Sidebar

29
Fri, Mar
28 New Articles

Typography

Like a fine wine, Marvin Oliver seems to be getting better with age. At 39 he is not just the September/October Wendy’s Player of the Month but is also leads the league in goals with five strikes in as many matches. What’s more astounding is he’s done so while playing mainly as a central defender.

Known as a midfield general in the League for years he has adapted well to his role in the backline this season marshaling the defence and beginning the attack for his team. His influence has been significant helping Central FC climb to the summit of the league table and winning the first major knockout competition of the 2014/2015 Season , the First Citizens Cup.

The veteran player was as positive about Central’s start saying, ‘We’ve had a good start but had some hiccups but we’re satisfied being on top the table and already winning a cup’.

Oliver was humble about his personal achievement thanking his Coach and fellow teammates, ‘It’s a testament to hard work and trying to do things the right way and paying attention to the Coach’s (Zoran Vranes) instructions. I’m also thankful to my teammates for pushing me in training and supporting me in matches, it’s all about the hard work of the Central team and organization’.

Pressed further about his goal scoring exploits as a defender he offered insight into his football intelligence. ‘The funny thing is, who’s in the 18 yards box more than defenders and forwards ? From defence I’m accustomed to being in the box and I know the areas and pockets of space where I should wait for the delivery’.

His transition to the back has been seamless, revealing some of his football heroes he said ‘It’s fun , growing up watching Lothar Mattaus even Franz Beckenbauer play in midfield and sweeper and admiring Franco Baresi , it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I love and enjoy’.

In only their third year of the TT Pro League Oliver declared the ambition of his club. ‘We want to win the Caribbean Club Championship and our First TT Pro League, especially after being so close to winning last year. Personally, qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League is the main goal. It will do a tremendous job for Trinidad and Tobago by opening up doors for players and lift the country’, said Oliver.

Oliver looks well on course to lead his team in achieving their goals this season, scoring goals and collecting personal honours along the way.

Central FC will be in action this evening from 6:00PM as they take on La Horquetta SA at Ato Boldon Stadium. The winner will face Point Fortin Civic FC in the Quarter Final.