gates and unholy lines.
But let’s go further back still to the birth of ‘Ball Pest’, near his home in Simeon Road, Petit Valley.
As a boy, Cummings would slip outside and down to the nearest recreation ground to watch minor league action at night. And, as the teams caught a breather during the intermission, he was one of several children who would snatch a ball and run on to the field—pretending to be football stars themselves.
“During half-time, I would take the ball and try to dribble everybody who would come out with me,” he said. “I remember a man there told me one night: ‘come off the field nah boy, you’re a pest eh!’ And it went from there to them calling me a ‘ball pest. And the nickname just stuck.”
Cummings played Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) competition with a talented East Mucurapo Secondary team that included Khaleem Hyland, Tyrone Charles, Ataulla Guerra, and Richard ‘Shaka’ Roy, who all went on to win national senior team caps. Current Soca Warriors stars Kevin Molino and Joevin Jones were two younger members of that school team.
The Mucurapo stand-outs were not short of offers from Pro League clubs. Cummings chose W Connection in Couva.
“I was the only Port of Spain player there at the time,” he said, “and that was when they had all the Brazilians, like Gefferson Goulart and them.”
While Hyland went straight into the San Juan Jabloteh first team under then coach Terry Fenwick and won a professional contract in Belgium before his 20th birthday, Cummings’ rise was slower.
“For a young player in Connection at that time, it was hard to get into the team and I had to wait my turn,” he said. “But I think that’s the club where I learnt the most about professional football. From the Brazilians in particular, I learnt about professionalism, about developing your technique, and the sacrifice you have to put in for the game.
“At the time, we were travelling a lot and playing in the Caribbean Championship and so on. It was exciting and a really good opportunity for me.”
By then, Cummings already knew how he wanted to play. He offered a clue when asked to name his favourite player.
“I can’t name one favourite player—I have to name four,” he said. “My four favourite players are Ron La Forest, Russell Latapy, Kerwin Jemmott, and Nigel Pierre. I love technical players!
“[…] The game has changed now and it is just about energy. But before it was what you could bring to the table with your touch.”
North East Stars, rather than W Connection, finally unleashed Cummings on the Pro League. And there was plenty to appreciate about the slim ball handler with dancing feet and a booming left foot shot that could extend goalkeepers from almost any distance.
Eve, who was Stars’ head coach at the time, is not the type to encourage ball possession just for the sake of it, though. Cummings was a playmaker who relished attackers running off of him to create passing angles. Instead, Eve stuck him upfront as a ‘false 9’ and challenged him to become a finisher.
“Eve for me is one of the coaches who knows how to get the best out of you,” said Cummings. “He takes you out of your comfort zone. I was a creator before; it was not that I couldn’t finish but my game was built around trying to create for others. He brought out the goal scorer in me, by teaching me how to play with my back turned [to the opposing defence].
“One of my most exciting times as a player was with Eve playing me on top as a false nine.”
As it turned out, then National Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart was looking for just that sort of player, as Molino was out with a serious knee injury.
In June 2015, Hart selected Cummings for the first time in his provisional squad, just weeks before the July Gold Cup. Initially, he was back-up to Guerra—remarkably, all three Trinidad and Tobago ‘number 10s’ at the time were former Mucurapo teammates.
However, while Molino perfected the role of an advanced midfielder, playing in tandem with giant, talismanic centre-forward Kenwyne Jones, Guerra was often unwilling to follow suit. Instead Guerra preferred to drop deep or slide to the side of the field in search of a pass to feet.
Cummings, thanks to his new role at Stars, was a natural fit.
His first game under Hart was a 3-0 loss away to Jordan, after which the coach criticised the players for an ‘awful’ showing. Cummings said they were just jet-lagged. A few days later, they managed a 1-0 win over Haiti in a scrimmage before entering the competition.
“For the Jordan game, I feel after the hours we spent travelling we didn’t get to settle in so we could play properly,” said Cummings. “But for me when I got to see the level of those teams, I knew I could compete. Against Haiti too, I realised that these teams are beatable. They are not more talented than us; they just work hard and are a bit more focused.
“Once we applied ourselves, we could get a good result.”
Cummings was an unused substitute in Trinidad and Tobago’s Gold Cup opener, which was an impressive 3-1 win over Guatemala. But Guerra did not distinguish himself and was replaced by forward Willis Plaza in the 62nd minute.
