Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Tallman on December 03, 2008, 06:21:34 AM
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Shahdon Winchester: Rising above adversity
By Kwame Williams (T&T Guardian)
When times are tough or things are going woefully awry, it is then that folks tend to learn the most about themselves and others around them. In other words, when the chips are down and your mettle is tested, you find out exactly what you are made of.
Having to deal with disappointment is part and parcel of being human and, just as sure as a politician will tell lies, during ones lifetime this emotion is one everybody will experience at a number of junctures.
Adversity, though, seems to have a way of bringing the best out of some people and as the saying goes - “only the strong survive”.
Shahdon Winchester is testament to this. The Naparima College standout has been turning heads in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) since making his debut for “Naps” as a tenacious 12-year-old in 2004.
This year, he lit the competition ablaze, scoring 16 goals on the way to leading “Naps” to another South Zone league and Intercol double, as well as the coveted BGTT Big Five crown.
His searing pace and mesmerising dribbling skills make him a constant threat to rivals on the football field, while an insatiable hunger for success ensures that he will fight to the last to see out any task set before him.
But prior to all Winchester’s headline-grabbing exploits in the SSFL, he was forced to tackle one of life’s harsh realities and the battle to overcome it when he lost his dad. Shahdon was just 10 when the man responsible for nurturing his love of football – Derek Winchester – died in a vehicular accident.
Although it has been six years since the elder Winchester’s passing, every time Shahdon plays he is driven by a desire to make his father proud and not a day goes by in which the Princes Town native doesn’t wonder how his dad would feel about his development both on and off the pitch.
“I think about him a lot, especially when I’m playing and even more so if we lose. I study how he would feel about of my performance, if he was happy with it or not.
“He was the one who got me interested in the sport because he used to carry me to watch a lot of matches,” Winchester said.
After her husband’s death, Shahdon’s mom – Svetlana Winchester – took up the mantle and made it her responsibility to ensure that her young son was not denied the opportunity to pursue his football dreams.
As a matter of fact, so committed was she to the cause that Svetlana, who did not know how to drive, decided to take driving classes and apply for a permit just to be able to drop and pick up Shahdon, the eldest of her three children, from practice at the club his dad enrolled him in – Couva outfit W Connection.
“It was a rough period for us, but everyone always used to tell me how good a player he was and if you give Shahdon a chance, he is the type who will play football whole day,” she joked.
“Having to work and be the home-maker was difficult at first but he was always a good and obedient child and I saw how much he loved football so it was an easy choice for me to make really. And fortunately for me I got help from his uncle and sometimes his cousins because they would carry him to practice when I couldn’t,” she added.
Even though he is 16 now, Winchester’s mother is still very active in his football life, ensuring he is up on time when he has early morning practice sessions and readying his gear whenever he needs it.
And this continued devotion over the years has began to bare fruit as Winchester is currently a key member of the T&T Under-17 team vying for qualification for the 2009 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
“Seeing how dedicated she is just makes me feel that I have to push even more. It makes me want to work harder,” he said.
Unfortunately, “Naps” failed to defend their national Intercol title, but Shahdon will have little time to dwell on that as he now has to focus on national team duties. He and his teammates will leave for Mexico in April, when the final round of qualifiers are scheduled to take place.
T&T are uncertain who they will face in Mexico as the tournament’s organisers are yet to decide the format in which it will be contested. One thing is for sure though, and that is whoever the local lads come up against, with Shahdon Winchester in the team they have an excellent chance of achieveing their goal.
You can even expect to see a couple opponents getting dribbled out of their boots as well, as he is an avid admirer of Brazil’s dribbler extraordinaire - Robinho.
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From what little I have seen, this fella have all the gifts necessary to be someone special for T&T football.
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Agree Swima like d little I c of d yute
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Is'n this the same player one of the members was always bigging up everytime we talking about Jerrol Brittos games.?
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Yep he is Britto strikin pardner
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hope he comes along...i like
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Yep he is Britto strikin pardner
I say he was a mid
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I c him strikin wit Britto in d under 17 earlier dis yr
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For those of you who watching Shahdon Winchester play.
Can you compare him to the SSFL standouts like Nixon, Sherwood, Yorke, Dwarika, Sampson etc etc.
It this a future star ?
How good is he ?
Can anyone name some players of his calibre in the SSFL ?
What about his teammates at Naps, Ryan Fredericks.
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i got a chance to see him play when connection come to jersey. i know u cant judge someone just by one game but de man have de tools...lots of potential.
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He done nearly too old arready to be "special".
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Exciting player. No lie.
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Last year I say him play one game and he looked impressive. This season he looked less than impressive but probably because Naps lost some of their players so teams focussed more on him a lot more. I will say this he does have potential, he very strong on the ball and has a good touch but he seems disintrested in the game at times. I feel like this season he played just to have something to do. We'll see how he looks when the Pro League gets going next season. I can't class him with the likes of Yorke, Sampson, Sherwood. Just have not seen him performing at a high level consistently even though he gets the goals he doesn't seem to be a game changer.
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not really palos...yuh have to put everyting in place.... this kid could play fittball...ah hearing yuh...but its not always cut and dry like dat
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we discover most of our players at 15,16 ,17 .How old is Winchester 17 thats par for the course with us.
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Quick, get him a trial at Arsenal. ;D
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NAPARIMA COLLEGE !!..San Fernando Stand Up !! ;D
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we discover most of our players at 15,16 ,17 .How old is Winchester 17 thats par for the course with us.
He eh now discovered. He been around a while now.
If I eh mistaken, he even went Portugal or someplace so fuh trials. He moms have a Russian soundin name and she went wit he.
My point is...if he was "special", he woulda been picked up by somebody out dey. Everybody on de football circuit lookin fuh players and when a special player come around, dem does know.
Is why Peltier & Hyland get extended looks. I eh sayin it too late. He IS 17 after all. But time runnin out fuh him. He have to leave T&T to get better and leave SOON.
Playin SSFL & Intercol actually makin him REGRESS.
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Last year I say him play one game and he looked impressive. This season he looked less than impressive but probably because Naps lost some of their players so teams focussed more on him a lot more. I will say this he does have potential, he very strong on the ball and has a good touch but he seems disintrested in the game at times. I feel like this season he played just to have something to do. We'll see how he looks when the Pro League gets going next season. I can't class him with the likes of Yorke, Sampson, Sherwood. Just have not seen him performing at a high level consistently even though he gets the goals he doesn't seem to be a game changer.
Thanks for de update.
I hear he left W Connection. So expect Joe Public to sign him up soon.
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At 12yrs he won 3 titles at naps ,top scorer in the pro league youth levels with W.Connection,top class goal-scorer,national coaches put him in midfield,could have gone further,connection trying to hold him for money ,or buisness purposes.rigth up there with latas ,not that many skillful teamates at his disposal like lats had with tech,similar to Collin Samuel at mayaro.
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At 12yrs he won 3 titles at naps ,top scorer in the pro league youth levels with W.Connection,top class goal-scorer,national coaches put him in midfield,could have gone further,connection trying to hold him for money ,or buisness purposes.rigth up there with latas ,not that many skillful teamates at his disposal like lats had with tech,similar to Collin Samuel at mayaro.
I've seen Shahdon play a couple of times with W-Connection, and I like what was displayed, and I believe that he has a future in de game. But why exactly would you put him "right up there with Latas"?
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Similar ability, potential and accomplishments at youth levels,not saying he is better than the boss,but six south zone titles,one national big five ,one national intercol title,national youth teams and national senior team call ups, trials overseas,right agent that all it takes :D
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Similar ability, potential and accomplishments at youth levels,not saying he is better than the boss,but six south zone titles,one national big five ,one national intercol title,national youth teams and national senior team call ups, trials overseas,right agent that all it takes :D
So Winchester win those titles by himself? He played a supporting role on a very good Naps over the years. Last year was probably the first year where he was the "star" of the team.
Rating him should not be based on how many titles Naps won.
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Winchester is the best SSFL player I have seen in the last 5 years but he is nowhere near the class of Latas, Yorke, Sherwood, and Sampson when they were his age. I would rate him higher than Nixon.
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Shadon Winchester,Shadon Winchester,year after year, the best. :rotfl:
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well how did Winchester on trial at sporting Braga in portugal? anyone know
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well how did Winchester on trial at sporting Braga in portugal? anyone know
He playing for Naps.
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well how did Winchester on trial at sporting Braga in portugal? anyone know
He playing for Naps.
exactly
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Did latapy makebradford city in his first trial,contracts are given not only for ability.steups waste ah time. ???
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dis exactly is d problem wit we football...we so thirst to idolise somebody dat we does be graspin at straws.
D winchester boy good in SSFL...and dais about it. When men excel in a below par league, we quick to say he is d nex dis and dat. We hadda stop encouragin and promoting d mediocrity.
Encourage d player yes, but men done exalting him....and he aint all dat yet.
Same ting go on wit Jabloteh a season or two ago..dey beat everybody in pfl and as soon as dey gone outside is level licks.
Wake up ppl..d youngster may have potential, but we cyah properly assess dat in d SSFL. He went outside already and get sent back...dat doh mean he not good, it mean he not ready yet. How long he take to be ready is anyone's guess...but we should know is not now.
Stop writing articles makin ppl feel dat d boy reach somewhere
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I not fighting to bigup the youth but allyuh crying down the youth man ,I said he can compare with Latas and Dwight at the same age,for his accomplishments already, he scoring goals just like nixon,dwarika, stern John,and Jones did,allyuh crying down the SSFL saying it is a below standard league,The youth choose to go back to school,just like some good ball players do, allyuh say he eh ready yet,The man already play with W-connection senior team and scored goals,he get ah call on theTnT senior team,and he still young enough to go to school and get ah little subjects so allyuh can't say he dunse,and allyuh say he medioca. :rotfl:
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I not fighting to bigup the youth but allyuh crying down the youth man ,I said he can compare with Latas and Dwight at the same age,for his accomplishments already, he scoring goals just like nixon,dwarika, stern John,and Jones did,allyuh crying down the SSFL saying it is a below standard league,The youth choose to go back to school,just like some good ball players do, allyuh say he eh ready yet,The man already play with W-connection senior team and scored goals,he get ah call on theTnT senior team,and he still young enough to go to school and get ah little subjects so allyuh can't say he dunse,and allyuh say he medioca. :rotfl:
i dont think anybody fighting down de fellah, as for school, u want to bet after the season done he eh see the inside of Naps again
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All i have to say is if the boy creating so much conversation then he have to have something plus he get call up to the senior team 2 ...so i'm curious bout him.
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All i have to say is if the boy creating so much conversation then he have to have something plus he get call up to the senior team 2 ...so i'm curious bout him.
These days getting call up to our senior team aint really worth much ah nothing!! Seems like if yuh limin with the right crew yuh pick and play guaranteed!
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Yuh know what Fordy ....yuh might be right yuh might be right ....
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Give the youth a chance, de only thing that can kill him is if his head gets to big for his boots, but once he lime around the more mature players he will do find. He must know what he wants.
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All i have to say is if the boy creating so much conversation then he have to have something plus he get call up to the senior team 2 ...so i'm curious bout him.
These days getting call up to our senior team aint really worth much ah nothing!! Seems like if yuh limin with the right crew yuh pick and play guaranteed!
As Weary would say...once the jersey coud fit yuh...
I not fighting to bigup the youth but allyuh crying down the youth man ,I said he can compare with Latas and Dwight at the same age,for his accomplishments already, he scoring goals just like nixon,dwarika, stern John,and Jones did,allyuh crying down the SSFL saying it is a below standard league,The youth choose to go back to school,just like some good ball players do, allyuh say he eh ready yet,The man already play with W-connection senior team and scored goals,he get ah call on theTnT senior team,and he still young enough to go to school and get ah little subjects so allyuh can't say he dunse,and allyuh say he medioca. :rotfl:
i dont think anybody fighting down de fellah, as for school, u want to bet after the season done he eh see the inside of Naps again
I understand that he did not do well in O'levels, hence the reason why he joined up with the Naps team late this season...had to get a bligh to get back in school. Not surprising though with the amount of football he played and the time away from schoool.
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SHAHDON WINCHESTER
http://www.youtube.com/v/i7Z5dYVwcYU
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W Connection's Winchester off to Celtic FC on 2 week trail.
By: Renee John-Williams (WCFC Press).
Trinidad & Tobago National Senior Football Team starlet and W Connection player Shahdon Winchester has been offered a trial by Celtic Football Club of the Scottish Premier league.
The ex-Naparima College striker was scouted early in the 2010 TT Pro League Season and the legendary “Old Firm” powerhouse have moved forward their interest by extending an invitation to him to join them for a two week trial.
Having been at W Connection’s youth academy since age eight, he made his first senior appearance for the club at the age of sixteen.
He has also represented his club in the prestigious CONCACAF Champions League in 2009. Shahdon has represented T&T at the National Under-14, Under-15 and Under-17 levels.
Winchester’s talent has not escaped the eyes of National coach Russel Latapy, and is a current member of the senior national set up preparing for the upcoming Digicel Caribbean Cup.
Shahdon leaves on Sunday for Glasgow, Scotland, hoping to impress and secure a permanent dream move to join Celtic Football Club.
For Additional Information, contact the Marketing and Media Department at WConnection Club offices.
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:beermug: :beermug: :beermug: :beermug:
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Hope it's a happy trail...
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Good luck and God Bless!!!!
