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31
‘Almost perfect’ Warriors keep 100 percent record; Jones targets Caribbean title
By Lasana Libured (Wired868.com)


The first noticeable slip from a Trinidad and Tobago footballer at the Ato Boldon Stadium tonight came about half hour after the final whistle as the media playfully grilled midfielder Hughtun Hector about life in Vietnam where he represents champion club, Hanoi T&T.
“I try to learn a few words but the language is difficult,” said Hector. “I learned to say a few things like: ‘thanks’ and ‘I love you’.”
The diminutive playmaker turned red as reporters roared in laughter. Hector had probably said a little bit more about life in Vietnam than he would have liked.
In the prior 90 minutes, though, the “Soca Warriors” gave nothing away as the Trinidad and Tobago senior team edged Antigua and Barbuda 1-0 for its third successive win of the 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifying tournament.
Both teams advance to the regional finals. Trinidad and Tobago will play in Group A alongside defending champion, Cuba, French Guiana and Curacao while Antigua and Barbuda is in Group B with host Jamaica, Martinique and Haiti.
Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart suggested that regional football fans should get used to seeing a lot of Antigua and Barbuda.
“I was really impressed with Antigua,” said Hart. “I will make a prediction; I think you will see them in the (2015) Gold Cup.”
Antigua and Barbuda has never qualified for CONCACAF’s showcase tournament before and the tiny nation can hardly afford to be cocky in a group that includes two former Caribbean champions, Jamaica and Martinique, and a Haitian team on an upward trajectory.
But the “Benna Boys”, led by Polish technical director Piotr Nowak and coach Rolston Williams, were not short of tactical discipline and desire in Couva and, even without injured midfield ace Jorrin Jones, were able to conjure up a few half chances tonight.
There was no doubting Trinidad and Tobago’s superiority though and, for once, Hart was satisfied.
“I am very, very proud of the team tonight,” said Hart. “(Antigua and Barbuda) played exactly as we thought and I thought we executed well. I was most impressed with the discipline we kept in the game...
“We knew they would sit deep, try to pull us forward and see what happened after that. I told the players: don’t throw yourselves into it; be patient and move the ball around and you will get chances.”

Read more

32
Five T&T U-20s set for Europe; but Central braces for tug-of-war over Levi
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868.com)


Trinidad and Tobago national under-20 footballers Levi Garcia, Kadeem Corbin, Neveal Hackshaw, Jesus Perez and Kishun Seecharan were awarded European entry visas yesterday and are expected to travel to the Netherlands within the coming week en route to trials with undisclosed clubs in Europe.

The parent clubs for 18-year-old Corbin, 19-year-old Hackshaw and 19-year-old Perez agreed verbally to the valuation of the players by Dutch agent Humphry Nijman while 18-year-old Seecharan, who is registered with Defence Force, will be allowed to move on without a transfer fee.

But the football future of 16-year-old Garcia is less certain with Nijman and the teenager’s employer, Central FC, at loggerheads over a deal for the talented winger. Central has so refused Nijman’s offer for the teenaged “Soca Warrior” while the agent, for now, is not prepared to make a new one as the fight seems destined for the courts.

Garcia, who is a Form Five student at Shiva Boys Hindu College, has never represented Central in a competitive match and only joined the club in March on a two-year deal. The national under-20 player supposedly indicated his intention to quit school and turn professional with the “Couva Sharks” in July.

However, Garcia’s sparkling performances at the Under-20 Caribbean Cup tournament and an approach from Nijman and his local assistant, Dion Sosa, during the competition, changed his flight path considerably.

Sosa and Nijman were responsible for moving Sheldon Bateau, Robert Primus and the now deceased Akeem Adams to Europe where they settled at top flight clubs in Belgium, Kazakhstan and Hungary respectively.

Sosa told Wired868 their plan for the five players.

“They are going to meet with their agent (Njiman) who is based in Amsterdam,” said Sosa. “From there, they will branch off to various clubs for three week trials. We will be looking for an academy for Levi because he is under age (to turn pro as a foreigner in Europe); but we are looking at first team football for the rest.

“We are opening a door for them now and their lives can change. It can be good for them, their families and Trinidad football; because the environment they will be exposed to and the teams they will be training with they can only get better.”

However, Central FC managing director Brent Sancho, a 2006 World Cup player with Trinidad and Tobago, insists that the Sharks do not need help in developing their players or finding them foreign opportunities.

Sancho said that Central signed Yugoslav-born coach Zoran Vranes—to replace the departed Englishman Terry Fenwick—specifically because of his experience in working with youngsters. Vranes was head coach when the national under-20 team booked its place at the 2009 World Youth Cup, which was the last FIFA time that the two island republic qualified for a FIFA competition.