In the second outing, the Warriors defeated Cuba 2-0 with both goals in the first half. Again, Guerra came off after just over an hour. On this occasion, Cummings replaced him.
For the final group match, the Warriors led Group C by two points and facing a Mexico team that were not used to being runners-up to Caribbean opposition.
With nearly 56,000 partisan Mexico supporters at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Hart decided the time was right to give the then 27-year-old ‘Ball Pest’ his first international start.
“[Hart] said he wanted me to stay close to Kenwyne Jones to feed off the second balls,” said Cummings. “He kept stressing to me ‘stay close to Kenwyne and the chances will come’, and that is exactly what happened in the game.”
Mexico, as expected, went ahead through an opportunistic far post finish by Paul Aguilar in the 31st minute. Ex-Arsenal forward Carlos Vela put ‘El Tricolour’ two goals clear in the 51st minute with a fine solo effort, after a wayward pass by Jones (K).
But then the Warriors tore up the script. Jones (K) got a chance to run at the Mexican defence and played a square pass to Cummings who was at his side—just as Hart instructed—to tuck past the opposing goalkeeper.
Cummings was involved in the equaliser too, three minutes later, as he released Cordell Cato down the right flank and his cross was steered home by Jones (K). Then, in the 66th minute, Trinidad and Tobago scored the type or route one goal that was only possible with the big forward.
Jones (K) chested down an Aubrey David long throw and Cummings beat Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa with a sublime angled shot into the far corner.
The Warriors were ahead 3-2!
There would be three more goals in the last six minutes of the breathless affair, with defender Yohance Marshall tying the scores at 4-4 with a memorable stoppage time header off a Jones (J) corner kick.
Cummings was the only outfield Trinidad and Tobago-based player in Hart’s starting team that evening; and if that didn’t matter to you, it sure did for him.
“Honestly speaking, I don’t fear no player—I respect players for what they bring to the table, but I don’t fear any player at all,” said Cummings, after brushing shoulders with the likes of Giovani Dos Santos, Herrera, Andres Guardado and Vela on his full international debut. “[…] I wanted to do well for my people back home, to let them know I am representing them. I was also representing the local players in the Pro League.
“Many times, you don’t get a fair chance when you are fighting for your place against the foreign-based players. I wanted to show that the local-based players are people to respect too!”
In the Gold Cup quarterfinal, Phillip saved two penalties while a Panamanian kicker skied a third. However, Sheldon Bateau, Jones (J) and Daneil Cyrus all failed to score from the spot as the Warriors were eliminated on penalties.
Mexico went on to win the 2015 Gold Cup. But they were not done with the Warriors yet. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) rang the TTFA and proposed a return match on 4 September, at altitude in Salt Lake City, to see if Trinidad and Tobago could match them a second time.
“I had an abscess in my mouth and I remember Hart saying: ‘Cummings, you sure you could play with your mouth swell up?’” said Cummings. “And I said it is not if I want to play; I have to play! Plenty people were saying it was a fluke. It was the greatest game in the history of the Gold Cup and people thought we couldn’t do it again.
“I wanted to show them!”
The Warriors were ahead after just seven minutes as Cummings dribbled between two opponents and his right footed shot deflected off a Mexican defender and looped into the air, before being headed in by forward Jonathan Glenn.
And, six minutes before halftime, Cummings doubled T&T’s lead with a close range finish after flanker Lester Peltier stole the ball from the dozy opposing left back.
This time, Mexico were the ones who had to claw their way back; and they did. Jones (J) scored a second half free kick but the game finished 3-3.
Cummings was wearing number 20, but the ‘number 10’ role—at least in Molino’s absence—was his. He played for 90 minutes in a 2-1 friendly win away to Panama, as the Warriors continued to defy the Concacaf’s top nations.
Then, Orlando City offered him the chance to play alongside Molino for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
“I was training with them and it was going well,” said Cummings. “They wanted me to stay with the team so I could fit in with their players, and they would sign me for the next season. But then we had the game coming up against America.
“So far, all my games for my country were away and I didn’t feel the people in Trinidad really saw the level I was playing at. I mean they saw me on tv but it is always better to see someone live. So I asked [Orlando] to let me come home.”
Cummings played from the start in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Guatemala in Guatemala City on Friday 13 November. And, with Hart starting a slightly more conservative line-up against USA on Tuesday 17 November at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the attacker featured for just the closing 10 minutes in a goalless draw.
