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Thu, Mar

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National goalkeeper Adrian Foncette did not appear in any of this country’s Caribbean Cup matches in Jamaica but his journey over the past seven years has been quite a remarkable one.

As such, the second placed medal he collected following T&T’s 4-3 loss on penalty kicks to Jamaica in final on November 18, felt like a winner’s prize in many regards.

Foncette suffered a near career ending injury in 2007 when his hand was badly damaged in a car accident on a return home from a gym session. He underwent six surgeries and rehab for just over four months and defied the odds to eventually return to playing. The injury sustained, it was said, usually leads to amputation.

He underwent physical therapy with Lisa Niles three times a week and occupational therapy with Leslie Garcia every other day in order to have any chance of playing again.

That paid off as Foncette was off to the University of Albany on a football scholarship where he eventually graduated with a major in economics and a minor in business administration. He had previously appeared for the T&T Under-20 team and was in training with the U-23 team before the accident occurred.

He returned to Trinidad, joining North East Stars before moving to Police in order to get more playing time in the local professional league. His solid performances between the sticks earned him a call up to the senior team where he has been the number three behind Jan Michael Williams and Marvin Phillip.

“It’s a great experience just being included in the team. This is something I was working towards when I came back home after the accident in 2012,” the 26-year-old custodian said.

“It’s been a whole new experience playing and preparing at this level. Even though I didn’t play in any of the matches, just being in the locker room before and after matches and hearing and seeing everything going on at half time was an eye opener and something that will serve me well for the future.

“The team spirit was quite good and the squad has a good bond which I was glad to be part of. I can see us growing stronger and hopefully I can continue to improve my game get the opportunity again and someday get the chance to make my debut for the national team.”