“One of the reasons we went for Vranes as our coach is because we saw we had good young talent coming through,” said Sancho, “and Vranes is renowned for not only developing young players but also playing them… But they are filling up the boy’s head with all kind of things.

“I have a trial lined up for Levi with Racing Genk (Belgium) and with Toronto (Canada). So it is not as if we are trying to hold him back… But the little boy doesn’t train with us anymore so obviously they turned his head and put his family against the club.”

Fellow Pro League clubs St Ann’s Rangers and North East Stars took a different view to Central with regards to Nijman’s offer.

Sancho claimed that Rangers accepted US$15,000 for Corbin, which was supposedly much less than the offer for Garcia. However, neither Rangers club chairman Fakoory nor Sosa confirmed that figure.

Fakoory told Wired868 that he did not want to stand in the way of his talented striker, who was named as the MVP of the Under-20 Caribbean Cup.

“They talked to me and made me an offer,” said Fakoory. “And since the under-20 tournament, Kadeem hasn’t showed up at practice once. So what could I do?

“Yes, I came to an agreement to send him on a trial. I had no choice but to let him go for the betterment of the club and to give him an opportunity to further himself.”

Stars coach Angus Eve was reluctant to say much on his club’s deal with Nijman, which will see Hackshaw and Perez move to Europe for trials.

“I just want the boys to get an opportunity,” Eve told Wired868. “I had experience dealing with these agents before with (Sheldon) Bateau while I was at Jabloteh, so I knew what to expect.”

But Sancho insisted that Central would not budge and he accused Nijman of underhand tactics and a contradictory approach to FIFA’s current efforts to outlaw third party ownership.

Sancho said that he is happy for Nijman to take Garcia on trial and be paid for his work in negotiating personal terms. However, he is adamant that the matter of a transfer fee must only be discussed between the buying and selling clubs while he also insisted a sell-on clause would be inserted into any agreed deal.

“I find it strange that the agents are trying to buy-out the player and I am not indulging in that kind of practice of selling a player to an agent,” said Sancho. “Their problem is that, whatever deal is happening, we want a sell-on clause just like there was for Kenwyne Jones and Khaleem Hyland and the agent said he is not doing it. They want everything for themselves.”

His stance was supported by DIRECTV W Connection president David John Williams, who pocketed well over $1 million when Kenwyne Jones moved from Southampton to Premiership club Sunderland due to a sell-on clause.

“If the player is under contract, why do you want to buy out the contract to move them?” asked Williams. “So the (Pro League) club doesn’t make any money? When they buy out the contract, they get a big signing-on bonus and they make the money or get their own clauses in the deal.”

But Sosa called Sancho’s demand ridiculous, particularly as Garcia never played a game for Central and spent less than three months training at the club

“Why should a (European) club pay, house, develop and take care of Levi and, three years down the line, be forced to give Central money for doing absolutely nothing?” asked Sosa. “That is unfair to the (new) club because they are taking all the risk… Why should (Central) get 10 percent for a player they never developed in the first place?

“We made them an offer that is way beyond the player’s market value. But Central’s demands were not reasonable and we have decided not to give into those demands.”

Sosa warned that Central could lose Garcia for nothing as the agents are set to challenge the validity of its contract with the player. Garcia’s elder brother, Daniel, accompanied the young man when he signed his professional contract with Central and not his parents.

In a previous interview with the TTFA Media, Garcia credited his brother, Daniel, for being a key motivator in his career

“He’s always there for me,” said Garcia. “If I have to go training or to a game he will get the taxi or rent a car for me to get there. He pushes me all the time to do better.”

But Sosa is certain that Daniel is no position to sign as his younger brother’s guardian.

“It is an agreement which was entered into without the consent of his parent and that by itself is illegal,” said Sosa. “No minor anywhere in the free world can enter into a contract without the written consent of his parent; and neither his mother nor his father’s names are on the contract.

“They took Daniel and had him sign as a legal guardian when both (Levi’s) parents are alive. And then they want to turn around and play wrong and strong.”

Garcia’s mother, Judith Garcia, confirmed that she did not sign an agreement with Central.

“My big son, Daniel, signed it,” she said. “I do not want to get into any confusion… But I spoke to Brent Sancho and I told him that I want Levi to go to Europe.”

Central director of operations, Kevin Harrison, acknowledged that Garcia’s parents did not sign their son’s contract but explained why he felt the Sharks still had a claim on the boy’s future.

“(Levi) brought an adult to meet us who wasn’t a minor and who understood everything (about the contract),” said Harrison. “His parents sat in our office several times after that and they never said they didn’t want him to play with us. So if they are trying to say they didn’t give us permission they would be lying.