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:beermug: :beermug: :beermug: :beermug:
:beermug:
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Well. Hope he makes the best of his opportunity. Hope they decide whether or not they will sign him before the window closes. :beermug:
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Please get a contract :praying:
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Please get a contract :praying:
CO-SIGN Marv eh doin nutten these days so he could help yuh :praying:
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Please get a contract :praying:
CO-SIGN Marv eh doin nutten these days so he could help yuh :praying:
Ah hope he prepared to play in cold weather!
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Please get a contract :praying:
CO-SIGN Marv eh doin nutten these days so he could help yuh :praying:
Ah hope he prepared to play in cold weather!
Marv could elp wit dat as well. He walked d road ahready so he would be able to give some useful advice. I will change my name if anybody contact Marv 2 c how he could assist d yute. After all he in d yuteman back yard.
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..
Naparima College (South Trinidad) Stand UP !!!!
Best of luck Winchester
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Good luck to him
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play yuh fitball
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Well if he does get signed he would be the first in a long line of our recent "starlets" .
Doh sit or rest in practice just act like you dont get tired and built of steel always eager.Like what ever they put you true ,didnt even phase you :)
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hope something works out for britto and Johan peltier
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Work permit will be problematic
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
lol........Didnt know it had a Russia in Princes Town!
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
lol........Didnt know it had a Russia in Princes Town!
check dis thread:
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=41376.0
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
lol........Didnt know it had a Russia in Princes Town!
check dis thread:
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=41376.0
How all yuh so sure she is Russian. Maybe she parents wanted an exotic name for their daughter.
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
lol........Didnt know it had a Russia in Princes Town!
check dis thread:
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=41376.0
How all yuh so sure she is Russian. Maybe she parents wanted an exotic name for their daughter.
I never get the impression anybody was sure. Just telling Andre to check the thread that's all.
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C'mon Shadon bring we some good news..
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Gotta be happy for Winchester. For the few who haven't seen him in action, de little youth has it and his attitude is infectious. Young, very skillful and nippy, reasonably stylish, they will see him as marketable, and he seems to be very disciplined allways very neatly dressed wearing the W Connection uniform at TT proleague games. Scotland will never forget the impact Latapy has had on their football and Celtic are thinking that they are seeing another little Latas, with the same dreads and all.
Big up. :beermug:
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
lol........Didnt know it had a Russia in Princes Town!
check dis thread:
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=41376.0
How all yuh so sure she is Russian. Maybe she parents wanted an exotic name for their daughter.
I aint have to check any thread...........i know the family personally and dem livin Princes Town.....LOL
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
ent they does play in the the Eurocup?
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Good video clips of Winchester in action, posted in Gols Galore by Trini_2014
http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=50536.0
Show dem li'l warrior ...
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
but isn't he related to the Beni family outta Egypt ?...ps Palos yuh make meh read the whole post guy...alrite..u an lilman ressin it on meh hard, guy
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Winchester will make it at Celtic,i really hope.
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Winchester will make it at Celtic,i really hope.
How can u say he will make it and then say u hope ::) ::)
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trying to be positive,it boils down to what they want from him.
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ok any news people ?
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
ent they does play in the the Eurocup?
Yes they play in Euro competitions. Russia is on Asian borders. I dnt understand this part but they are not part of the European Union. Israel plays in Europe as do Turkey and they are both Asian countries and not part of the EU. Just like Australia is Oceania but plays in Asia but they are not Asian.
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
ent they does play in the the Eurocup?
Yes they play in Euro competitions. Russia is on Asian borders. I dnt understand this part but they are not part of the European Union. Israel plays in Europe as do Turkey and they are both Asian countries and not part of the EU. Just like Australia is Oceania but plays in Asia but they are not Asian.
Russian so damn big there are physically, culturally and ethnically European and Asian. But the dominant power of the country is Euro. I don't think they are part of the Euro Union, but they have always been part of the Euro Zone in sports. Well in Israel case, no Muslim country wants to play them until that Palestinian issue is resolved. They use to be a power house in Asian football at one time.They qualified for 1970 WC from Asia. So the Euros gave them a waiver to play in the Euro Zone, That good and bad. They get to play against top quality players, but unlikely to qualify for the WC. But who knows?
Turkey is also split between Euro and Asia. The Bosporus can take either way. The Turks like the Russians have alway played in the Euro.Zone, even though most of Turkey is in Asia.
But the real issue is Shadon Benny. I hope he makes it at Celtic. I bias, because I am a Celtic fan also.
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
ent they does play in the the Eurocup?
Yes they play in Euro competitions. Russia is on Asian borders. I dnt understand this part but they are not part of the European Union. Israel plays in Europe as do Turkey and they are both Asian countries and not part of the EU. Just like Australia is Oceania but plays in Asia but they are not Asian.
Just like surinam and guyana plays in concacaf and they are in south america, and not central, caribbean or north america.
as for israel, they can't play in the asian confederation BC of the amount of security it would take @ the games since they have soooo many enemies in the middle east so it was easier to place them in the eropean confederation to their detriment, BC if they were allowed to play in asia, they would easily dominate that region.
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
ent they does play in the the Eurocup?
Yes they play in Euro competitions. Russia is on Asian borders. I dnt understand this part but they are not part of the European Union. Israel plays in Europe as do Turkey and they are both Asian countries and not part of the EU. Just like Australia is Oceania but plays in Asia but they are not Asian.
Just like surinam and guyana plays in concacaf and they are in south america, and not central, caribbean or north america.
as for israel, they can't play in the asian confederation BC of the amount of security it would take @ the games since they have soooo many enemies in the middle east so it was easier to place them in the eropean confederation to their detriment, BC if they were allowed to play in asia, they would easily dominate that region.
if they were in the asian federation, many of the arab nations would literally refuse to play against israel. Israelis are not allowed into several arab nations (even having an Israeli stamp in yuh passport will get u denied entry)
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so any news? will they sign him
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Celtic trial for young Trinidadian striker.
sport.stv.tv.
Shahdon Winchester will spend two weeks at Celtic as he bids to win a move from W Connection to the SPL.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon will cast his eye over another young prospect as Trinidad striker Shahdon Winchester arrives on trial this week. The 18-year-old will spend two weeks at Lennoxtown as he attempts to win a move to Scotland.
Winchester, who is already part of Trinidad and Tobago’s full team under former Rangers and Hibernian playmaker Russell Latapy, plays with W Connection, a club he has been with since he was eight years old.
Having made his debut at the age of 17, Winchester has scored twice this season in three appearances and was watched by Celtic scouts in action for Connection. In 2009, he also had a 10-day trial with Braga, the team who knocked Lennon’s side out of this season’s Champions League.
Connection have a growing reputation for producing young players, having sold Kenwyne Jones to Southampton in 2004. Now David John Williams, president of Winchester’s club, believes Winchester could eclipse Jones and become a big hit in Glasgow, if his trial results in a move.
“If Shahdon is successful, it could be a big move for him,” Williams told the official website of the T&T Pro League. “It would be much bigger than when Kenwyne Jones left for Southampton.
“Celtic is a massive club in terms of world football and I am confident in Shahdon’s talent. He is going into an environment that is English speaking and that’s going to make him even more comfortable.”
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Celtic trial for young Trinidadian striker.
sport.stv.tv.
Shahdon Winchester will spend two weeks at Celtic as he bids to win a move from W Connection to the SPL.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon will cast his eye over another young prospect as Trinidad striker Shahdon Winchester arrives on trial this week. The 18-year-old will spend two weeks at Lennoxtown as he attempts to win a move to Scotland.
Winchester, who is already part of Trinidad and Tobago’s full team under former Rangers and Hibernian playmaker Russell Latapy, plays with W Connection, a club he has been with since he was eight years old.
Having made his debut at the age of 17, Winchester has scored twice this season in three appearances and was watched by Celtic scouts in action for Connection. In 2009, he also had a 10-day trial with Braga, the team who knocked Lennon’s side out of this season’s Champions League.
Connection have a growing reputation for producing young players, having sold Kenwyne Jones to Southampton in 2004. Now David John Williams, president of Winchester’s club, believes Winchester could eclipse Jones and become a big hit in Glasgow, if his trial results in a move.
“If Shahdon is successful, it could be a big move for him,” Williams told the official website of the T&T Pro League. “It would be much bigger than when Kenwyne Jones left for Southampton.
“Celtic is a massive club in terms of world football and I am confident in Shahdon’s talent. He is going into an environment that is English speaking and that’s going to make him even more comfortable.”
this is an old article flex ...well i guess i no news yet on if the sign him or not
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He didnt go again!!
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He didnt go again!!
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ?
Thanks in advance
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WTF!!!
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He didnt go again!!
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
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He didnt go again!!
Where you hear that? and WTF
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I done with giving inside info on this side, too much ah bachannal.....
But i just want to say that somebody didnt buy de ticket!!
ah love it!!
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I done with giving inside info on this side, too much ah bachannal.....
But i just want to say that somebody didnt buy de ticket!!
ah love it!!
LAWDDDDDDDDD FADDERRRRRRRRRRRR
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You get 3 tame responses and you quit damn .But anyway who byes tickets for these trails ?
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hole on ..hole on ..hole fa#king on
somebody forget to buy de ticket ???
but yet still somebody yapping about the trial to de press ???
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D way some members does be ripping Latapy a new A hole. I will not be surprised if all yuh doh blame he 4 d ticket 2. Steupssss. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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D way some members does be ripping Latapy a new A hole. I will not be surprised if all yuh doh blame he 4 d ticket 2. Steupssss. HIGHLY BLESSED.
steeeps
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D way some members does be ripping Latapy a new A hole. I will not be surprised if all yuh doh blame he 4 d ticket 2. Steupssss. HIGHLY BLESSED.
Latapy is he agent.
Who else woulda buy he ticket? :devil:
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He didnt go again!!
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
SURPRISE!!!
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Palos at least u took d post in different way. But 2014 want tuh try meh. Ah was so mad ah replied tuh de steepss but ah doh know wey de facking post went.
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2014 if yuh is a female or a teenager ah will take back this post. If yuh have something on yuh mind just set it off. De Enterprise doh watch nuttin round here so set it off so we cud sort yuh out. Ah will forget d promise ah made tuh Allah and meh wife and just deal wid d thing. Enteprise and Alkiance wey do some clown round here. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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Enterprise and Alliance wey do dem. Set it off star please do. Make some fool know we got this cuz wehave d entire citypun lock. Member d Enterprise toldyuh. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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I done with giving inside info on this side, too much ah bachannal.....
But i just want to say that somebody didnt buy de ticket!!
ah love it!!
I understand that he will still be going.
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Enterprise and Alliance wey do dem. Set it off star please do. Make some fool know we got this cuz wehave d entire citypun lock. Member d Enterprise toldyuh. HIGHLY BLESSED.
The Jakan influence got you weak
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RF seriously ah lil slow on yuh post. Ah think ah get it but ah not sure. If yuh diss de Supa dat is cool my yute cuz it is all part of d fun on d forum. But when ah get tried and d member post tuh me look serious den ah does get kross and have tuh defend meh title. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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RF seriously ah lil slow on yuh post. Ah think ah get it but ah not sure. If yuh diss de Supa dat is cool my yute cuz it is all part of d fun on d forum. But when ah get tried and d member post tuh me look serious den ah does get kross and have tuh defend meh title. HIGHLY BLESSED.
No man, what I meant to say was you sound like a Jamaican, if i didnt know you were trini i'd think you from Inner-city Kingston. Thats actually an honorable thing to say about a Trini
you have the Jamaican streat talk down to a "T"
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RF, thanks my yute. No dis to any members cuz to each his own. But I am d completeopposite to most of dem cuz I love respect and get along very well wid people from yard. After all two of my best friends are from d great Killa and d Alliance. It doh get much better dan dat. Respect star.
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Sorry I am a bit lazy. I am relaxing in my bed and using my phone to visit d forum. So wid dat said I screwed up d words complete opposite in my last post. HIGHLY BLESSEd.
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He will supposedly be heading out to Scotland on Wednesday, September 8th.
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All the best son...work hard and show them what you can do. Score goals!!!!!!
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RF, thanks my yute. No dis to any members cuz to each his own. But I am d completeopposite to most of dem cuz I love respect and get along very well wid people from yard. After all two of my best friends are from d great Killa and d Alliance. It doh get much better dan dat. Respect star.
liar
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RF seriously ah lil slow on yuh post. Ah think ah get it but ah not sure. If yuh diss de Supa dat is cool my yute cuz it is all part of d fun on d forum. But when ah get tried and d member post tuh me look serious den ah does get kross and have tuh defend meh title. HIGHLY BLESSED.
No man, what I meant to say was you sound like a Jamaican, if i didnt know you were trini i'd think you from Inner-city Kingston. Thats actually an honorable thing to say about a Trini
you have the Jamaican streat talk down to a "T"
whoopie doo. give him a medal.
Next time anybody accuse you or one of your countrymen of being a troll...take it as a compliment.
So we rock it in Trinbago. ::)
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Knight de medal round meh neck already man. On a serious note puh sea hole 2014 ah do need 2 be a liar. Ah was ignoring yuh but is a holiday weekend wid grill on and meh glass full wid juice ah will teach u a thing or 2. I am blessed fool pull up meh past. Aircraft mechanic at MIA meh own house on d beach a beautiful Puertorican wife cute son 2 apartments rented out owner and leader of a crew and party and concert promoter. Ask Movado. Ha ha. Enterprise and Alliance war do dis puh sea hole. Talk tuh meh. What u got what u got fool?