He was still in Trinidad, biding his time to return to Orlando and become a MLS player when he went to a boat cruise put on by a Pro League colleague.
“After two months outside and hardly doing anything, we decide we will take a little go out,” he said.
Cummings was shot in the leg by an unnamed assailant after the party, just outside his home, on the morning of Sunday 27 December. By the time he recovered fully, Hart had been sacked while the Orlando City offer was a distant memory.
His international heyday lasted just six months, between June and November 2015.
He got two subsequent caps as a substitute for Lawrence against Barbados and Grenada in 2017. But he never felt the former World Cup 2006 hero had confidence in him.
“I had a good Gold Cup and then I had an unfortunate injury—and after that you don’t see Cummings again,” he said. “It was the same for Ataulla [Guerra]. You keep asking yourself, if you were getting success with something and the players are still there; how can you turn away from that and pretend that there aren’t people to do the job, even when you’re losing games?
“I remember when [Tom] Saintfiet was here and Tyrone [Charles] got picked. He was playing amongst the foreign-based players and showing form. Then a new coach comes (Lawrence) and you don’t see Tyrone again; and you ask yourself why are you not seeing Tyrone?
“There are local players who have the ability to do well and are not getting a fair chance. Football is not forever [and they are denying us our opportunity].”
He slammed Lawrence’s decision to leave him out of the national squad for the remainder of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2018 World Cup campaign, the 2019 Gold Cup, and the 2019 Concacaf Nations League. The Warriors finished bottom of the table in all three competitions.
“You saw me play [for Central FC] against ‘Army’ in the [2018] First Citizens Cup final,” said Cummings. “Did I look like I had lost it to you? Can a man in bad shape play like that?!
“A coach can give any excuse and say anything in the press and people will just go with it. That’s unfair.”
Cummings left Central for Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in 2019. The style of play there—Rangers play a direct game at high speed—is not tailor-made for the silky playmaker, but he found a way to fit in.
He hopes Rangers provide him with a launchpad to return to the national team.
As Rangers managing director Richard Ferguson and then Warriors head coach Terry Fenwick butted heads over the national team’s training schedule, with the former refusing to release his players, Cummings turned temporarily to Futsal.
National Futsal Team manager Nigel Roberts said he is still heartbroken that Cummings could not play. He suggested that American coach Constantine Konstin’s decision to take him as a non-playing team member was a master stroke, though.
“Cummings played an invaluable role for us at the Futsal Championship,” he said. “I never knew he had that side to him. He has such a calm demeanour and he is very analytical, and also assertive when he needs to be. Whether it was in the hotel, at training, or on the field, he was excellent with the players and they responded to him.
“Had he been able to play though, it would have been a different story. We were depending on him to make a difference on the court, but if we didn’t carry him at all it would have been a huge disadvantage.”
Cummings, he said, would make an excellent coach in the future. But the player still believes he can have more glorious adventures on the field.
“I have goals that I still want to achieve,” he said. “I’ve never stopped training. The doctor said I can do fitness work at 70 percent, so I keep doing work. I am looking forward to getting back on the team.
“[…] My ambition is to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and compete for a pick with Mr Eve. He asked me about the health scare and he knows I am waiting to do the medical tests. He said once I get the clearance, I can compete for a pick.”
At 33, it might seem unlikely that Cummings can reclaim his international place—after six years in the wilderness. But then Mexico might have thought they had nothing to worry about with a 27-year-old debutant who was still a Pro League player.
And we all know how that went.
The Simeon Road kid dismissed any suggestion that his international career was over. Ball Pest has no intention of being chased off the football field.
Watch Keron Cummings - T&T international - July 2018 amazing match First Citizens Cup (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs7HtTquUo)
Watch Mexico vs. Trinidad and Tobago - 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZBhf7f5ilw)
Watch MEXICO VS TRINIDAD Y TOBAGO 3 - 3 AMISTOSO 2015 Resumen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEUx0HQ8eWg)
Like I said before, Lawrence didnt want to win, he saw Kerron and left him off the squad.. right there is sabotage
Dred, you again with that noinsense again. You do know that currently DL got a job as a coach with Coventry City.
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Deeks...lets wait and watch. and see how long he is tenured there...all the best to him
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Deeks...lets wait and watch. and see how long he is tenured there...all the best to him
I am always for a local coach. This is TT. But there are times when we(TTFA) have gone against the grain and hired a foreigner for a fresh perspective. The list is there to see. I have had no issue with that. The problem is the TTFA is most unstable institution in the land. How the f--k will we ever have proper development in our football with such a downright abysmal organization. I wish Angus success. We need local club football. But looking at videos of long lines of people waiting for covid shots and hampers does not bode well. can you see these people going to support football?