“In fact, everything was great until Humphrey showed up… I have already told (the parents) that no matter what he promises you, Levi isn’t going anywhere until we make an arrangement with that (buying) club.”

But Sosa believes Central’s attitude can only harm the player and is ultimately counter-productive.

“Between his parents and ourselves, we are trying to sort it out in a cordial manner,” he said. “And, if not, we will do what we have to. Levi does not want to play with Central.

“These boys—all five of them—are going to a first class, professional environment for the first time, which can only help their development.”

Garcia’s present teammates at Shiva would be happy to win the Secondary Schools Football League (SSL) Premier title while his classmates are preparing themselves for CXC examinations next May.

Meanwhile, Garcia is enduring a tumultuous start to his life as a professional sportsman. It is not the sort of tug of war that most footballers are exposed to at the age of 16.

Almost certainly, Garcia’s impasse with Central has already cost him the chance of an international senior debut during next week’s Caribbean Cup qualifiers as head coach Stephen Hart was unimpressed by his decision to represent Shiva in the SSFL rather than Central in the Pro League.

Garcia will hope to make up for that in Europe; providing that Sancho and Nijman come to an agreement.


33
Oliver doubles up as Central hits seventh heaven against Rangers
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868.com)


Thirty-nine-year-old Central FC veteran Marvin Oliver rolled back the years this evening with a double on the opening day of the 2013/14 Digicel Pro League season as the “Couva Sharks” romped to a 7-0 trouncing of St Ann’s Rangers at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya.

The margin of victory bettered Central’s previous Pro League best score of 6-0, which also came against Rangers on 21 February 2014.

Not a bad way for the 64-year-old Yugoslavia-born Zoran Vranes to start his competitive coaching career with the Sharks after last weekend’s 1-0 loss to DIRECTV W Connection in the Digicel Charity Shield.

In the second game of the Macoya double header, Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh played to a goalless draw in a keenly tested affair that lacked an end product.

It meant that Central supporters were the ones with the bright smiles on Friday night as they considered what the new season might bring.

Central is run by managing director Brent Sancho but the club became synonymous with fiery English coach Terry Fenwick who steered the Sharks for the past year and a half before departing for CS Visé in the Belgium third division during the off season.

By all reports, life at Visé is anything but smooth these days.

Former Central attackers Willis Plaza and Rundell Winchester, who both joined Visé in July, were in the stands tonight and will seek a route back in the Pro League after going three months without pay in Belgium. Defenders Elton John and Kevon Villaroel have reportedly decided to tough it out in Europe with the hope of an upswing in fortunes there.

Whatever Fenwick’s own future prospects might be, Vranes wasted little time in getting to work on his own legacy.

Central playmaker Ataullah Guerra was not risked as he is recovering from a fever while midfielder Leston Paul was also unavailable through injury. But this was an evening to think about who did play as new acquisitions Jean-Luc Rochford, Marcelle Francois and Qian Grosvenor went straight into the starting line-up while midfielder Sean De Silva, who was barely used by Fenwick last season, got license to roam in Central’s 3-5-2 formation.

Central will get sterner tests than a typically inexperienced and youthful St Ann’s Rangers team, which was without Trinidad and Tobago national under-20 striker Kadeem Corbin.

But the concentration and tempo of the Sharks over the 90 minutes still deserved commendation. Rangers barely had a sniff.

Dwight Quintero opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a bullet into the roof of the net off a Jason Marcano cross inside the opposing penalty area.

De Silva, a former two-time World Youth Cup player, had a hand in the next three Central goals. Twice, Oliver, who played as a sweeper in a three-man defence, met De Silva’s set pieces with controlled, precise headed finishes while Marcano dribbled Trevin Latapy to drive home from the edge of the area as the Sharks led 4-0 at the break.

Trinidad and Tobago national head coach Stephen Hart voiced his frustration at 16-year-old winger Levi Garcia’s decision to represent Shiva Boys HC in the SSFL Premier Division rather than Central FC at Pro League level. It is a concern that Central shares.

But there was some consolation for the Sharks as Garcia’s 20-year-old brother, Nathaniel, came off the bench to mark his competitive Central debut with a goal within four minutes.

A minute had not elapsed when Garcia (N) had his first attempt at goal as he lunged at a Darren Mitchell cross but failed to divert his attempt on target. But, in the 69th minute, the versatile attacker got on the score sheet as he chested over the goal line after Rangers goalkeeper Christopher Biggette failed to hold on to a blast from Central winger Kaydion Gabriel.

And Garcia (N) nearly brought the house down with an encore in the 75th minute as he danced past three Rangers players, including the goalkeeper, but failed to complete the easy bit as he hit into the side netting.