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Work permit will be problematic
He mother Russian.
He eh go qualify on some kinda obscure EEU rule?
More dan half England cricket team not born in England.
Dnt think russia part of the EU. So he would still have to get a work permit.
ent they does play in the the Eurocup?
Yes they play in Euro competitions. Russia is on Asian borders. I dnt understand this part but they are not part of the European Union. Israel plays in Europe as do Turkey and they are both Asian countries and not part of the EU. Just like Australia is Oceania but plays in Asia but they are not Asian.
Turkey is geographically in both Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus, and politically is in Europe as it is part of NATO. Israel is in the Middle East not considered part of Asia geographically or politically.
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RF seriously ah lil slow on yuh post. Ah think ah get it but ah not sure. If yuh diss de Supa dat is cool my yute cuz it is all part of d fun on d forum. But when ah get tried and d member post tuh me look serious den ah does get kross and have tuh defend meh title. HIGHLY BLESSED.
No man, what I meant to say was you sound like a Jamaican, if i didnt know you were trini i'd think you from Inner-city Kingston. Thats actually an honorable thing to say about a Trini
you have the Jamaican streat talk down to a "T"
Weh so honorable bout dat fella?? is like yuh trying tuh say we trinis sorf or what??!! ah know allyuh Jkans does feel allyuh is the toughest and no body cyar come close. but ah hear tuh let yuh know that ah man is just ah man, and i met some real bad bajan and vincention who doh care weh yuh from, if yuh violate dem they will dun yuh.
so go from here wid dat JKan honorary trini tribute BSh!t, BC no man eh badder than no man, all ah we does bleed, and all does go up to the cemetery in due season. ah man is just that, ah man, and nothing more, no matter where yuh from! don't be fooled.
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JC yuh know we cool but I disagree wid some of your comments. By d way ah believe yuh was talking tuh RF. Not just from dis thread but RF always been a cool yardie. Y u coming down on d breddah so star? HIGHLY BLESSED.
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JC dat man is just a man and we all bleed is just nice lyrics but nothing more dan dat in my world. Cuz member Supa told yuh dis it have not thousands but millions of punks and woosies out here. So my friend there will always be a baddah man. Respect. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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JC dat man is just a man and we all bleed is just nice lyrics but nothing more dan dat in my world. Cuz member Supa told yuh dis it have not thousands but millions of punks and woosies out here. So my friend there will always be a baddah man. Respect. HIGHLY BLESSED.
JC yuh know we cool but I disagree wid some of your comments. By d way ah believe yuh was talking tuh RF. Not just from dis thread but RF always been a cool yardie. Y u coming down on d breddah so star? HIGHLY BLESSED.
Supa, is RF i dey wid and not you. as for RF being cool, i wouldn't go that far. RF is aahight, but if push come tuh shove yuh will see his true colors.
in regards to them JKans, they fully believe they invent bad behavior and nothing bad like ah yardie. every body else in their definition is "fryers". remember i stayed there for a while, and right here in boo york i fren up plenty baarrrddd JKans who went nuts in the 80ies an90ies.
those guys truly believe trinis are pu$$ies and have tuh take a back seat tuh dem. my cousins musta kill about five ah dem when he was alive fuh the same disrespect BS and man taking him lightly when he was in reality a real hateful dude who didn't give ah flying f@ck.
i meh self had tuh tump up ah few of dem when i was young and dum, and to my surprise they never came back in spite of all the threats.
most JKans have tuh really change they style and give other caribbeans they props. don't get me wrong, a lot of yardies are fantastic incredible ppl, but the numb skulls does give the real bonified JKans a bad name.
i happen to love jamaican above all other caribbeans, but when yuh meet ah kakah@le jamaican, yuh could truly say yuh met ah certified kakah@le by all means, and that one battyh@le could give ah whole region an incredibly funky stigma.
PS :as for the man is just ah man lyrics. what i mean't tuh say was, ah man is really just ah man. bad lawless men come from every nation and is not subjected to any particular geographic location, race, creed or culture. same goes for good genuine ppl, they come from every corner of the earth and beyond in many shapes sizes and hues.
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Holl on nuh JC. Very nice. Dat is y people like u Shark and Coop's are in our fav 10 on dis forum. U all speak u all mind and do be a lil b@@?* a## punk round here. You may not find Coop's in a topic like dis but when it cometuh de football topic he is straight up.
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Just 4 d records we dislike de lil wimps and dem here dat scared tuh speak up and only looking tuh ride other members tuh avoid being disliked. People like u all deserve a few @@n butt in yuh fork in Jaw. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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whoopie doo. give him a medal.
Next time anybody accuse you or one of your countrymen of being a troll...take it as a compliment.
So we rock it in Trinbago. ::)
Allyuh men need to relax sometimes... yuh dey with de wrong person (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=44).
Weh so honorable bout dat fella?? is like yuh trying tuh say we trinis sorf or what??!! ah know allyuh Jkans does feel allyuh is the toughest and no body cyar come close. but ah hear tuh let yuh know that ah man is just ah man, and i met some real bad bajan and vincention who doh care weh yuh from, if yuh violate dem they will dun yuh.
so go from here wid dat JKan honorary trini tribute BSh!t, BC no man eh badder than no man, all ah we does bleed, and all does go up to the cemetery in due season. ah man is just that, ah man, and nothing more, no matter where yuh from! don't be fooled.
I agree that the way de man phrase it sound kinda off-putting... but think about it, we might be inclined to say the same if we hear a white person (or any foreigner really) pull off sounding like a Trini.
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it doh have ah 'who badder than who ' thread all dis coulda go in ? maybe in the culture & entertainment section...me doh know nah...ppl get tie up with the "Winchester" talk or wha ?
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whoopie doo. give him a medal.
Next time anybody accuse you or one of your countrymen of being a troll...take it as a compliment.
So we rock it in Trinbago. ::)
Allyuh men need to relax sometimes... yuh dey with de wrong person (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=44).
Weh so honorable bout dat fella?? is like yuh trying tuh say we trinis sorf or what??!! ah know allyuh Jkans does feel allyuh is the toughest and no body cyar come close. but ah hear tuh let yuh know that ah man is just ah man, and i met some real bad bajan and vincention who doh care weh yuh from, if yuh violate dem they will dun yuh.
so go from here wid dat JKan honorary trini tribute BSh!t, BC no man eh badder than no man, all ah we does bleed, and all does go up to the cemetery in due season. ah man is just that, ah man, and nothing more, no matter where yuh from! don't be fooled.
I agree that the way de man phrase it sound kinda off-putting... but think about it, we might be inclined to say the same if we hear a white person (or any foreigner really) pull off sounding like a Trini.
and all dis time i eh realize it impressive i sound like atrini! ;D
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not sure what you're on about B&S. I know exactly who I dey with.
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Despite what some of u all may thing d Supa do have a side of humor. Well Knight your post about de medal an ting I did not read anything in to it. However D way yuh replied to Sharkyuh attempting me think dat over and c wat u cud have meant.
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Despite what some of u all may thing d Supa do have a side of humor. Well Knight your post about de medal an ting I did not read anything in to it. However D way yuh replied to Sharkyuh attempting me think dat over and c wat u cud have meant.
I have nothing with you Supa. How you choose to talk is your own decision, I have a problem with somebody feeling they doing me (as a Trini) any kind of honour by telling me that I sound like a Jamaican, and more precisely one from inner city Kingston.
Its not something that I would personally take as a compliment, but I guess one man's meat is another man's poison, hence my "If we call you a troll take it as a compliment" comment. Once again, nothing to do with you.
This particular RF has a way to come across very condescending whenever he has to compare anything between the two islands...I was shocked to hear him admit the other day on the girls thread that he wish Jamaica had the facilities and infrastructure to bid, let alone host any kind of international football tournament.
I will always rate Jamaicans for the way the rate themselves and the kind of pride they have in their own culture, land, team etc, but sometimes they doh know where to to get off, unless you tell them to.
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Despite what some of u all may thing d Supa do have a side of humor. Well Knight your post about de medal an ting I did not read anything in to it. However D way yuh replied to Sharkyuh attempting me think dat over and c wat u cud have meant.
I have nothing with you Supa. How you choose to talk is your own decision, I have a problem with somebody feeling they doing me (as a Trini) any kind of honour by telling me that I sound like a Jamaican, and more precisely one from inner city Kingston.
Its not something that I would personally take as a compliment, but I guess one man's meat is another man's poison, hence my "If we call you a troll take it as a compliment" comment. Once again, nothing to do with you.
This particular RF has a way to come across very condescending whenever he has to compare anything between the two islands...I was shocked to hear him admit the other day on the girls thread that he wish Jamaica had the facilities and infrastructure to bid, let alone host any kind of international football tournament.
I will always rate Jamaicans for the way the rate themselves and the kind of pride they have in their own culture, land, team etc, but sometimes they doh know where to to get off, unless you tell them to.
I always thought you did not meant anything negative towards me,cuz I never had u down as one of those woosies round here. However, I must admit that wid de post yuh send tuh Shark, yuh had meh thinking for a while. Cool and respect still. Well if RF was being smart wid his post, I did not take it that way, cuz I doh be on dat . Tuh de smart people who thinking what dey thinking. Hear meh nah, I am de leader of De Enterprise and in FL alone de Jamaicans make up 98 percent of my crew, we love and respect each other. We hang together and we always have each other side. However, when it cum tuh being serious, although meh yardies are very cockie and all that, dey will not kross dis Trini, cuz dey all saw meh went tuh work already and dey all know what de Supa working with. My point is dat in my world, yardies are just another human being dat I will show love and respect for, just as I will do for any other nationality. A yardie tuh some ah all yuh, may mean tuh run, duck, hide, piss, shyth and den sit down on it. HIGHLY BLESSED.
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Winchester scores three goals on Celtic trial.
By: Shaun Fuentes.
W Connection forward Shahdon Winchester returned home recently from a 17-day trial with Scottish Premier League giants Celtic and is likely to earn a recall to the club when the transfer window re-opens in January.
The 18-year-old Princes Town resident scored three goals in two matches during his stint there, a double in a 6-1 win over a Motherwell XI and another item in a 7-0 win over AYR United on his last day of the trial.
He also interacted with Greece international and former Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras. “It was a memorable experience to see how the Celtic players carry about themselves…how they train, what they do before training and after training and just their general approach. I also had the chance to talk and train with players like Samaras,” Winchester said.
“I trained the first three days with the Under-19 team and then spent the rest of the time with the first team which is when I played in two matches and got the goals in the wins over Motherwell and AYR.”
Winchester was also an attraction, coming from the Caribbean and more particularly from the birth country of Russell Latapy who was chased by Celtic prior to his signing with Glasgow Rangers.
“All the fans wanted to know what was going on, whether I will be signing with the club and yes, they did bring up Trinidad and Tobago because they know about some of the players we have had in Scotland,” Winchester added. “So far the feedback has been positive.
The club president spoke to me before I left and he said they will continue to monitor me and will make a decision on whether they call me back in January.”
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dont let dem know what latapy doing these days
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dont let dem know what latapy doing these days
LOL hahahahahaha. ;D
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good stuff....
i really hope he gets through
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Just keep your eyes on the prize.
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in a nutshell, this youth is the nex best ting commin out ah T&T or wha?
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in a nutshell, this youth is the nex best ting commin out ah T&T or wha?
Thought that was Hyland Peltier DaSilva Daniel ...................
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in a nutshell, this youth is the nex best ting commin out ah T&T or wha?
Thought that was Hyland Peltier DaSilva Daniel ...................
a harsh dose of reality
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Over hyped. But i still hope he succeeds
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dont let dem know what latapy doing these days
LOL hahahahahaha. ;D
Alllyuh dread...Latapy shoulda blank the T&T post and look for a coaching job with small club in Scotland instead.
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AYR united lol....someone need to tell de author that Ayr is a place not an abbreviation.
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Glad this youthman making the most out of his opportunities, but in the meantime...keep building up your rep with Connection.
Hoping for similar things from Jerrel Britto soon. Cordell Cato is another one to look out for, he small but speedy and skilfull.
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Hopefully him get contract
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AYR united lol....someone need to tell de author that Ayr is a place not an abbreviation.
Damn nuttin' does pass allyuh jed...honest mistake- pretty reasonable to think that Ayr is an acronym if you don't live in the UK or if you've never heard of them...
Back in 1989, some Americans thought that they were playing 2 games in one day when their schedule said November 19- USA v Trinidad and Tobago.
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Glad this youthman making the most out of his opportunities, but in the meantime...keep building up your rep with Connection.
Hoping for similar things from Jerrel Britto soon. Cordell Cato is another one to look out for, he small but speedy and skilfull.
Two impressive players. Britto has a lot of potential. Jeron Quashie is another good young player we can expect big things from 8)
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Trinidadian starlet will have to wait for Celtic decision
sport.stv.tv
Shahdon Winchester has completed his trial at Celtic but hopes for a recall.
(http://files.stv.tv/img/articles/201706-trinidadian-starlet-will-have-to-wait-for-celtic-decision-410x230.jpg)
Wait and see: Shahdon Winchester says Celtic may come in for him in January. Pic: © SNS Group
Shahdon Winchester has returned to Trinidad after completing a 17-day trial with Celtic. The W Connection striker says he has been told the Glasgow club may make contact again in January with a view to a permanent move.
