Caledonia AIA Technical Director Jamaal Shabaaz is looking to his reserve and youth teams to replenish his squad for the 2009 Pro League season.
Caledonia AIA has already lost midfielder Hayden Tinto, goalkeeper Michael Woods and Guyanese defender Howard Lowe who all moved to neighbours Joe Public this season. Shabazz made clear that his squad, popularly known for its slate of Guyanese internationals, will no longer be that way. “We have a couple of Guyanese players with us still like Walter Moore and (veteran defender) Charles Pollard. But this season we will have less Guyanese players because we are going to look to our youth systems,” he reiterated.
Caledonia AIA had their best-ever season in 2008, grabbing the Courts Pro Bowl at the beginning and the national FA Trophy in the end. It was the first time in the club’s 30 year history that it won any titles. The Stallions finished fourth in the League behind Champions CLICO San Juan Jabloteh, W Connection (second) and North East Stars (third). Akim Armstrong, Gyasi Joyce, Brion Braker and Kemron Purcell were a few of the Under 20 players to contribute to Caledonia’s success last season. Armstrong was noted as a standout in every match he played for the Seniors.
Caledonia is also hoping for a boost in inspiration this season with the addition of T&T legend Russell ‘the magician’ Latapy. Now 40 years old, Latapy retired from Scottish Premier League club Falkirk last year to join the T&T national team in a capacity of player/coach. It is reported that the ‘magician’ is on the verge of signing with the Stallions.
“Latapy has made a verbal commitment to us,” said the Caledonia boss. “It’s a bonus to us and the community. We are hoping that he can be more than just a player for us. We have a number of community projects and youth development programs in our plans and we hope that he will be a mentor not only for the members of our club, but for the Morvant/Laventille districts.” We are down because of the crisis we face but we are not out. We will do everything to stay alive,” said the former T&T and Guyana coach.