De Silva and Gabriel rounded off the scoring though to cap an industrious team performance.

De Silva beat Biggette with a crisp low drive to his right from the edge of the area while Gabriel sent a screamer past the 18-year-old goalkeeper at his near post from an acute angle.

There was one moment of concern for Central as “Soca Warriors” goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams hobbled off the field with a slight hamstring strain in the 79th minute and was replaced by national under-20 substitute Javon Sample.

Still, as far as opening statements go, tonight’s outing would probably do nicely for Vranes and his hungry Sharks.

(Teams)

Central FC: 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK) (1.Javon Sample (GK) 69); 5.Akeem Benjamin, 10.Marvin Oliver, 17.Marcelle Francois, 11.Darren Mitchell (27.Shaquille Williams 76), 14.Jean-Luc Rochford, 8.Sean De Silva, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 9.Qian Grosvenor, 7.Jason Marcano, 99.Dwight Quintero (19.Nathaniel Garcia 65).

Unused substitutes: 3.Keion Goodridge, 13.Seon Thomas, 23.Denzil Daniel, 45.Ataullah Guerra.

Coach: Zoran Vranes

St Ann’s Rangers: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK); 3.Al Davidson, 4.Jelani Peters (captain), 5.Chad Clinton (6.Shaquille Moses 73), 7.Trevin Latapy, 9.Keron Cornwall (21.Keon Peters 58), 16.David Williams, 19.Shomari Antoine, 23.Craig Wilson, 27.Nathan Julien (8.Sedale McLean 46), 28.Jared Bennett.

Unused substitutes: 25.Jesse Peters (GK), 17.Keron Alexander, 20.Shem Alexander, 24.Kasheem Webb.

Coach: Jason Spence

Referee: Crystal Sobers.


34
Warrior crisis: Coaches, players and staff unpaid; youth teams inactive
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


The Trinidad and Tobago national football team displayed its battling abilities over the last week with gutsy performances in defeats to World Cup-bound teams, Argentina and Iran. But, closer to home, local football remains in near crisis mode with half of the national teams inactive while the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) owes its coaches, players and office staff and legal woes mounting.

Over 92 countries were reported to have watched the “Soca Warriors” stride on to the field at the Estadio Monumental to face Argentina on June 4 in a high profile friendly.

However, Wired868 understands that, although the Warriors were guests of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) and their tour was funded by the Ministries of Tourism and Sport, the players and technical staff members did not receive any stipends for their eight-day excursion. While they received a match fee for the Argentina contest, there was no payment yet for their second match against Iran.

TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee and general secretary Sheldon Phillips are both in Brazil for a CONCACAF congress and were unavailable for comment.

However, the senior team’s issues pale in comparison to the woes of the youth teams, which are mandated to produce national players for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup drives.

Last year, Phillips blamed the Ministry of Sport when the national under-15 team forfeited its place at the inaugural CONCACAF Under-15 competition in Cayman Islands, due to lack of funds. It was the first time in Trinidad and Tobago’s football history that a national team had withdrawn from a FIFA-recognised tournament.

However, the Trinidad and Tobago national under-20 team is scheduled to participate in the Caribbean leg of its New Zealand 2015 Under-20 World Cup qualifying campaign later this month and the TTFA has not appointed its staff yet; let alone begun screenings or training sessions.

Bizarrely, the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) gave its dates for the under-20 competition as “June-July” with no fixed venues. The TTFA’s organisation seems equally shambolic.

“They have not started anything yet,” said TTFA official Sharon O’ Brien, who admitted that she did not have any information on the under-20 squad. “They will probably use the last staff that they had.”

The national under-20 team that competed in 2012 was short of two coaches, though, after head coach Michael McComie was suspended for alleged reckless behaviour in his treatment of defender Alvin Jones while assistant coaches, Anthony Rougier and Clint Marcelle, both quit after goalkeeper coach and Defence Force boss Ross Russell was promoted ahead of them to the head post.

Russell is, in theory, unavailable to lead the present under-20 team though, since he serves as goalkeeper coach for the national under-17 team, which has its own Caribbean qualifiers in late July.

But the national under-17 team is not training either.

“The last time we were together was when we went to Colombia last November,” said national under-17 head coach Shawn Cooper. “Our tournament is towards the end of July to the beginning of August, we are not even sure of the date yet… At this time, we are just waiting for the General Secretary to tell us what is happening with regards to the funding of the programme so we can start.

“Our under-17s are currently playing with their clubs in the Pro League (youth division). So we go around week-in and week-out and see the boys play against each other, so we have some idea of how they are going.”