The 18-year old, who has already been capped at full international level by Trinidad and Tobago coach Russell Latapy, trained with both the Under-19s and the first team at Lennoxtown. Playing with the youth team in bounce games he scored twice against a Motherwell XI and once in a 7-0 win over Ayr United.
"It was a memorable experience to see how the Celtic players carry about themselves, how they train, what they do before training and after training, and just their general approach,” he told the Trinidad Express. “I also had the chance to talk and train with players like Samaras.
"I trained the first three days with the Under-19 team and then spent the rest of the time with the first team, which is when I played in two matches and got the goals in the wins over Motherwell and Ayr.”
Winchester said he had been encouraged by the response of the club’s fans and that he had been told by Celtic that although a decision had not been reached on a transfer, they would keep an eye on his progress and may make a move in the next transfer window.
"All the fans wanted to know what was going on, whether I will be signing with the club, and, yes, they did bring up Trinidad and Tobago because they know about some of the players we have had in Scotland," he said.
"So far the feedback has been positive. The club president spoke to me before I left and he said they will continue to monitor me and will make a decision on whether they call me back in January."
Before travelling to Glasgow, the young forward had already scored twice in three matches for his club this season. He picked up valuable experience playing in the CONCACAF Champions League last year and has been capped at various international levels.
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Glad this youthman making the most out of his opportunities, but in the meantime...keep building up your rep with Connection.
Hoping for similar things from Jerrel Britto soon. Cordell Cato is another one to look out for, he small but speedy and skilfull.
As I recall, two or three years later we all still waiting to hear from Portsmouth about Britto (and Hyland). My point being that one of the problems with these non-transfer window trials is that you almost never hear anything definitive once they over unless they do eventually sign. Same thing with Baptiste and Ipswich. Until something is heard from Celtic themselves I'm not going to hold my breath.
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Glad this youthman making the most out of his opportunities, but in the meantime...keep building up your rep with Connection.
Hoping for similar things from Jerrel Britto soon. Cordell Cato is another one to look out for, he small but speedy and skilfull.
As I recall, two or three years later we all still waiting to hear from Portsmouth about Britto (and Hyland). My point being that one of the problems with these non-transfer window trials is that you almost never hear anything definitive once they over unless they do eventually sign. Same thing with Baptiste and Ipswich. Until something is heard from Celtic themselves I'm not going to hold my breath.
Exactly. A youth could loose focus expecting that they finally make it...and get crushed when dissapointment hits. You really have to wonder what happened to youths like Aaron Downing, Jamal Gay and Kevon Neaves...
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Hope he get through wish people would stop over hyping him though he talented but not in the mould of some of our former players.
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Any news on this?
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Hmmmm any news ?
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Hmmmm any news ?
Well when IC D thread I say iz news but I wrong like an o
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..looks like a ...dont call us ...we'll call you ...sit tight
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Saw him Saturday and he said he is going to Finland. He did not want to tell me the club, but its a club in the Finish Premier League.
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Nice. Love news like this. Export players at a controlled rate, get transfer fees for the clubs and let the stars in waiting on de bench get a first team spot, meanwhile Europe and anywhere else gets primed that T&T is the place to look for talent. :beermug:
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Thanks for the info!
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Shahdon off for Finland trials
Wired868.com
DIRECTV W Connection attacker Shahdon Winchester should join the Pro League’s European exodus on Monday when he leaves for Finland and a trial with top flight club, FF Jaro.
Winchester has already agreed personal terms with Jaro but will spend two weeks there to see how he acclimatises with the Finnish conditions. It is minus-20 degrees Celsius at the moment in Finland, which is a remarkable 50 degree drop in temperature from Trinidad and Tobago.
If the talented 20-year-old attacker can cope, he will kick start an overseas career that has comprised of several unsuccessful trials at more recognisable clubs like Scotland’s Celtic and Portugal’s Sporting Braga.
Jaro escaped relegation from the Finland Premier League by just one point last season and finished 11th from 12 participating teams.
Winchester has certainly been on a hot streak in Trinidad this season. He scored seven of Connection’s 15 Pro League goals and is second among the League’s top marksmen.
Jaro and Connection will hope he sizzles in sub-zero Finland too.
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Poor Shahdon ,minus 20 below zero in shorts burrrrr.Its minus 7 here and i dont want to go out .only christian school girls wear short skirts in minus 20,
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On the bright side, he already had trials in Europe so hopefully he got to experience the cold weather before?
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Akil DeFreitas is/was with the same Club (FF Jaro).
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I hope he received feedback as to why his prior trials were unsuccessful. The biological clock is ticking. Ah doh want to say it's now or never, but ... as far as Europe goes, there is a sell-by date.
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I hope he received feedback as to why his prior trials were unsuccessful. The biological clock is ticking. Ah doh want to say it's now or never, but ... as far as Europe goes, there is a sell-by date.
Here are some comments made during his trial last year with Norwegian club, FK Haugesund:
It will be exciting to see him when we get properly started. We have received good reports on him, but we are unsure of the level...
http://www.h-avis.no/sport/fevang-kommer-ikke-1.7117386
He is not very mobile, but when he moves, it makes sense. He is good in nærspillet, strong, explosive and resilient, but are probably used to a different playing culture. We must use good week to see if he's anything for us…
http://www.h-avis.no/sport/forventer-mer-av-winchester-1.7118319
They saw the Trinidad & Tobago striker Shahdon Winchester in action for FKH the last ten minutes of the match. He impressed not significant.
http://www.h-avis.no/sport/fkh-vant-mot-strommen-1.7120361
Sample Player Shahdon Winchester left La Manga yesterday without contract. He was never close to convince FKHs coaching team.
http://www.h-avis.no/sport/fkh-slo-ranheim-1.7131569
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Hmmmmm and imagine he is considered one of our brighter young prospects. We need to get serious with development.
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Over the last four years, Winchester has had the following trials:
March 2012: FK Haugesund (Norway)
June/July 2011: FC Dallas (USA)
February 2011: Colorado Rapids (USA)
October 2010: PFC Sevastopol (Ukraine)
August 2010: Celtic (Scotland)
February 2009: Sporting Braga (Portugal)
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... that paints a serious picture. Hmmm. Seeing the world one trial at a time.
Has anyone been accompanying him on his travels?
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I hope he received feedback as to why his prior trials were unsuccessful. The biological clock is ticking. Ah doh want to say it's now or never, but ... as far as Europe goes, there is a sell-by date.
Ding! Ding! Players have to make the best of opportunities
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Hmmmmm and imagine he is considered one of our brighter young prospects. We need to get serious with development.
Not for me, he is not one of our better young players, he decent, maybe one of the top 20 in Trinidad but not one of the best.
He is a lazy player.
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Hmmmmm and imagine he is considered one of our brighter young prospects. We need to get serious with development.
Not for me, he is not one of our better young players, he decent, maybe one of the top 20 in Trinidad but not one of the best.
He is a lazy player.
What's the difference?
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Has anyone been accompanying him on his travels?
He was accompanied to Portugal by his mother and Leonson Lewis, and in the USA and Ukraine he went with other players.
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I would like to see him in the Jupiter League or Swedish 2nd division. Not feeling Finland.
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Has anyone been accompanying him on his travels?
He was accompanied to Portugal by his mother and Leonson Lewis, and in the USA and Ukraine he went with other players.
So the answer lies elsewhere.
I'll say this though, we flash abroad do trials then flash home. African players not on that! Once in Europe, always in Europe. Dem men staying till de fat lady hoarse.
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No question the youth is good with the ball at his feet and is intelligent with his movement. He is not 'lazy'. But from what little I have seen he lacks that hard driving, almost maniacal sense of urgency that could tip him over the edge. For the most part Coaches in TT don't seem to be able to recognize the advantages of that, far less nurture it. Some do for sure, but as discussed in another thread its willpower and drive under adverse condtions that is the downfall of many of our players. That is part of what eventually makes the difference between an Autis Whitley and a Khaleem Hyland. And that is a coaching problem.
So the answer lies elsewhere.
I'll say this though, we flash abroad do trials then flash home. African players not on that! Once in Europe, always in Europe. Dem men staying till de fat lady hoarse.
So what is the difference between what our players do and what Africans do? Multiple trials, easier work permit situations, go abroad younger?
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btw, good luck to you. hope you can make the transition to europe. if not, nutten wrong with vietnam either
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Over the last four years, Winchester has had the following trials:
March 2012: FK Haugesund (Norway)
June/July 2011: FC Dallas (USA)
February 2011: Colorado Rapids (USA)
October 2010: PFC Sevastopol (Ukraine)
August 2010: Celtic (Scotland)
February 2009: Sporting Braga (Portugal)
We have to be patient, i know i probably rate Winchester better than others but remember hes still young. I remember Winchester had a good trial at Celtic and there were generally positive comments about his time there. He has probably the best first touch of any of our U-23 players.
Remember 2 yrs ago Peltier was a player who failed on trials at Houston, Zulte & Stabæk. He like Winchester was a touted youth player who had not reached his potential. He was going to a 2nd division team in Slovakia, now hes arguably our most inform player.
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Well, aside from having a wider network (formal and informal), they just &$@}&$ relentless! Plus, nothing to lose? I'll never forget a Nigerian telling me about "sleeping" in a tree at night to evade detection in Morocco. (These days he somewhere near your gates coaching youth soccer).
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Over the last four years, Winchester has had the following trials:
March 2012: FK Haugesund (Norway)
June/July 2011: FC Dallas (USA)
February 2011: Colorado Rapids (USA)
October 2010: PFC Sevastopol (Ukraine)
August 2010: Celtic (Scotland)
February 2009: Sporting Braga (Portugal)
We have to be patient, i know i probably rate Winchester better than others but remember hes still young. I remember Winchester had a good trial at Celtic and there were generally positive comments about his time there. He has probably the best first touch of any of our U-23 players.
Remember 2 yrs ago Peltier was a player who failed on trials at Houston, Zulte & Stabæk. He like Winchester was a touted youth player who had not reached his potential. He was going to a 2nd division team in Slovakia, now hes arguably our most inform player.
Actually, Peltier did not fail, he did not agree terms...
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Well, aside from having a wider network (formal and informal), they just &$@}&$ relentless! Plus, nothing to lose? I'll never forget a Nigerian telling me about "sleeping" in a tree at night to evade detection in Morocco. (These days he somewhere near your gates coaching youth soccer).
So you advocating our players sleep in trees now?
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Youre right Flex i do remember reading somewhere that he couldnt agree to terms with Houston. However im not sure what the circumstances were with Birmingham,Zulte etc.
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Well, aside from having a wider network (formal and informal), they just &$@}&$ relentless! Plus, nothing to lose? I'll never forget a Nigerian telling me about "sleeping" in a tree at night to evade detection in Morocco. (These days he somewhere near your gates coaching youth soccer).
So you advocating our players sleep in trees now?
Do what need to be done... depending on how thusty yuh is...
dem Africans thusty... as said before dey have nothing to lose or sometimes fall back on... Trinis could still come home and throw waist in a fete
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or drink a rum at Nari's
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That is what it boils down to. Hunger and desire. Africans running away from civil war and poverty. There is nothing else for them to do but make it. Do or Dead...!!!
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We running from poverty too ... but sufferer to sufferer, soldier to soldier, we comfortable in it, ent? Oftentimes cause Trinis don't label it fuh what it is. Poverty.
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Youre right Flex i do remember reading somewhere that he couldnt agree to terms with Houston. However im not sure what the circumstances were with Birmingham,Zulte etc.
Read question number 7
Peltier: My greatest desire is to represent T&T at a World Cup (http://www.socawarriors.net/component/content/9914.html?task=view)
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Youre right Flex i do remember reading somewhere that he couldnt agree to terms with Houston. However im not sure what the circumstances were with Birmingham,Zulte etc.
Read question number 7
Peltier: My greatest desire is to represent T&T at a World Cup (http://www.socawarriors.net/component/content/9914.html?task=view)
Thanks boss
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Well, aside from having a wider network (formal and informal), they just &$@}&$ relentless! Plus, nothing to lose? I'll never forget a Nigerian telling me about "sleeping" in a tree at night to evade detection in Morocco. (These days he somewhere near your gates coaching youth soccer).
So you advocating our players sleep in trees now?
Do what need to be done... depending on how thusty yuh is...
dem Africans thusty... as said before dey have nothing to lose or sometimes fall back on... Trinis could still come home and throw waist in a fete
i just throwing 'ol talk at asylumseeker. reality is we far from real deprivation. but that is an advantage, not a setback. our coaches and administrators have had the all means neccessary to instill players with the willpower and discipline to prepare and win long before they are showcased in foreign lands. they continue to fail miserably for the most part. hunger for success should be bred into footballers
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We running from poverty too ... but sufferer to sufferer, soldier to soldier, we comfortable in it, ent? Oftentimes cause Trinis don't label it fuh what it is. Poverty.
Nah we not running from Poverty. Ur could go by tanty and get a meal. Or push come to shove go in the streets and beg. Ur must get enough to atleast buy a pack of biscuit. The hell that some of those africans trying to run away from is really different. Remember some of these people migrate overseas and still live in one and two bedroom apartments with no less than 15-20 people. That is hell that does define you and is not just poverty is also disease and famine. In our country we have free tertiary education and free health care. The quality can be disputed but it's there none the less. We not in hell. Atleast not yet and Trini life sweet. No gas to buy because the place freezing etc.