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Did I just watch this guy put a ball between a man legs then sombrero a next one in the space of 4 seconds lol. Its a shame such a talented player could not represent us more than a handful of times because we can't get our sh*t together for the past six years.
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Trinidad and Tobago footballer Cummings cleared to resume play.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
TRINIDAD AND Tobago footballer Keron "Ball Pest" Cummings has been medically cleared to resume play, according to a post on the TTFA (TT Football Association) Instagram page.
"The TTFA facilitated investigations and (obtained) medical clearance following a suspected cardiac condition prior to the 2021 Concacaf Futsal Championship in Guatemala," the TTFA post read. "(Cummings) has had all the relevant cardiac tests done as requested by the cardiologist and has been deemed medically fit by the cardiologist to partake in competitive football."
The 33-year-old midfielder, who is currently a member of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, has earned 15 international caps, from 2010-2017.
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Rangers cut Keron Cummings for training with national futsal squad
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
KERON “Ball Pest” Cummings has been kicked out of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers for seeking to fulfil his dream of playing for T&T.
Cummings was called up to train with the national senior men’s futsal team earlier this year. He was set to represent T&T at the Concacaf Futsal Championships in Guatemala in May, but a suspected cardiac condition prevented him from playing. Two months ago, Cummings was cleared to play football again.
Rangers cut him after training with the national futsal team.
“I am without a club from today (Monday), but by tomorrow (Tuesday) please the Lord I will be back with a club but there is no football playing,” Cummings told Newsday, on Monday.
Cummings wants to train with the national senior football team, coached by Angus Eve. He has represented the national senior team 15 times from 2010-2017.
For years, Rangers have barred the player from training with the national team.
In the past, Rangers owner Richard Ferguson gave reasons why he has not allowed his players to train with the national team.
Ferguson said the Rangers coaches developed an extensive training and nutrition programme and releasing the players from the club’s programme for national duty for lengthy periods may set the players back.
Clubs are not obliged to release their players for national duty outside the FIFA window. Ferguson has said he is willing to release his players for international matches during FIFA windows.
In an April 2019 Newsday story, Ferguson said, “We support the national team beyond any bonds – I want to make it clear.”
Cummings said the national senior football team must have all players available for selection.
“The reason we have to go through all this drama and can’t qualify for all these tournaments because we don’t have the best team representing.”
T&T failed to get past the first round of the 2022 World Cup qualifying tournament earlier this year.
Rangers have produced many national players over the years.
“It’s sad to know that somebody (Ferguson) has a club and don’t want to send the players to the national team because the country supposed to be first.
“We actually could do plenty better in some of those competitions if we could have our best players out.”
Discussing being cut from Rangers, Cummings said the national futsal team contacted clubs throughout the country requesting that players attend trials.
“They would send a letter to the clubs. The past coaches have been sending letters to the clubs for certain players for the futsal and the senior team and he (Ferguson) will actually tell you (that) you can’t go.”
Cummings said all footballers dream about playing for national teams. “Everybody has goals and people want to play in the biggest tournaments for their country,” Cummings said.
Local club football has been at a standstill during the covid19 pandemic, but Rangers have been training periodically and have been paid a monthly salary.
Cummings believes Rangers players should be released to represent the national team because there is no club football.
“When last Trinidad had a league?
He added, “No football (and) look at the period of time and he still don’t want to send the players. So what could be the reason? I think media people should put the pressure on him to find out why you are not supporting the national team because you are a club of Trinidad and you are the club who have the majority of quality players.”
Newsday tried to contact Ferguson, but attempts proved futile. Cummings knows he has the ability to play at the highest level and accepted the offer to train with the T&T futsal team.
“I know I don’t deserve just playing club football in Trinidad and not serving my country.”
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What happen ? The Men's National team not training ? Why Futsal ? Does Futsal train (indoors- small field???) more than the potential snr Ntl team. This guy has to beg for an invite ? Didn't he have a heart issue when called previously ? Is a potential Ntl team training now ? Is Angus and staff working ? Will they be paid ?
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Bad move Keron.
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Bad move Keron.
He might as well make one. De clock ticking.
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Bad move Keron.
He might as well make one. De clock ticking.