The national under-17 technical staff has not received a stipend—which ranges between $4,000 and $5,000 per month—since November 2012, which, incidentally, was the month that Raymond Tim Kee was elected unopposed as TTFA president.

Cooper and his staff are owed five to six months remuneration for their work with the previous under-17 team while they are yet to be paid for time spent with the present crop. Earlier this year, technical director Anton Corneal and national under-17 assistant coach Leonson Lewis both resigned in frustration at the financial situation.

Team manager Christo Gouveia explained it was the other costs related to holding training sessions rather than the unpaid stipends that are paralysing the young Warriors.

“It is really about the inability to fund the transport of players to training and particularly those coming from areas like Moruga and Mayaro,” said Gouveia. “Some of their parents can’t afford for them to come training regularly in Couva. There is no money to buy drinking water and to ensure players can have something to eat after training, so their next meal won’t be when they reach home at 11.30 pm.

“We worked for over a year without a stipend so it is not that we don’t want to work.”

At present, the only national teams in training are the women’s senior and under-15 teams. Neither is receiving any funding from the local football body and both squads are surviving on the generosity of the parents and the sacrifice of players and staff.

Things can easily get worse for local football before they get better.

The TTFA ignored a 14-day deadline from the 2006 World Cup players to produce tangible proof of a willingness to complete a court-scheduled bonus payment, which was due nine months ago. There is no word yet as to whether the Warriors will indeed initiate a winding-up order against the football body.

And Wired868 understands the TTFA is scheduled to make a seven-figure payment to former football icon, Russell Latapy, for salaries owed to him during his spell as head coach in 2009 and 2010.

The settlement figure with the World Cup players and Latapy were both negotiated by the current TTFA president and general secretary, even though the issues occurred before they accepted their present roles.

Wired868 also understands that the TTFA’s office staff is yet to receive salaries for May.

Cooper said the national under-17 team is not blaming anyone for their difficulties although he admitted that everyone involved, including players and parents, is getting anxious.

“We have no idea what is going on but the staff is ready to go and we have a squad in mind,” said Cooper. “Obviously, people will blame the coach if things don’t go right (in the competition) but my back is broad. If the federation has no money, then they have no money. What else can we do?

“In order to do the job on the field, you need the help from on top; so I’m hoping that things get better. We were hoping that with this new administration it would be full steam ahead.”

Cooper, who is a RBC estate corporal, defended his staff’s decision to continue working without pay for over a year.

“We are going through this because there are a lot of kids who need this football,” he said. “For their sake, we have to try.”


35
Beyond the maroon: Race, identity, history and West Indies cricket
By Roger Bonair-Agard

I was, as a young boy, obsessed with cricket. Up until age nine, I was still an only child and had learned to occupy myself for hours on end by imagining entire Test series played out in the backyard of my grandparents’ house. 
I knew by heart the rosters and batting orders of every Test-playing nation, starting of course with the West Indies; and I spent my days and evenings after school devising strategies to undermine those other teams in the matches against ours. 
Silly mid-off was a pile of gravel, square leg a clump of razor grass; the sugarcane patch stood at deep mid-wicket while the rubbish pile where Grandpa burned garbage was the slip cordon.
Of course, in my games the West Indies always won; in those days, the mid-seventies when the West Indies boasted Clive Lloyd, IVA Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Alvin Kallicharan, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding, it didn’t take wild imagination to make it so.
A terrifying cadre of fast bowlers was changing the way cricket understood itself and an ascendant crew of African West Indians (and one or two Indian West Indians) was making itself part of the global Black Power movement, symbolically—and in our minds, actually—by dominating the colonial masters in the sport they had brought here, among other reasons, presumably to assist in our movement from savagery to civilization.
To us, the team was a source of unending pride and, as I approached secondary school, the team’s dominance intensified.
As the universe would ordain it, I went to Queen’s Royal College, almost literally a stone’s throw from the Queen’s Park Oval; and so began a long and complex relationship between West Indies cricket, Queen’s Royal College and myself.
Let me here, as it were, break the theatrical fourth wall.
This essay is about identity, about how I came to know who I was and the role that cricket and blackness played in that.  So let’s go back a little bit lest this pride in blackness and cricket coming from the mind of a nine-year-old, be seen as a grown man’s revisionist understanding of himself. 
My mother taught me my alphabet from a book called the Weusi Alphabeti.  Eschewing the age-old A for apple, B for bat, C for cat charts posted in every elementary school’s kindergarten classrooms, this book said “A is for Africa, B is for Black, C is for Culture and that’s where it’s at.” 
My mother, who went to university in Montreal and spent her summers in New York in the 60s at the height of the American Civil Rights Movement, was determined to raise a child who did not suffer from the (still) pervasive idea of lighter-skinned as beautiful, soft hair as good and whiteness as virtue and beauty. 
Although not a sports fan per se, she allowed me to stay up late to watch every Muhammad Ali fight, explaining to me why it was important that he was fighting and winning and talking—though perhaps not in that order. 
She stoked this fire in me too whenever the West Indies were on the go, whenever Viv Richards decided he was not simply taking the fight to the other squad but disdainfully so. He was all muscle, swagger, style and skill. 
Holding was speed, rage, brilliant hostility; and the blackest of them all, Clive Lloyd, was a cunning captain, the Field General who marshalled all those wonderful weapons and stepped into the batting breach when necessary.
My mother taught me then that when she said black people she also meant our Indian brethren, even the ones who would disdain being thought of as such.  In the larger world she countenanced, it was all the same to the white people, the British, the Australians, the New Zealanders, the South Africans. 
Read more: http://wired868.com/2014/05/30/beyond-the-maroon-race-identity-history-and-west-indies-cricket/