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We running from poverty too ... but sufferer to sufferer, soldier to soldier, we comfortable in it, ent? Oftentimes cause Trinis don't label it fuh what it is. Poverty.
Nah we not running from Poverty. Ur could go by tanty and get a meal. Or push come to shove go in the streets and beg. Ur must get enough to atleast buy a pack of biscuit. The hell that some of those africans trying to run away from is really different. Remember some of these people migrate overseas and still live in one and two bedroom apartments with no less than 15-20 people. That is hell that does define you and is not just poverty is also disease and famine. In our country we have free tertiary education and free health care. The quality can be disputed but it's there none the less. We not in hell. Atleast not yet and Trini life sweet. No gas to buy because the place freezing etc.
Your response underscores my point. Perhaps spectacularly so. Even stereotypically so.
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(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42481000/gif/_42481600_africa_migration416x355.gif)
The majority of African migrants living overseas are in Europe - about 4.6m compared with 890,000 in the US, according to the International Organization for Migration. But the Migration Policy Institute believes there are between seven and eight million irregular African immigrants living in the EU - the actual number changing depending on regularisation schemes in the member states.
About two-thirds of Africans in Europe are from north Africa (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia). An increasing number are travelling from Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly heading for the former colonial powers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK.
Most Sub-Saharan migrants are from West Africa - Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, in particular.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6228236.stm
These 3 countries haven't been the seat of the traditional famine that occupies our TV screens. In the context of Africa, a better pic is painted by looking at things through the lens of 55 countries ... rather than one continent. But, even as we grant that the economic landscape there is not the same as ours in T&T ... our rose-coloured lenses should recognize (and accept) that just about, or just under, 20% of our T&T population is at or below the poverty line. An entirely stunning figure. Some of the same tanties you suggesting to get a meal from are not better situated, so they cyah help.
"My brother is married with four children, he's sold land to make the journey and nothing we say will discourage him," the trader says.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5383080.stm
Cost of the trip? Could be $1500 US.
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If not Tanty then the neighbour. Also remember all this poverty talk you talking about. Children still have the school feeding programme etc to get lunch and breakfast each day at school. Bosss we can't compare to Africa. Even the poorest people in this country does wear Jordans. Fresh Jordans too.
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Fair enough, but I'm yet to see a barefooted African migrant. Back to Winchester ...
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Winchester played a full game against Vasa IFK on Jan 19th, which they lost 3-1.
Here are some comments (translated from Finnish) from the coach:
Jaron coach Alexei Eremenko impressed Trinidad & Tobago striker Shahdon Winchester skills training match Kakkonen playing for Vasa IFK against.
Although pietarsaarelaisryhmä lost struggle maalein 1-3, Eremenko not been lamenting. Eremenko, however, was satisfied with a 21-year-old player extracts, although he was also needed more fire.
- I'm sure that Winchester is still a good player. He is young and he has a lot of potential. He is quick, skilful, strong and intelligent player. I stayed in the attitude side, however, miss more, he should be more active and do more initiatives Eremenko says the club's website.
- However, the same applies to all the test players. Should they arise, rather than just be involved. Test for players should show that they really want an agreement.
http://www.suomifutis.com/2013/01/trinidad-tobagon-maajoukkuehyokkaaja-teki-vaikutuksen-jaro-luotsiin/
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Today, Winchester had a goal and an assist in Jaro's 2-3 loss to SJK (Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho).
Jaro's head coach, Alexei Eremenko, was full of praise for Winchester. He said, "One goal and one assist, it was a good performance. He is fast, strong, and wins the head to head. I was happy with what I saw. Winchester was clearly better than in the previous game, and he has improved in every session."
Winchester himself said after the game that he still was less than his best.
"This was a pretty good match for us, but sometimes it happens in football that the better team does not win. My game was all right, but it still was not 100 percent, but it was better than the last. Football here is very different than in my country, especially the intensity, it is much harder, but I like it."
http://www.ffjaro.fi/news/sjk-eteni-tammiturnauksen-loppuotteluun
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keep going son....finish de fitball
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Winchester has signed a one year deal
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ffjaro.fi%2Fnews%2Fwinchesterille-sopimus-hugo-miranda-testiin
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Glad for him. :applause:
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Congratulations young gun....Jaro's coach is wise to put you in the middle of the attack and to see you for the playmaker I always thought you to be. Hopefully, your desire to play and your talent and skills will lead to bigger and brighter things. God Bless.
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http://www.facebook.com/v/10151286542477917
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Niceness, all de best for de youth!
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100% Mr. Winchester.
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congrats, about time! show them what you have
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Winchester signs one year deal with Finnish Premier Club.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
National Under 23 striker Shahdon Winchester joined this country’s contingent of European-based players when he signed a one-year contract with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro on Friday
The 21-year-old former Naparima College left his now former club W Connection earlier this month for a trial at the club and was sufficiently impressive to earn the contract.
“It’s a tremendous feeling to secure my first European professional contract at age 21,” Winchester told TTFF Media on Saturday.
“Especially in Europe… where else could a young professional player hope to play. I dreamt about this for some time now.
I tried before and nothing came through but I thank God that this is now something that I can take off my mind and just focus on football and doing my best for my new club FF Jaro,” a proud Winchester added.
The Princes Town resident was thankful to W Connection and its head coach Stuart Charles Fevrier for their belief in him and their investment over recent seasons and he was also grateful to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation for the experience he gained while playing at the international youth and senior level.
Read More (http://www.socawarriors.net/mens-youth-team/12164-winchester-signs-one-year-deal-with-finnish-premier-club.html)
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http://www.facebook.com/v/10151286542477917
How he go say he tragets 8 goals for the season.....
:devil:
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This is the same guy who came up with Britto right or are there 2 Winchesters.
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http://www.facebook.com/v/10151286542477917
How he go say he tragets 8 goals for the season.....
:devil:
He being realistic lol. Season already start right??
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He'll shine in this league, wish him the best.
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Yeah ah feel he meant to score at least 8 goals for the remainder of this current season...though ah could be wrong:)
Yuh see how ah lil research does help...seems as though de bredda DID mean for the WHOLE (33 game) season, cause de season starts in April and runs thru October??
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well done kid....
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He may have surgery. Will be out 4-6 weeks.
http://www.ffjaro.fi/news/miranda-sivuun-pidemmaksi-aikaa-winchester-leikkauspoydalle
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Get well soon kid. :frustrated:
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Forward Shahdon Winchester has joined Azerbaijan Premier League club, Kapaz PFK, who play their home matches in the wonderfully named Ganja City Stadium.
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He and Jomal have the same agent? Both gone Azerbaijan
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New clubs for several local footballers.
T&T Newsday Reports.
A NUMBER of Trinidad and Tobago footballers have joined new clubs in Europe, North America, Central America and Asia within the past fortnight.
Top of the list is striker Shahdon Winchester who has recently become the number one option for T&T coach Dennis Lawrence after strong performances during the latter stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 26-year-old is still contracted with Ascenso MX (Mexican Second Division) outfit Murcielagos FC, but has been sent on loan to Kapaz PFK in the Azerbaijan Premier League for the rest of the 2017-18 season.
Another T&T player who has been sent on loan in the Azerbaijan Premier League is midfielder Jomal Williams who is owned by Murcielagos FC. The 23-year-old Williams will now represent Zira until the end of the 2017-18 season.
Also in Europe, wing-back Aubrey David has signed a one-year contract with Finnish Premier League club Vaasan Palloseura from PS Kemi. The 27-year-old David has played for a number of clubs locally as well as in Kazakhstan, Costa Rica and United States.
A pair of free agent defenders, Jamal Jack and Shannon Gomez, are still in the United States, with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Sacramento FC respectively.
Striker Jerrel Britto will stay in Honduras, but has moved from Club Deportivo Honduras Progreso to CD Real Sociedad while another forward, Jamille Boatswain, has joined Progreso as a free agent.
(https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27749857_10156217518664314_5621337779463780014_n.jpg?oh=84d8888471d1b954f92e7eca533579b7&oe=5B186FD3)
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He and Jomal have the same agent? Both gone Azerbaijan
ah wonder if is the same fella getting exclusive pictures of the signings.. call name see if somebody whistle nah :devil: :D
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Shahdon Winchester has joined Finnish Premier League (aka Veikkausliiga) club Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho (http://www.sjk.fi/w/winchester--opiyo-ja-oliynyk-sopimuksiin) (or SJK Seinäjoki or SJK) for the remainder of the 2018 season with an option for next season.
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Talking about a journeyman. Man, his passport must be overflowing. But you got to make that money.
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Winchester delighted over return to Finnish League.
TTFA Media.
Trinidad and Tobago forward Shahdon Winchester is feeling upbeat over his latest move to Finnish Premier League club SJK Seinajoki for the remainder of the 2018 season with an option to extend his stay for next season.
Winchester is coming off a period in Azerbaijan with Ganja-based club Kepaz PFK where things didn’t quite go according to plan and now he’s anticipating the change in environment.
“I’m very much ecstatic about the new move,” he told TTFA Media.
“I have a bit of knowledge of the club, not too much but having played before in the Finnish League with Jaro, I got to know a little about them in relation to the standards of the club,their intentions,their ambitions as well as how they treat their players. For so me being a part of the club is a very satisfying and grateful feeling,” Winchester said.
The former W Connection and Naparima College striker recalled his season in Azerbaijan as a less than fulfilling one.
“To be honest my previous stint in Azerbaijan wasn’t to my liking. I would have gained experience in dealing with difficult situations away from home before but was this was not the best for me. Being based in Finland before was partially the reason for returning as well as other key reasons which I’m all very much comfortable with and looking forward to enjoying playing again,” he added.
With the friendly coming up against United Arab Emirates in September and the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup to follow in 2019, Winchester is all to keen to put on the national colours again.
“Words can’t describe my anticipation for the rest of 2018 and 2019 as in where international football is concern with the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup. I have some anxiety building up in me also but as I said, words won’t do justice in me explaining my anticipation of putting on the national shirt again for international football,” he said.
The 26-year-old from Princes Town has six goals in 24 appearances for Trinidad and Tobago.
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Winchester is coming off a period in Azerbaijan with Ganja-based club Kepaz PFK
Care to explain!
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Winchester is coming off a period in Azerbaijan with Ganja-based club Kepaz PFK
Care to explain!
Deeks, you jokey yes. Ganja is ah city in Azerbaijan. Free up de herb. LOL.
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Winchester is coming off a period in Azerbaijan with Ganja-based club Kepaz PFK
Care to explain!
Deeks, you jokey yes. Ganja is ah city in Azerbaijan. Free up de herb. LOL.
I did not know that to be honest. But while I have no issue with the herb per se. I have real issue with the use and consequences, as it pertain to people of color. We getting the shitty end of the stick.
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WATCH: Interview with Shahdon Winchester at his new club, SJK Seinäjoki
https://www.youtube.com/v/gWBsO_6Exfo
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WATCH: Shahdon Winchester gets his first goal and assist of the season in SJK’s 3-2 loss to FC Ilves
https://www.youtube.com/v/EZL5B3H7Glk?start=443
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Forward Shahdon Winchester will be at a new club next season since SJK Seinäjoki did not trigger his contract option. (http://www.sjk.fi/w/kiitokset-sjk-n-jattaville-pelaajille2)
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Guys...Shadon Winchester died this morning...in an accident. RIP WARRIOR
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Guys...Shadon Winchester died this morning...in an accident. RIP WARRIOR
Brace! I opened this thread expecting to read about him being signed in India.
RIP!!!
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National footballer Shahdon Winchester among four killed in crash
T&T Express
Police are confirming that one of the four people killed in a fiery crash on the Solomon Hochoy Highway near Gasparillo this morning, is Trinidad and Tobago footballer Shahdon Winchester.
The crashed vehicle, a Nissan Quashqai, was registered to Winchester, whose address was given as Buen Intento, Princes Town.
The Trinidad and Tobago Footballer Association confirmed the death on its Facebook page, writing: “This is truly tragic news for us. May his Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.”
Winchester, 27, was a former Naparima College footballer, who began his professional footballing career with W Connection, and earned a contract playing professional football in Finland.
What happened
At around 5.30a.m. Winchester's vehicle spun off the south bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy highway on the approach to the Harmony Hall overpass.
It happened during heavy rainfall in an area considered a highway 'black spot' where several fatal crashes have happened over the years.
The vehicle crashed into a T&TEC electricity pole, bringing down a transformer and sparking a fire that consumed the bodies of all four occupants of the vehicle.
The bodies were so badly burnt that police investigators said it would be difficult to extract the remains from the vehicle, and instead towed the wreckage to another location to perform the crime task.
Police say Winchester was in the vehicle with two men and a woman. Their identities have not been confirmed.
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RIP baller.
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RIP
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Nah say it ain't so ! Ah still speechless and at ah loss for words . Ah really doh know what to say except this is truly sad . Nah boi am out for now !
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No! No! No!
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National footballer Shahdon Winchester among four killed in crash
T&T Express
Police are confirming that one of the four people killed in a fiery crash on the Solomon Hochoy Highway near Gasparillo this morning, is Trinidad and Tobago footballer Shahdon Winchester.
The crashed vehicle, a Nissan Quashqai, was registered to Winchester, whose address was given as Buen Intento, Princes Town.
The Trinidad and Tobago Footballer Association confirmed the death on its Facebook page, writing: “This is truly tragic news for us. May his Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.”
Winchester, 27, was a former Naparima College footballer, who began his professional footballing career with W Connection, and earned a contract playing professional football in Finland.
