Jose Luis Seabra is crazy about playing football for T&T. The 30-year-old Brazilian playmaker, affectionately called “Zair”, is now eagerly awaiting word from immigration on whether or not he will be granted permanent residence which would entitle him to play for the country in the final round World Cup qualifiers, starting on February 9 against the United States.
“I am crazy about playing for T&T. I really want to play. It will be like a dream come through,” said Seabra at his new home in Couva on the weekend.
“I have to face reality. There is no way I could play for Brazil. There are too many good players where I come from.
“Every player would like to play in the World Cup and that’s my dream. Because I cannot play for Brazil, my next option is to play for T&T where I live now.”
Born January 25, 1974, Seabra has been in T&T for the past five years representing Vibe CT 105 W Connection.
“Zair” has been living here along with his wife Regina Leia and four-year-old daughter Nathalia, who came here when she was two months old.
To prove his ability and how much he loves the country, Seabra is the only one from a cast of nine Brazilians who were brought to T&T five years ago by David John-Williams, owner of W Connection, and has remained a “Trini To The Bone”.
Two of his colleagues, midfielder Gefferson Goulart and right wing-back Ronaldo Viana are now on loan to FC Zelenick in Yugoslavia.
“Zair” is undoubtedly the most versatile players to grace the football field in the Pro League. He is a utility player who patrols the entire left side of the field where he is equally effective as a defenceman, as he is a midfielder and an attacker, making him one of a kind.
“I am trying to get citizenship because I believe I could help T&T get to the World Cup,” said a confident Seabra. “I will try my best to help T&T qualify. I know the country has a great chance of qualifying and I want to be part of the team.”
“I live in Trinidad. I have chosen to live in this country for the rest of my life so I want a chance to be on the national team.”
Seabra explained that he went to the Immigration Department and collected all the documents he needed two months ago.
“I returned all the necessary documents, including a certificate of good character from Brazil, one month ago. I am just waiting for them to call me back now.
“I have a strong feeling that I will get through because I have all the documents they need,” he added.
The Brazilian was born in San Paulo, the home of many great players including Pele, Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
When asked why he has stayed in Trinidad this long, Seabra said: “ I love Trinidad, the friendly people and the climate. I love the food. But without pepper. My daughter Nathalia is different. She is growing up like the average Trini child and keeps asking for the pepper chicken.”
Presently, Seabra is among six Brazilians contracted to W Connection. The others are Luciano Viera, Paulo Roberto dos Santos and Under-16 players Felinto Badin, Roni Toledo, Serjio Arcangelo and Ewerton.
Before coming to T&T, the crafty Brazilian played for Nuroeste, Botofogo and Ceara.
“I wanted the experience of playing football outside Brazil,” said Seabra when questioned about his decision to come to T&T.
“When John-Williams and coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier came to Brazil saw me play in 1999, and asked if I wanted to come, I jumped at the offer. We sat down and talked about salaries and I decided to come. I made the right decision.”
Seabra, who now speaks fluent English as a result of attending classes arranged by John-Williams for all the Brazilians, said he enjoys playing in the midfield because he is involved more in the game.
“I see myself as a playmaker and someone who could come from behind and score goals.”
Seabra, who has worn the captain’s armband at WCFC several times in the recently concluded season, was voted most disciplined player in 2000 and 2001.