36
Football / Wired868 selects its Pro League Players of the Season
« on: May 25, 2014, 05:30:14 PM »
Star struck: Wired868 selects its Pro League players of the season
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


There were six trophies at stake in Trinidad and Tobago’s top flight this season but DIRECTV W Connection and Central FC were not into sharing. Connection grabbed four while Central pocketed the other two.

Similarly, the two Couva-based clubs hogged much of the space in the second Wired868 All Star team.

Last week, Connection’s 19-year-old right back Alvin Jones picked up the Wired868 Young Player of the Year award, which comes with a courtesy dinner treat at Ruby Tuesday.

Let us examine Wired868’s picks for the top senior Pro League performer this season:

Goalkeeper: Jan-Michael Williams (Central FC)

Williams again stands out as much for his competence as for his leadership qualities and personality. Central could not have done it without him.

Right back: Alvin Jones (W Connection)

His enthusiastic overlapping runs, booming right foot shot and tiger-ish defending were vital in Connection’s million dollar Pro League chase. He is one for the future; but he might be one for the present too.

Central defence: Daneil Cyrus (W Connection)

Cyrus had a troubled season with breaks for trials, personal grief with his ailing grandmom and a suspension for minor league football. He even skipped two international fixtures after missing a flight to Saudi Arabia.
When he does get on to the field, though, Cyrus is the best defender in the country and his departure to Vietnam is a loss to the Pro League.

Central defence: Andre Ettienne (Point Fortin Civic)

There were probably relieved sighs by strikers all over the country when Ettienne missed a few weeks of action this season. Fast, tall and aggressive, the Point Fortin defender is a throwback to no-nonsense defenders like Marvin Andrews and Dexter Francis; after 90 minutes with Ettienne, you know you were in a game.

Left back: Kurt Frederick (W Connection)

When Frederick pops up in the final third, you know you are in trouble; and he shows up there often. The swashbuckling St Lucian defender was almost unrivalled in his mastery of the left flank.

Midfield anchor: Gerard Williams (W Connection)

It is easier to destroy than create. All the same, Williams, a St Kitts and Nevis international, has turned destruction into an artform. His levels of consistency, stamina and tactical discipline were eye-catching and few playmakers in the local game are capable of getting the better of him.

Right midfield: Jason Marcano (Central FC)

In truth, there has been a shortage of proper wing play in the Pro League this season. Marcano gets in ahead of North East Stars’ Kennedy Hinkson for his crucial goals, earlier this year, that eventually helped Central to its first Caribbean Club Championship berth.

“Nelly” can be erratic; but he is a handful when he is on song.

Central midfield: Marvin Oliver (Central FC)

At 38, Oliver is old enough to be Alvin Jones’ father. He remains the “big daddy” of the Pro League though. Mister “Pass and Move” is invariably behind most of Central’s best attacking moves and he was as good as ever this year.

Left midfield: Joevin Jones (W Connection)

Joevin was as good as he was last season, which is saying something. And yet we feel he can be even better. He can pass, shoot, dribble and tackle; in short, he will be as good as he wants to be. So we hope he aims high.

Second striker: Marcus Joseph (Point Fortin Civic)

Joseph has a good claim to have been the Pro League’s outstanding player this season. After a decent start in a variety of midfield roles, he came alive when pushed upfront alongside veteran Andre Toussaint.

He is a lively runner with a deceptive change of pace; but it is when he uncocks that left boot that you really sit up. Lionel Messi might have the most cultured left foot on the field when Trinidad and Tobago meets Argentina; but Marcus Joseph will have the most violent one.