What happened
At around 5.30a.m. Winchester's vehicle spun off the south bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy highway on the approach to the Harmony Hall overpass.
It happened during heavy rainfall in an area considered a highway 'black spot' where several fatal crashes have happened over the years.
The vehicle crashed into a T&TEC electricity pole, bringing down a transformer and sparking a fire that consumed the bodies of all four occupants of the vehicle.
The bodies were so badly burnt that police investigators said it would be difficult to extract the remains from the vehicle, and instead towed the wreckage to another location to perform the crime task.
Police say Winchester was in the vehicle with two men and a woman. Their identities have not been confirmed.
RIP Shahdon, this is very sad news. Something needs to be done about that "highway black spot" before another fatality occurs!
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Sad news all around that i woke up to this morning after i saw the post on fb. :(
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Condolences to the family and our own Forum Family.
May he rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
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RIP
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RIP, very sad news
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RIP..
When I see his thread pop up, I thought it was about him signing for a new club.
This is the second national player to die in a fiery crash. I remember J Lloyd faced a similar fate.
Just read on the TTFA website that FIFA and CONCACAF offered their condolences. Was surprised to see that even Sainfete tweeted his condolences..
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We’ve Lost One of Our Own – RIP Shahdon Winchester.
TTFA Media.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and National Football Family has been plunged into a state of deep sadness and shock after receiving the news early on Thursday morning that one of our sons, Shahdon Winchester, was among the persons who lost their lives in a vehicular accident in the vicinity of Gasparillo.
Shahdon, born January 8th, 1992, rose to prominence with his prolific goalscoring form as a youngster at W Connection Football Club and Naparima College. He made his senior international debut at age 18 against Antigua/Barbuda on June 21st, 2010. Winchester came off the bench to replace Devorn Jorsling in the 76th minute, given his first appearance by then head coach Russell Latapy. He would go on to score six goals in 28 appearances for T&T. He scored a hattrick against Haiti in a 2017 Gold Cup qualifier with his other goals coming against Grenada, Mexico (2018 World Cup qualifier away from home) and his last item in a 1-1 draw with Guyana on November 14th, 2017. Shahdon also represented T&T at the Under 15, Under 17, Under 20 and Under 23 levels.
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association William Wallace expressed condolences and shock upon hearing the news of the player’s death.
“I got the news from our press officer early this morning and I thought something was wrong with the phone. I questioned whether I was hearing right. I am still in a deep state of shock and sadness. I managed Shahdon during my time with the senior team and what I experienced was a young man that was humble, well mannered, soft spoken and an individual with big dreams and ambitions,” Wallace said.
“It is times like this that put our faith to the test. We cannot begin to imagine what his mother and other family members are going through right now. All we can do is keep them in our prayers and send all our love and support in this most difficult time. To his mother, your son was a fine young man and we are grateful for the memories and positive influences he would have had on others.I know that it is difficult to understand tragedies like this, but we can call on our faith to help us deal with them. We will continue to pray for his soul and for you to receive the strength needed during this time.
Condolences to the families of the other deceased occupants of the vehicle. We at the TTFA also extend our deepest sympathy to the management and players of W Connection Football Club. I reached out to the club’s CEO Renee John-Williams immediately to express my sympathy and to send our love and support to all those affected within the club. I know this will be an extremely difficult time for them,” Wallace continued.
Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s team captain Khaleem Hyland also extended condolences on this passing of his 27-year-old teammate.
“I don’t know what to say. This is just a terrible way to lose a life and it’s even harder for us because Shahdon was one of us. He was our brother and this could be anyone of us. I send all my prayers to his mother and the family members of the others who lost their lives. Life is so unpredictable and we have to cherish every moment and everyone one around us today and tomorrow. May Shahdon’s soul rest in peace always,” Hyland told TTFA Media from his base in Saudi Arabia.
Shahdon, who hailed from Princes Town, attended San Fernando Boys RC and Naparima College. He first joined the club ranks with W Connection FC. He played for Finnish club Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho (7/2018-11/2018), Kepaz PFK (2/2018-5/2018), Mexican club Murciélagos F.C. (6/2016-12/2017) and FF Jaro of Finland (1/2013-12/2014).
Shahdon lost his father who also died in a car crash while the player was a member of the Connection Academy. His father was also a coach within the academy at the time, as confirmed by club coach Earl Jean.
FIFA and CONCACAF also issued condolences notes to the TTFA and on its social media platforms. “We are deeply saddened by the news of Trinidad & Tobago Football Association forward Shahdon Winchester’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” FIFA stated.
Former T&T head coach Tom Saintfiet, who was at the helm when Winchester netted his hattrick, added, “Sad news today, my former Trinidad & Tobago National Team player Shahdon Winchester died this morning in a car accident. My condolences to his family and friends, to the TTFA and all football loving people in Trinidad & Tobago.”
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R.I.P. Warrior
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First of all I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the Winchester family, they must be inconsolable ATM. RIP quiz kid may our GOD accept you into his mercy.
PS. now I know this may not be the right time for this in our moment of berievment, but it relevant. this country never cease to amaze me, how in heavens name could a vehicle leave the road and end up against a utility pole? come trinidad this is the 21st century, where in the first world does that happen?
people dozn’t have to be dying under such horrid conditions like being burned to death in an accident if these poles were secured behind concrete barriers. common my people you need to really work harder on getting these issues rectified, it’s not like we don’t have to will or the means to get it done, get it done somebody.
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Fiery crash victims identified
T&T Express
The four people who died in the crash of the Solomon Hochoy Highway near Gasparillo this morning, have been identified.
Dead are childhood friends Djenne Hills-Dyer, 30, of Buen Intento, Princes Town, Shahdon Winchester, 27, of Buen Intento Princes Town, Michael Bradshaw, of Buen Intento, and Keaton Nicholas, of New Grant.
Police say Winchester, a national footballer, was driving his Nissan Qashqai SUV south along the highway when the vehicle skidded off the road in heavy rainfall at around 5.30a.m.
The vehicle slammed, rear-end first, into a T&TEC pole, bringing down a 50,000 volt transformer and live wires.
Power was disconnected in surrounding areas as a result the crash.
The vehicle burst into flames and all four occupants died in their seats. It is uncertain if they died from crash injuries, or were electrocuted or burnt to death.
At Winchester’s home this morning, Winchester’s mother Svetlana Winchester said her son returned home from international football a year ago and was happy to be back.
However, she said he got calls two days ago from agents interested in securing a contract for him overseas and he was looking forward to the opportunity.
Winchester was the father of a three-year-old girl. His father also died in a car crash 17 years ago.
Winchester, who was a former Naparima College and W Connection footballer picked up his three friends last night and took them to a night club in Couva that is owned by a footballer.
The friends partied there before leaving for home. They never made it.
The crash caused a massive traffic jam on both the north and south bound lanes.
The bodies of the four could not be removed at the scene. Police officers opted to take the vehicle away containing the bodies and extract them at a secure location.
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From the moment I read of the accident, I thought it likely that a footballer or footballers might be among the other fatalities. And a name in particular crossed my mind. Now seeing that that player was in the car just prior to the accident. Ah can only imagine the mental impact on the player to have been in the ride not long before the accident.
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From the moment I read of the accident, I thought it likely that a footballer or footballers might be among the other fatalities. And a name in particular crossed my mind. Now seeing that that player was in the car just prior to the accident. Ah can only imagine the mental impact on the player to have been in the ride not long before the accident.
You is ah seer man or wha?
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From the moment I read of the accident, I thought it likely that a footballer or footballers might be among the other fatalities. And a name in particular crossed my mind. Now seeing that that player was in the car just prior to the accident. Ah can only imagine the mental impact on the player to have been in the ride not long before the accident.
You is ah seer man or wha?
I know limers.
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WATCH: Tributes pour in for Shahdon Winchester
https://www.youtube.com/v/5DKrhqFtFyk
WATCH: For the mother of Shahdon Winchester, his death was a recurring nightmare
https://www.youtube.com/v/YJDX9tItbz4
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From the dailymail.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7810955/Trinidad-Tobago-international-Shahdon-Winchester-dies-aged-27.html
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Absolutely terrible. Was totally shocked when I read it. Condolences to him family, that's a tough thing to take.
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Broken Xmas Families mourn 4 killed in fiery highway crash
By Laurel V Williams (T&T Newsday)
The tragic deaths of four young friends, among them national footballer Shahdon Winchester, have left the communities of Princes Town and Moruga heartbroken.
Winchester, Djenne Hills-Dyer, 28, Keston Nicholas, 22, and Michael Bradshaw, 21, died in the fiery crash on the southbound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Gasparillo on Thursday morning.
Winchester, who would have celebrated his 28th birthday on January 8, and Hill-Dyer, an entrepreneur, lived a short distance from each other at Buen Intento in Princes Town. Nicholas lived at Lengua Road, and Bradshaw at Third Company Road, both in Moruga.
In tears, Winchester’s mother Svetlana said he left home at about 9 pm on Wednesday to go to a games night with friends in Couva.
Moments earlier, at a family meeting, relatives had been discussing Christmas plans, including menus.
She recalled his last words before he drove off. "I want a cologne for my Christmas."
Only two months ago, he got engaged to the mother of his three-year-old daughter. They were planning to be married in October next year.
Surrounded by friends and family at their home, the bereaved mother said, "He was a sweet and loving child. He did not stay vex for long with anyone."
She recalled that about a year ago he returned home from playing international football.
"He was always travelling. Shahdon was glad to be back, because he said he missed a lot of birthdays, weddings and Christmases. About two days ago, people from Iceland and Honduras called him to play."
Winchester had played football since the age of seven. When he was ten, his father, Derek, died in a car crash in Arouca on his way home from work. Winchester's widowed mother cared for him and his two siblings on her own.
Police said at about 5.30 am on Thursday, Winchester was driving his white Nissan SUV when it skidded off the highway and crashed into an electricity pole.
On impact, power was disconnected. Heavy rain did not stop the car from bursting into flames. Fire and police officers later found the bodies trapped inside the wreck, burnt beyond recognition.
Hills-Dyer’s mother, La Toya Hills, was among the mourners who gathered at Winchester’s home. The grieving mothers embraced each other.
Winchester was the first victim to be identified. When Hills heard there was a female casualty, she immediately became worried.
Hills, the mother of two, said, "I know anywhere he goes, she goes. I just did not want to believe it and I did not have confirmation.
"She was my big baby. She was the first great-grand in the family."
Earlier in the morning, Hills had called out to her daughter by the window, assuming she was inside. When she did not get a response, she assumed Hills-Dyer had gone to work.
Hills-Dyer was the owner of a small business, I CEE Queen Treats of Lily. She was not married and did not have children.
The bereaved mother said, "She was an all-rounder, an entrepreneur. Shahdon was her best friend, her riding buddy."
At the home of Nicholas in Moruga, weeping relatives gathered to console one another.
He was the only child of his mother Paula Burton, 45.
She said on Wednesday night, he told her he was going out. Burton said she did not want him to go.
"So you can’t stay home and hang out with me?" she asked hoping he would change his mind.
She added, "He sat on my lap, rest his head on my chest and cuddled up like a baby. He kissed me on my face."
On Thursday morning, she got a call from one of his friends who wanted to know if he had returned home.
"I said no. Then, my cousin Christine called. All she said was, ‘Say it is not so.’
"When she told me that, I started to bawl one time. Both of us were bawling. When I tell the others, they too started.
"Keston was a favourite child."
No one was at home when Newsday visited Bradshaw’s relatives' home. But Burton said he was her sister Lucille Burton’s stepson.
As her twin sister Pauline consoled her, Burton said, "Keston and Michael were like brothers. There were really close."
The burnt wreck was taken to the Mon Repos police station. Southern Division police are investigating.
Funeral arrangements are being made.
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Sad day for TT football...Striker Shahdon Winchester dies in crash
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
A TRULY sad day for TT football.
Such was the sentiment shared by members of the national football fraternity on the untimely passing of W Connection and TT striker, Shahdon Winchester, who was one of four fatalities in a vehicular accident on the South-bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway in the vicinity of Gasparillo on Thursday morning.
Chairman of the TT Pro League, Brent Sancho, expressed great sadness upon receipt of Winchester’s passing and sent heartfelt condolences to the footballer’s family, friends and teammates throughout both TT and the globe. Although the 27-year old plied his domestic trade with W Connection, he also had stints with international clubs in Finland, Mexico and Azerbaijan.
“It’s still shocking to me,” said Sancho. “Our hearts go out to his family. He was a player that I felt was starting to come into his own and really showing his true qualities. It’s very unfortunate. Surely now, with this being the second road death in the football fraternity this year, it’s something I feel we have to work a bit closer with the authorities as it relates to road safety. We can’t afford to continuously lose our footballing gems like this.”
Sancho could help but to reflect on the May 30 passing of another former national footballer, Jason Marcano, via vehicular accident. The Central FC owner admitted the football fraternity had not yet fully recovered from Marcano’s death. Now, partnered with Thursday morning’s unwelcoming news, TT football has plunged into further mourning.
“It comes on the backdrop of the death of Jason Marcano. Just when you thought we were getting back to normality, we have been dealt another big blow to the TT Pro League and football as a whole. Most of the players and staff are lost for words. It has been a tough year for football, both on and off the field. This is not the way we wanted to end the year and it’s really is a tragic story. I hope that his family and close relative can find some form of console and get strength from it,” he added.