“I am without a club from today (Monday), but by tomorrow (Tuesday) please the Lord I will be back with a club but there is no football playing,” Cummings told Newsday, on Monday.
come on asylumseeker leave his club where he getting pay for uncertainty ?? futsal team just training
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Keron like many ball players want to play football. It is very frustrating for footballers and fans to see football being played elsewhere and is unable to play at home.We don't have the money to create a bubble to have small competitions to keep our players match fit. We saw what happen in the WC and GC. We were woefully lacking in every aspect of the game. If the knuckleheads were to get vaxxed and create the herd immunity that crying out for, we would be playing football.
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The stands are bubbling over all over the planet. Peñarol v Nacional is about 1.25 hours from kicking off and the stadium has been jammed pack for about two hours. Yes, a contrast from Argentina but an example of what compliance with protocols and recognizing that no conspiracy is afoot ... can produce. 30000 fans ... 2000 visiting fans included in that number.
Money is one thing but without will, prestige and collective discipline it will never happen.
Apparently we have no $, no prestige, no will and no blasted discipline. Administer the last rites.
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Bad move Keron.
He might as well make one. De clock ticking.
“I am without a club from today (Monday), but by tomorrow (Tuesday) please the Lord I will be back with a club but there is no football playing,” Cummings told Newsday, on Monday.
come on asylumseeker leave his club where he getting pay for uncertainty ?? futsal team just training
When yuh read things that doh add up, conclude there's more in the mortar than the pestle.
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Who wrote this article ???? He forgot to mention that the training with the Futsal Team took place months ago. That bit of information changes the dynamic of the article...
The real question is why now...months after the situation took place are they now releasing him. Or are they using the Futasl thing as an excuse ????????????????????????
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New direction: Keron "Ball Pest" Cummings opens his own coaching school
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
KERON “Ball Pest” Cummings is preparing for life after active football and is also seeking an opportunity to pass on the knowledge he has gained by opening his own football coaching school at Simeon Road, Petit Valley.
Cummings, 33, came to national prominence with his performances at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, but he had always been a top player in the local professional football league. Former Trinidad and Tobago and Canada head coach Stephen Hart once described Cummings as one of the best players he had ever coached. Cummings has now revealed his own ambition to coach children.
“During the Covid (19), I started to do one and one training, and now that the restrictions are dropping, I plan on opening it (coaching school) officially, probably next week,” stated Cummings.
A naturally gifted footballer, Cummings said it had always been his ambition to pass on his expertise to the younger generation.
“When children look up to you, there is the opportunity to do something for the youth and dem, by giving them an opportunity to learn the game, “he explained. “I always believed I should give back to my community because after my time, I will want a next youth to pick up the same trade as me.”
Cummings’ coaching school will cater mainly for youths in the Western region such as Petit Valley, Carenage and Diego Martin but he says that anyone willing to learn will be welcomed.
Cummings will be catering for children between ages four and 12 and will also have an Under-17 group for older youths. He revealed that he is also on the search for a few sponsors, since many of the youngsters in his target group do not always have the means and finances needed to be involved in the game at an organised level.
“Many of the kids barely come with shoes,“ Cummings stated.
A technically gifted midfielder, Cummings was spotted by Hart while having a great season for North East Stars in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League and was drafted into the Gold Cup squad, where in July 2015 he scored twice in a wildly-exciting 4-4 draw with Mexico—voted one of the best-ever matches in the tournament’s history. Having had 14 national caps, Cummings’ other international goal also came against Mexico, in September 2015, during a 3-3 friendly international draw in the United States.
However, with a Major League Soccer (MLS) contract beckoning, Cummings’ career took a hit when at age 27 he was shot in the leg. He reported that a gunman was waiting to rob him of his gold chain after a night out. His career resumed locally with Ma Pau Stars, Central FC, Morvant Caledonia United and more recently Terminix La Horquetta Rangers.
Cummings is taking a philosophical approach to the low points in his career and believes that when one door closes, another opens.
“When something is your bread and butter and you don’t have it, you have to find something else. So, I focused more on the kids,” said Cummings, “I would not say it was a hard thing, because I got more opportunity to stay home with the children.”
Although he is looking in the direction of coaching, Cummings said that he had not retired from football, and is among a group of players training with senior men’s national team coach Angus Eve. He is looking at a couple of clubs as well.
“I started training with Eve,” he announced, “and I am now focusing on getting back sharp.”