Striker: Willis Plaza (Central FC)

Plaza caresses the ball as if he were wearing gloves on his feet; he can strike the ball with either boot and is as crafty as they come in the local game. At 26, he is nearing the peak of his powers and might be the bridge between the 29-year-old Kenwyne Jones and the 22-year-old Shahdon Winchester, who are the present and the future respectively.

It was not easy to select an XI and the following players have every right to be annoyed to have missed out a first team spot:

Cleon John (North East Stars): He is not the flashiest; but he rarely makes errors and organised the best defensive unit in the Pro League.

Joao Ananias (W Connection): The first Brazil first division player to participate in the Pro League and the right back offered a wonderful internship to Alvin Jones during his six-month loan spell.

Yohance Marshall (Central FC): An intelligent reader of the game and unflappable under pressure.

Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force): Combative, intelligent and ruthless; the Pro League’s answer to Roy Keane.

Kennedy Hinkson (North East Stars): He played everywhere but in goal and central defence and he excelled in every role he played.

Densill Theobald (Caledonia AIA): His passing and leadership qualities are as valuable as ever and he even added a couple goals for good measure this season.

Akeem Redhead (Point Fortin Civic): We are not sure what the best role for this versatile, teenaged midfielder is yet; but we are pretty sure he is going places.

Josimar Belgrave (Defence Force): He was “Mister Clutch” for Defence Force near the finish line; a solid, unpretentious attacking midfielder with an eye for goal.

Trevin Caesar (North East Stars): Probably the most dangerous striker in the Pro League; Caesar was a one-man wrecking crew with his pace, low centre of gravity and fierce shooting from around the opposing penalty box.


37
Football / Wired868 reviews the Pro League’s hottest young talent
« on: May 19, 2014, 11:22:49 PM »
Great Expectations: Pro League’s hottest young talent
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


The likes of DIRECTV W Connection star Joevin Jones and Point Fortin Civic attacker Marcus Joseph have become regular names for knowledgeable Trinidad and Tobago fans due to their Pro League exploits. But Wired868 has highlighted some gifted young players who may take their places in a season or two.

Goalkeeper: Kevin Dodds (San Juan Jabloteh)

Dodds did not finish the season with Jabloteh and that is a pity. Goalkeepers tend to mature later and perhaps he will be back. But talent is not everything; it takes ambition, heart and a willingness to sacrifice to make it. Dodds has the talent.

Right back: Alvin Jones (W Connection)

Jones, the younger brother of Joevin Jones, spent the first half of the season as an understudy to Brazilian Joao Ananias, but he was certainly ready when his time came; and he is Wired868’s “Young Player of the Year”.

His booming right foot strikes with the dead ball and from open play won him his share of plaudits as Connection successfully held off Defence Force near the finish line.

But, just as notable, is his work ethic and the professionalism in his defending. It should not be long before he joins his brother on the “Soca Warriors” team.

Central defence: Dario Holmes (San Juan Jabloteh)

Holmes was crowded out at Central FC when Yohance Marshall joined in January; but he showed at Jabloteh that he has much to offer. One for the future.

Central defence: Jesus Perez (North East Stars)

If you are interested in “gentle Jesus meek and mild”, then this is the wrong guy. Solid, composed and, above all, fierce in the tackle, Perez is one of a promising fleet of young players at the Sangre Grande-based club. And he is left footed.

Write his name down.

Left back: Jelani Peters (St Ann’s Rangers)

Peters was irrepressible around last Christmas although he looked mentally drained towards the end of the season. But then few players his age—he turned 20 in mid-season—have played as often with as much responsibility.

At his best, Peters is a tough, skillful and committed customer who does not know the word “fear.”

Midfielder: Akeem Redhead (Point Fortin Civic)

Redhead pushed Jones close for our top youth accolade and he has certainly contributed more over the course of the entire season.

The teenager is a versatile, industrious, street-wise player who has featured in a handful of positions for Civic and done superbly in all of them. He might be the new Stokely Mason. Maybe even better; once he keeps his feet on the ground.

Midfielder: Jomal Williams (W Connection)

Sometimes watching Williams play can feel as frustrating as seeing a racecar stuck in traffic. There are signs of an elegant playmaker here and the Pro League probably won’t see the best of “Bebo” until Joevin moves abroad to make way for him.

But then the best players do not wait for the reigns to be handed over; they take it.

Midfielder: Joel Lewis (Police)

Lewis faded somewhat at the business end of the season; but that should not diminish the worth of his debut Pro League campaign.

Athletic and brave, Lewis loves to run at defenders. And we loved watching him do it.

Attacker: Neil Benjamin Jr (W Connection)

Benjamin’s speed, physique and dreadlocks are reminiscent of a young Ruud Gullit and he scared the life out of opposing defenders early in the season before they worked out that he does not come in off the flank nearly as much as he should.