Meanwhile, W Connection chief executive officer Renee John-Williams, also paid tribute to the life and career of the former Naparima College stalwart. In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, John-Williams revealed the club is in deep grief. “There are no words that could accurately describe the way anyone of us at W Connection feel at this moment. We are devastated and heartbroken by Shahdon’s untimely passing. Shahdon grew up in W Connection from a young boy, starting from the inception of the youth programme in 2000. He was a true son, a brother and will forever be a Savonetta Boy and lifetime member.”
“He was a talented and dedicated player, our captain, a father, and it was an honour to watch his growth and achievements over the last two decades on a personal and professional level. We grieve along with his family and ask that they be kept in prayer during this time and beyond. His death has left a void in our hearts and we pray that comfort can be found in the many happy memories he helped to create.”
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Shamfa Cudjoe, also sent condolences to Winchester’s family.
“Shahdon’s passing is truly a shock to the entire football fraternity, and by extension TT. He was a true patriot and his passion and dedication to the sport of football would surely be remembered.
Trinidad and Tobago has, indeed, lost a gem. On behalf of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, I extend sincerest condolences to his family and friends at this time. May he rest in peace.”
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Enjoy but be safe
T&T Express
THE loss of four young, promising lives as a result of a car accident along the Solomon Hochoy Highway early Thursday morning is yet another grim reminder of the need for greater safety precautions, especially in the season upon us.
A national footballer, Shahdon Winchester, was among the four who were killed in this accident. Details of the tragedy, from what has been reported, are centred around the fact that the vehicle skidded off the road and struck a light pole along the highway in the vicinity of Gasparillo. The impact caused the pole to collapse onto the vehicle, and a transformer it was holding aloft came down, starting a fire which swiftly engulfed the vehicle. The four occupants, all friends, perished.
It was not clear yesterday whether the impact of the crash was by itself the death blow, or whether the occupants, three men and a young lady, were trapped by the falling pole and the transformer, and then could not escape the fire that raged around them. The details, as published in this newspaper yesterday, stated the vehicle skidded off the road during heavy rainfall around 5.30 that morning.
This tragedy has sent four separate families into deep mourning, with the members of each of them struggling with the heart-rending loss of lives incurred. With no one surviving to tell the tale about what exactly took place, it is reasonable, in the circumstances, to wonder to what extent excessive speed may have been the critical factor in what turned out to be the final tragic outcome. This accident pushed the toll of road deaths in the country to 113 as we approach the final week of the year 2019.
Shahdon Winchester was the driver of the vehicle and his grieving mother swears he would not have fallen asleep at the wheel, given the person she knew him to be. Nevertheless, she still spoke eloquently on Thursday of the need for drivers to take their time.
The grief of another mother is amplified by the fact that she reports having begged her son, Keston Nicholas, to stay at home instead of going out on the night in question. “He was my only child, and I thought of the dangers and unguarded moments,” this distraught mother moaned on Thursday. The combined grief of the families involved will be huge, with the loss of these youngsters in the prime of their lives. Three of them were in their twenties, with the lone female, Djenne Hills-Byer, just 30 years old.
This is an appeal for all users of the road, especially young persons—drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike—to take ample heed, to be alert for what one of the distraught mothers identified as the unguarded moment.
Whether or not there may have been the consumption of alcohol by anyone in the group again has not been established but it is wise to warn against drinking in quantities which can impair judgement.
Let safety be the watchword, and let this tragedy be a spur for greater attention to temperance and moderation in our behaviours in this festive season and beyond.
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Footballer’s sister dreamt a car crash days before fiery deaths.
By Laurel V Williams (Newsday).
On Monday, Shahdon Winchester’s sister, Shania dreamt of a car crash in which she received injuries to the palms of her hands. Somehow Winchester disappeared from the dream and she was on her own running off to tell their mother of the crash.
By Thursday, Winchester was one of four friends killed in a fiery crash on the southbound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Gasparillo.
"After the crash (in the dream), I was not seeing him at all. In the palms of my hands were broken glass piercing through. I was seeing my flesh with lots of blood. I thought something bad was going to happen to me. I guess it was him," said Shania, 20.
She never told him about the dream, fearful he would have worried. But she had told their mother, Svetlana.
Also killed in Thursday’s crash were Djenne Hills-Dyer, 28, Keston Nicholas, 22, and Michael Bradshaw, 21.
Autopsies on Friday, at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, revealed they died of smoke inhalation. Except for Hills-Dyer, the victims also suffered internal injuries.
Winchester, a national footballer and father of one, lived at Hillcrest Gardens at Buen Intento, Princes Town. He would have celebrated his 28th birthday on January 8.
Shania said relatives identified him by his jewellery, tattoos as well as a belt.
Hills-Dyer, the only woman among the victims, lived a few houses away from Winchester and owned I CEE Queen Treats, a small business.
Her mother, La Toya Hills, told Sunday Newsday that she positively identified the body by a tattoo on a hip.
"My daughter was asleep when it happened. She had no broken bones, no internal injuries, no blunt force trauma, nothing. She had a distinct tattoo on her hip. I arrived at forensic at 6 am. Djenne died of smoke inhalation," Hills said.
Even in her grief, she extended condolences to the families of the other victims.
The mother of two said, "I give my sympathy to everyone. Hopefully, the funeral is Friday or Saturday next week."
Nicholas lived at Lengua Road, and Bradshaw at Third Company Road, both in Moruga.
Nicholas was the only child of Paula Burton, 45.
Bradshaw was the stepson of Burton’s sister, Lucille Burton. Nicholas and Bradshaw shared a brotherly bond, relatives said.
A relative said that tentatively, Nicholas’ funeral would take place on Tuesday at the Third Company Baptist Church in Moruga.
There are no funeral dates as yet for Winchester and Bradshaw.
The four were returning from liming at Couva on Thursday when the accident happened at about 5.30 am.
Winchester was driving his white Nissan SUV when it skidded off the highway and crashed into an electricity pole.
On impact, power was disconnected. Heavy rain did not stop the car from bursting into flames. Fire and police officers found the bodies trapped inside the wreck, burnt beyond recognition.
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Very sad that such a young and talented person is taken from us. RIP and condolences to family and friends
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WATCH: A tribute to Shahdon Winchester
https://www.youtube.com/v/GZdIL-M4S-M
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Wow. RIP!!!!
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Lively send off for accident victim
By Laurel V Williams (T&T Newsday)
Prayer is a weapon, learn to use it!
This was the advice of Baptist minister Wendy Mitchell on Monday to hundreds of mourners who bade farewell to 21-year-old accident victim Michael Vern Junior Bradshaw.
"The words we speak have power. Be careful what you speak even when they (children) get you vex. I hope this death speaks that time is in God’s hands. The breath we take is God’s. He can take it back at any moment."
In a lively funeral, filled with drumming and loud singing, mourners paid final tributes to Bradshaw at the St Ann’s #1 Independent Baptist Church at Contention Road, Indian Walk, in Moruga.
Bradshaw, a drummer at the church, was one of four people killed on Thursday last week in a fiery car crash at the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Gasparillo. The bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
Mitchell warned that people must walk in wisdom and do things pleasing to God.
Quoting from the Bible, she said John the Baptist was beheaded and other Christians had horrible deaths.
Two photographs of Bradshaw were placed on top of the closed casket.
Mitchell added, "It is not how we die, it is how we live that is important."
Another minister, Carol Cummings, said God has "a hand in this death," adding he has never made a mistake.
She too called on people to turn to Jesus Christ.
"I am not telling you to believe in the picture on the wall. It had very good artists back then. I am telling you to believe in Jesus Christ. Whether young or old, when God says he is ready, you have to go."
Bradshaw, affectionately called Brad, was the son of Vernon Bradshaw and Avion Moore.
Moore was too emotional to read the eulogy and a man did it on her behalf. She described her son as a person with a beautiful personality. His laugh, she said, lit up a room. The family is consoled by the thought that God knows best.
He was buried at Paynter public cemetery in Indian Walk.
The other victims of the crash were 27-year-old national footballer Shahdon Winchester – the driver of the car, and Djenne Hills-Dyer, 28, both of Princes Town, as well as Keston Nicholas, 22, of Moruga.
Nicholas’s mother, Paula Burton, attended the funeral and wept as relatives consoled her. Nicholas, her only child, is expected to be buried on Tuesday.
Bradshaw was the stepson of Burton’s sister, Lucille Burton, of Third Company Road in Moruga.
Hills-Dyer owned a small business titled I CEE Queen Treats. Her funeral is tentatively set for the weekend.
A date for Winchester’s is yet to be confirmed.
At about 5.30 am on Thursday, Winchester was driving his white Nissan SUV when it skidded off the highway and crashed into an electricity pole. The car burst into flames on impact.
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They survived the crash, but not the fire
By Susan Mohammed (T&T Express)
THE funeral of one of the victims of last week’s fiery highway crash in Gasparillo was held yesterday.
The service for Michael Bradshaw took place in his community of Indian Walk, New Grant, at St Ann’s Baptist Church, and his remains buried at Indian Walk Public Cemetery.
His casket remained sealed.
Bradshaw and the other three victims of the crash suffered extensive burns and died as a result of smoke inhalation, the autopsy reports stated.
Bradshaw, 21, and former national and W Connection footballer Shahdon Winchester, 27, Djenne Hills-Dyer, 30, and Keston Nicholas, 22, died in Winchester’s vehicle after it burst into flames.
Bradshaw was in the back seat of the Nissan Qashqai SUV when it slammed rear-first into a T&TEC pole on the south-bound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway, near Gasparillo.
There are no guard rails or cable barriers in that area, which is considered a highway “black spot” where several fatal crashes have occurred over the years.
His father, Vernon Bradshaw, told the Express that the electrical pole which collapsed on the vehicle was not at a safe distance from road traffic, and he is considering seeking legal advice on whether the State can be sued for negligence. Hills-Dyer’s grandmother, Wendy Hills, said all four victims would be given their final farewells in sealed-casket funerals.
“All four of them are unrecognisable so all of the caskets will remain closed. Let us remember them the way they were,” said Hills.
Winchester’s mother, Svetlana Winchester, said the autopsy report on her son stated that he died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
Svetlana Winchester said she had not visited the scene of the crash, nor had she viewed any videos related to it.
“I am trying to do things that will not break me down. I am staying off social media. I just want to remember him how he was,” said the grief-stricken mother.
She said that preparations are being made for a funeral on January 2, and the family has applied to hold it at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts in San Fernando.
The funeral for another victim, Keston Nicholas, is expected to be held today (Christmas Eve) at Third Company London Baptist Church at 1 p.m. His remains are to be buried also at Indian Walk Public Cemetery.
Nicholas’ mother, Paula Burton, and Bradshaw’s step-mother, Lucille Burton, are sisters.
Paula Burton wept on Monday morning as she told the Express that the families were deeply grieved over the loss of the two young men.
“Two days of funerals...this is a lot for our family,” she cried.
La Toya Hills, mother of Hills-Dyer, said the autopsy showed that her daughter died of smoke inhalation and had no physical injuries. Hills-Dyer’s funeral is expected to be held on January 3 at Ethiopian Orthodox Church, at Dallas Avenue in Cocoyea, San Fernando.
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No help from government.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh(Newsday).
Cudjoe to speak at Winchester’s funeral despite…
THE Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is unable to lend any form of assistance to the grieving family of deceased national footballer, Shahdon Winchester.
So says mother of the former T&T striker Svetlana Winchester, who expressed disappointment and shock following two conversations with the ministry’s special advisor, Andre Ferguson. According to the Winchester matriarch, after her son’s passing on December 19, she received a call from Minister of Sport Shamfa Cudjoe, expressing her condolences.
Following their conversation, Winchester presented a letter to the sport minister and her ministry requesting use of the South Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA) for Shahdon’s funeral. Winchester was then contacted by Ferguson, on December 23, confirming that she was unsuccessful in her attempt to secure the venue.
It was during this chat, the grieving mother asked the ministry’s special advisor if there was anything the ministry would be contributing to aid with funeral arrangements. According to Svetlana, Ferguson declined. She then asked if it was possible to have a brief discussion with Cudjoe, to which Ferguson also denied.
Nevertheless, Svetlana persisted and again contacted Ferguson, on Monday,to see if there was a change of heart. However, she was again told there would be no assistance forthcoming, even though Cudjoe is scheduled to deliver an address at Shahdon’s funeral ,on Thursday, at Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.
“It’s costing a lot (of money) and based on the person that he was, we would have liked to give him a good send off. I’m a bit upset but I will do what I can for my child. To hear that the Ministry of Sport cannot assist in any way where the funeral is concerned, is a bit disappointing. We didn’t’ even get a box of Crix,” she said following a walkabout at Naparima Bowl on Monday.
Winchester admitted though, she does not want to make a big issue out of the situation. However, she questioned why the ministry would reject her requests after her son had served T&T at almost every level of national football including being part of the Under-15, Under-17, Under-23 and the senior team.
She revealed though, financial aid was received from the TT Football Association while, family members were also “chipping up” to ensure Shahdon received a worthy send-off. His former club, W Connection and her employers at Eastern Credit Union have been significantly assisting with funeral arrangements. Even the Police band, according to her, has offered its services to help with music on Thursday.
“We are tight-knit family and is a love still. I’m still in shock with the ministry’s response. Even the people I talk to, even they can’t believe it. I have friends who are assisting and we will get it done somehow. The funeral is costing a lot but everyone knows what Shahdon did for his country,” she added.
