Brent Sam (San Juan North) and Ray-ann Montano (Fyzabad Secondary) were crowned 2015 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Male and Female Players of the Year at the Prize Distribution and 50th Anniversary Awards Function on Saturday at Naparima College.
Both players were also selected to the league’s respective All-Star Teams. Sam, a forward, was joined in the All-Star cast by talented schoolmate rivals such as Jared Dass, Shane Sandy, Isaiah Hudson (Naparima College) and Tyrell Emmanuel (Shiva Boys) who were the Top Five Male Players of the Year.
Montano on the other hand, fought off top quality females such as Tamara Johnson, Kader Louison (Fyzabad Secondary), Jacel Forde (Bishop Anstey) and Aaliyah Charles (Scarborough Secondary) on her way to the trophy.
On hand to witness this year’s award ceremony and celebration of 50 years of SSFL existence were several dignitaries within the sport such as Minister of Sport Darryl Smith, who according to speakers, was the only Sport Minister to ever attend such a function. Joining him were former TT player and coach Everald ‘Gally’ Cummings, current senior men’s team coach Stephen Hart, current custodian Jan-Michael Williams, BG T&T communications manager Wendell Constantine, and veteran players of the SSFL.
Capturing the biggest prize of the past half-century was famed St Benedict’s striker, Leroy De Leon, who was adjudged the best “Player of the 50 Years”.
In delivering the feature address, Minister Smith lauded the recent achievements of the nation’s upcoming players and also reminisced on his former SSFL stints at both Fatima and St Mary’s College.
Smith admitted that the SSFL may have played one of the most integral roles in him becoming a Government Minister.
“This league is the reason why I am standing here today,” he stated.
“I remember playing in the SSFL during its 25th anniversary. We had a great year in 1991 I believe and I was able to get a scholarship to go to New York to play. This league created so many opportunities for me and I intend to bridge the gap between the earlier years and now.” He called on potential sponsors to jump on board with SSFL in an effort to expand the tournament and maintain a high level of competition.
2015 All Star Girls Team
Goalkeepers: Shamika Rocastle (Fyzabad Sec), Milikah Didier (Bishop Anstey)
Defenders: Tamara Johnson, Jahra Thomas (both of Fyzabad Sec), Jacel Forde, Ranae Ward (both of Bishop Anstey), Lakita Halls (Scarborough Sec), Malak Marcelle (Diego Martin Central)
Midfielders: Krystal Preddie, Collette Morgan, Ray-ann Montano (all of Fyzabad Sec); Akila Crawford (Diego Martin Central), Jeneal Lawrence (Scarborough Sec), Naomi Guerra (St Augustine Sec)
Forwards: Aaliyah Charles (Scarborough Sec); Renrique Primus, Kader Luoison (both of Fyzabad Sec), Jalene Sobers (Bishop Anstey), Kaydeen Jack (Diego Martin Central) 2015
All Star Boys Team
Goalkeepers: Denzil Smith (Shiva Boys), Jadel Poon Lewis (QRC)
Defenders: Joshua Marshall (St Augustine Sec), Taryll Coutou (St Benedict’s), Adrian Constantine (QRC), Nicholas Thomas, Anderson Toussaint, Stephon Smith (all of Naparima College)
Midfielders: John-Paul Rochford (QRC), Kareem Riley (Presentation College, San Fernando), Tyrell Emmanuel (Shiva Boys), Jesse Joseph (St Augustine Sec), Isaiah Hudson, Michael Basdeo, Shane Sandy (all of Naparima College)
Forwards: Demitri Dunkley (QRC), Shamar Ravello (St Benedict’s), Kathon St Hillarie (St Anthony’s), Brent Sam (San Juan North), Kerri McDonald (Speyside Secondary), Jared Dass (Naparima College)
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