The quick start out the blocks by the Angus Eve-coached North East Stars in their Digicel Pro League opener last Friday is just one of a few eye-catching moments that augurs well for local football.
Since this country’s exit from the 2014 World Cup campaign after losing to Guyana last November, the talk has been mostly, if not all negative on the state of local football. But it’s not necessarily been all that.
No doubt progress has been slow but there could be a lot of good things in store this season, for instance the emergence of the brand new Central FC coached by highly experienced English coach, Graham Rix. The players under him are almost certain to gain something and the emergence of a new fan base in the Central area is anticipated.
Always eager to prove his worth, Eve would have gained significant experience while at the helm of the T&T Olympic team in which he came up against eventual Olympic Gold winners Mexico and semifinalists Honduras during the CONCACAF qualification phase. He surely will bring something significant to the local Pro League stage especially with talent in his North East squad.
Jamaal Shabazz, meantime, has also done his fair share, guiding Guyana to a creditable 2–2 draw away to El Salvador in World Cup qualifying two weeks ago, and experiencing different conditions in the CONCACAF which will be valuable to the players under his helm at Caledonia AIA. Young Guyanese Trayon Bobb is also a new attraction for Caledonia after his double strike against El Salvador.
And despite a shortage of international matches for the T&T senior team, the CONCACAF Champions League exposure for those in the W Connection and Caledonia camp is a definite plus for T&T. The likes of Daneil Cyrus, Shahdon Winchester, Jan-Michael Williams, Jamal Gay, Clyde Leon, Joevin Jones and Leslie Russell, to name a few, have all gained from playing under the tough conditions in Central America that can only be positive for the national programme.
The key to the Pro League’s benefit will be these players maintaining their level of play and intensity which can hopefully serve to provide quality action, which fans here are craving. Hopefully this will be supported by a well-maintained, lively marketing campaign.
On the international front, T&T seniors will regroup next month for the Caribbean Cup and the Gold Cup qualifiers in St Kitts/Nevis while the under-20s will vie for honours in the final Caribbean World Cup qualifying round in November. Senior international football could also return. Stay tuned to find out more and support the local game while you’re at it.