Svetlana admitted, however, her grief has gotten worse as the days go by. Shahdon was the eldest of three siblings and also had a daughter, who according to Svetlana, is having some trouble sleeping without her dad at her side.
“The family is trying their best to keep me busy. It’s really hard. I’m in tears every ten minutes. After the final wake on New Year’s night, I get ready to send my child home the next day,” she concluded.
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Not exactly surprising ( I don't mean that negatively). However, "no" should be accompanied by a sensitive explanation.
More generally, a policy statement or drafted policy wouldn't hurt.
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Shania: Shahdon was living his father's dream
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
T&T and W Connection striker Shahdon Winchester was living the dream of his father Derrick to be a professional footballer when his life was snuffed out in a motor vehicle accident on the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway last week, mere months before he had planned to marry to his childhood sweetheart in October.
At his funeral service on Thursday at the Naparima Bowl in San Fernando Shahdon was remembered as an extreme talent who loved his family but stayed humble in spite of all his achievements in the sport.
His younger sister Shania said her brother was living the life-long dream of his father who nurtured him in the sport, before he passed away in November of 2002, leaving his wife Lana (Shahdon's mother) and his brother to shoulder the responsibilities.
Shania remembered being among Shahdon's siblings and cousins who he used as practice partners during his childhood days before his talent was quickly recognised at San Fernando Boys Government School, and then at Naparima College where he helped in guiding the team to an InterCol title.
At a service which was packed to capacity with members of his W Connection football club, members of the T&T team and other dignitaries, Shania said her brother went on to represent the country at every youth level, before progressing to the senior national team where he scored many goals.
San Fernando Mayor Junior Regrello, who filled in for Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe, who ironically could not be there because of a death in her family, said though he did not know Shahdon personally, videos images of his life showed he was ready for his passing, due to the people whose lives he had touched, his commitment to God, and his nexus to family and friends.
Because of his love for God, Winchester who was nicknamed 'Jep' carried a bible his mother had bought for him, anytime he travelled abroad. Regrello called for his memory to live on, saying there are not too many footballers who can say they scored a goal against CONCACAF giants Mexico.
Meanwhile, William Wallace, president of the T&T Football Association said Shahdon's tragic passing was proof that tomorrow is not promised to us. He noted the one thing he learned about Shahdon life, was humility. " If it's one thing we can learn from Shahdon's life is humility, and for all of us who are charged with governing football or even to represent the country, do what you have to do but remain humble."
A tearful Renee John-Williams, the W Connection CEO said Shahdon was their spoiled child at the club and anything he asked for, the president would do his best to give it to him, such was his talent and personality.
She described him as past, present and future at the Pro League giants, whose death over the past two weeks has seen question the Almighty God, though they were taught never to do so.
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He had big plans
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (Newsday).
Shahdon’s sister says footballer was preparing for marriage…
The late Shahdon Winchester had big plans for wedding his long-time love, Tineille, on October 10 this year.
Having surprised her in 2019 by getting down on both knees and asking her hand in marriage, Winchester was already preparing for the pair’s big day.
This was revealed by the sister of the former national striker, Shania, as she gave his eulogy in front of an overflowing Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, on Thursday.
Video footage of the ex-W Connection player, ring in hand, and kneeling before his overwhelmed girlfriend, alongside their daughter, Ada-Xyli, touched the hearts of those present. Mourners were unable to hold back the tears.
The 27-year old footballer died with three friends – Djenne Hills-Dyer, 28, Keston Nicholas, 22, and Michael Bradshaw, 21 – in a fiery crash on the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Gasparillo on December 19.
Shania revealed, “'Shadz' was ready to begin his life as a married man and was very sure about it. He planned the most dramatic proposal, with the support of his family. Plans were being made for a wedding on October 10, 2020. He was very particular and would tell her, ‘Tineille, you only getting married once, you know.’”
Hundreds of family members, friends, former and current footballers, past and present students of his former secondary school team Naparima College, TT Football Association (TTFA) executives and members of the public came together to bid a final farewell to the decorated athlete.
Besides his stellar footballing accolades, the former W-Connection skipper was also hailed for his family-oriented lifestyle and close connections with those around him.
In a short address, TTFA president William Wallace expressed condolences to the families of all who died in the crash.
He acknowledged Winchester for his multitude of footballing talents and reflected on their time together when he headed the National Olympic Under-23 team in 2012.
“I followed the career of Shahdon as a standout secondary school football player,” said a sombre Wallace. “When I managed the national Under-23 Olympic team, this is where I observed a very talented but unassuming, humble and respectful young man. Even as his game developed and he went on to represent the senior men’s team, that disposition remained the same.
"For us, gone too soon. Thank you, Shahdon, for your contribution to TT football.”
W-Connection CEO Renee John-Williams fought to compose herself as she delivered a message on behalf of the club. She also brought greetings on behalf of club owner and president, her father David, who is abroad.
John-Williams said Winchester was highly favoured at the club and worked hard to battle through the ranks and become captain of the "Savonetta Boys."
“Shahdon was truly a special young man – our spoilt child, even. You couldn’t tell the president anything about Shahdon, that was his son and he would do anything for him. I’m happy to have witnessed his growth from a young boy into a man that we were proud of. He was Connection through and through,” she said.
She said in 2008, the 16-year old Winchester travelled with the club to Brazil for a three-week pre-season camp. The following year he made his debut playing "big man football” with the TT Pro League, scoring two goals in his opening match. The very next week he made his CONCACAF Champions League debut, at 17.
Winchester went on to represent an array of international clubs but remained grounded at his domestic club, W-Connection.
An emotional but jovial tribute was also presented by his former Naparima College teammates, led by 2007 Intercol-winning striker, Nigel Wright. Winchester and Wright played alongside each other 12 years ago and went on to hoist school’s football most coveted crown. Also reminiscing on happier times at his alma mater were physical education teacher Richard Nagaur, and Winchester's ex-coach Sean Cooper, now at the helm of 2019 Intercol winners Presentation College.
Winchester’s funeral was chaired by Joel Joseph and opened with two musical items courtesy the Sand City Steel Orchestra. Tributes were also paid by the North West Laventille Cultural Movement, the Prisons Band, W-Connection chairman David Martin, Heaven Sent and his uncle Peter Winchester. The sermon was given by Gladstone Cuffie of the Princes Town Restoration Centre.
After the service, Winchester was laid to rest at the Holy Cross RC Churchyard Cemetery on Buen Intento Road, Princes Town.
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Winchester was Naps' 'secret weapon'
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
“No matter where we roam, if near or far from home, let us be always one Naparima.”
Taken from the Naparima College anthem, these words were the final sentiments shared to the late Shahdon Winchester by his former school/teammate, Nigel Wright, during his tribute at the ex-footballer’s funeral on Thursday.
Wright was joined on stage by several former Naparima teammates, former coach Sean Cooper and the college’s Physical Education tutor, Richard Nagaur, who shared their memories of Winchester’s youthful days.
Given the aliases "Redo" and "Jep" for his light-coloured skin and speed on the pitch, the 27-year old striker was a favourite at his alma mater. During his early years at Naps, a pint-sized Winchester was often made fun of by his schoolmates. However, what he lacked in physical appearance, he made up for both on and off the field of play.
Wright and Winchester played alongside each other on the Naparima frontline and shared many good times competing in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), South Zone and National Intercol tournaments.
“On the field, a warrior, fighter and backing down was not an option for him,” said Wright in his emotional tribute. “Off the field, however, little Shahdon made it his business to frustrate the older guys. We would get back at him by making sure we held his hand when crossing the road. We understood and tolerated him and that was his way of showing affection to us. He was family, one of us, and we made it our business to take care of him while in school.”
On their way to lifting the National Intercol title in 2007, Wright was unable to play after a broken leg suffered in the South Zone final. His fondest memory of Winchester came after being dropped to bench by Cooper for a couple games prior, and then substituted on against Moruga Secondary during the Intercol competition.
“Coach Cooper told me if I didn’t score three goals I was going to be on the bench for the rest of the season. As I came on, I begged for assistance: ‘Please fellas, help me score,’ I pleaded with my teammates. Jep assisted me in all three goals I scored that day. He was a team player and was loved by all,” Wright reminisced.
Dubbing Winchester as Naparima’s "secret weapon", Wright said the former talismanic striker showed more fight than most of the players on the team. Wright also recalled countless memories of Winchester’s natural goal-scoring ability. One particular instance came during a training game against San Fernando Giants (semi-pro team).
“Jep got a ball at the edge of the box, first touch chest-trapped, the defender rushed in and he put it over his head, and before the ball dropped, he volleyed into the goal. Coach Cooper ran onto the pitch and told the referee to blow off the game. We ran onto the field and lifted him up and ran off with him as if we’d won the final. He always trained hard and it didn’t matter who he came up against. He always gave one hundred per cent and demanded the same from us.”
Nagaur also reflected on Winchester’s decorated school career and also hailed his academic pursuit. According to the PE teacher, the ex-striker was ably assisted with his homework and projects by schoolmates throughout the SSFL season (September-December).
During his time at Naps, Winchester won numerous titles donning the blue and white uniform. From 2005 to 2008, Naparima were crowned South Zone league champions. They also copped the South Intercol (2005, 2007, 2008), National Big Five league champions (2005, 2008) and the National Intercol (2007).
“We worshipped him,” said Nagaur to mourners. “Scoring goals with both his head and feet. The one I remember the most was against Mayaro Secondary, he was about 14 at the time. With five minutes to go, they had marked Shahdon throughout the game. He collected a pass, beat two defenders to produce a 2-1 victory and silence the whole of Mayaro. That day, we lifted him up. I remember it like yesterday and was there for his entire career at Naparima College.”
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Relatives of four killed in crash still in mourning a year later
By Laurel V. Williams (T&T Newsday)
Saturday marks the first anniversary of four friends' deaths in a fiery accident, and bereaved relatives said they are still trying to accept and deal with the "nightmare."
National footballer Shahdon Winchester, 27, and Djenne Hills-Dyer, 28, as well as cousins Keston Nicholas, 22, and Michael Bradshaw, 21, died on December 19 last year.
Winchester’s mother Svetlana said her "sweet Shahdon" left a year ago, but it seems like yesterday. She told Newsday by WhatsApp that there were days she felt she could not continue living without him.
"Our home was empty, sad, and quiet. Our family’s happiness was all gone. There were sleepless nights and tear-filled days. My heart was shattered. Life had no meaning," Svetlana said. "Some days, I still cannot believe he is gone. I sometimes pretend he is away on a football contract. I send him WhatsApp messages, only I never get any response.:
Winchester, the father of one, lived with her and other relatives at Buen Intento in Princes Town, a short distance from Hills-Dyer.
Svetlana recalled crying and driving home one day and begging God to heal her pain.
"God began to heal my heart. After some days of fasting and praying, my days got easier. My beautiful and treasured granddaughter (Ada-Xyli, four years old) carries all of her father’s demeanour. Sometimes I just stare at her in amazement," Svetlana said.
She sent condolences to the parents, relatives, and friends of the three other crash victims.
She also said, "I thank my family, friends, and my co-workers, who supported me during this painful period of my life. I also lost my mother and aunt one week apart in July this year..
"I feel blessed that God chose me to raise a respectful, talented young man, Shahdon Shane Andre Winchester. I love you son. RIP."
The four friends were returning in Winchester’s SUV from a games night in Couva last year when the car veered off the highway and crashed into an electricity pole. The SUV burst into flames on impact.
Winchester’s sister Shania as well as his fiancée Tenelle Mongolas also shared fond memories of him and sent condolences to relatives of the other victims.
"My brother was the strongest person I know. He taught me life lessons and continues to do so even now that he is not here. There is nothing we did not share. The bond we had is irreplaceable," Shania said. "He was my right hand! There is a hole in me that will never be filled."
Mongolas said the tragedy has been "a total nightmare," and her life has felt like a downward spiral since.
"Prayer has given me the strength to carry on for our daughter because every day is presented with a new obstacle," Mongolas said by WhatsApp.
"Ada-Xyli is only a toddler, but she gives me strength when she looks at me and says, ‘Daddy is playing football in the sky,’ with a smile, knowing that she is proud of her father’s legacy."
Nicholas’s mother Paula Burton told Newsday it was a mother's worst nightmare to lose her only child. She said she became scared, not knowing how to deal with this level of pain. She depended on God for strategies to cope.
"I would shut myself in prayer and the Word. Another strategy is that I encourage myself, even in the midst of my tears. I tell myself that I will get through this, I will make it, I will be ok," Burton said. "I have lost my only child, my best friend. He was a gem in the community, and most of all, a blessing. I thank God for 22 beautiful years with him."
Burton, who lives at Indian Walk in Moruga, thanked family, friends and everyone else for their support.
"This year, my journey was bittersweet, but I declare that in 2021 and counting, the best is yet to come."
Hills-Dyer’s mother La Toya Hills said she had wanted to host a thanksgiving service, but owing to the pandemic, she opted not to. Instead, some of her daughter’s best friends and family will get together on Saturday evening.
"We will say a little prayer together, remembering her and remembering the good times with her. I placed an order for a wreath, and I will place it at her gravesite at Broadway tomorrow. We are not having a grand event.
Hills-Dyer owned I CEE Queen Treats, a small business. She was not married and did not have children.
"Sometimes I am in denial that the accident happened," her mother said.
Calls to Bradshaw’s relatives went unanswered.