“Benjie” scored just one League goal, which is a travesty for a player who is actually a good finisher. He was useful for Connection this season; but he can and should do better next term.

Attacker: Rundell Winchester (Central FC)

Winchester is an instinctive player who is not afraid to try the spectacular; sometimes to his own detriment. But he has a habit of rising to the big occasion. He is arguably the quickest player in the Pro League and he has a good work ethic too.

He has generally been effective cutting towards goal from wide areas; but his future will surely be at centre forward once he improves his hold-up play.

Attacker: Dwight Quintero (Central FC)

Quintero found it hard to get minutes upfront once mid-season signing Willis Plaza embarked on an impressive scoring streak; but Central’s next coach must surely find a way to keep him involved.

Tall, strong and agile with a decent touch, Quintero can be a future senior international if he sharpens up his end product and stays in good physical condition.

And another thing:

Who came closest to breaking in to our XI?

Well, there was St Ann’s Rangers goalkeeper Terrence Clarke and defender Isaiah McIntyre, Defence Force winger Akeem Roach, the San Juan Jabloteh pair of wing back Nyron Jones and striker Brent Sam, W Connection forward Jerrel Britto, Central FC reserve goalkeeper Javon Sample and the Caledonia AIA duo of midfielder Keron Bethelmy and Vincentian utility player Nical Stephens.

While brief cameos from Connection’s dynamic Surinamese winger Dimitrie Apai and Caledonia AIA forward Dylon King were enough to whet the appetite.

We can’t wait for next season.


38
Football / Dwane James Thread
« on: May 09, 2014, 10:29:16 PM »
One-on-one with Dwane James
By Ewan Headley (Wired868)


Trinidad and Tobago football’s most valuable brothers, arguably, were goalkeeper Lincoln and “Tiger” Phillips and defender Winston Phillips who played side-by-side in the 1974 World Cup qualifying campaign when the two island republic was robbed of a place in the FIFA showcase tournament.

Since then, examples of siblings who both earned national caps are sparse and, in most cases, one or both of the brothers managed less than five appearances. There are: Carlyle and Devon Mitchell, Sherwyn and Sean Julien, Anthony and Glenton Wolfe, Silvio and Silas Spann and Dwayne and Jamal Jack.

If San Juan Jabloteh utility player Dwane James has his way, he will be next on the list alongside his brother and Orlando City playmaker Kevin Molino, who is the “Soca Warriors’” most creative midfielder at present. James and Molino have different fathers but grew up together in Carenage.

James was first to move abroad as he left Trinidad for the United States as a 19-year-old to start a two-year football scholarship at East Central Community College (ECC) in Missouri. But his time in the US was bittersweet.

He left the ECCC a year later in 2009 as he could no longer afford to pay for his accommodation. In 2010, he had a stint with Sporting Kansas City reserve team but was released a month later as the club filled its quota of foreign players. And, in 2011, a promising opportunity with A’ League club Atlanta Silverback also came to a sad end due to an angle injury during his trials.

“Playing for East Central College, Sporting Kansas City and Atlanta Silverbacks in the past are the highlights of my career,” James told Wired868. “That experience only made me pray more.”

One of most repeated prayers is for a shot at a Soca Warriors team jersey. The Jabloteh player sat down with Wired868 to talk a bit more about himself:

Date of birth: 4/12/1988

Home town: Carenage

Former schools: Arima Boys RC Government, Trinity College and St. Anthony’s College

Favourite player: Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Favourite team: Barcelona FC

Most important coach: Keith Look Loy (FC Santa Rosa)

What makes you stand out as a player?

I’m mentally strong and aggressive and I have a lot of experience.

What pushes you to succeed?

My love and passion for the sport drives me to always push myself further.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

I would describe myself as a spontaneous individual.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a very approachable person; but some people get the opposite impression.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I’m either sleeping or surfing the internet.

What was your best moment in football so far? And your worst?

My best moment happened when I scored my first goal for Sporting Kansas City (reserve team).

What is your target for 2014?

I want to sign with a team in the North American Soccer League (NASL) or United Soccer Leagues (USL) in the United States of America. In the future, I also wish to play for Trinidad and Tobago’s senior team alongside my brother Molino.


39
Football / One on one with Point Fortin Civic's Weslie John
« on: May 05, 2014, 09:22:18 PM »
One on one with Weslie John
By Michelle Cox (Wired868)


Point Fortin Civic defender aims to follow in the footsteps of his uncle and former World Cup 2006 player Avery John

The paternal nephew of Trinidad and Tobago 2006 World Cup defender and Chaconia Medal holder Avery John, 23-year-old Point Fortin Civic defender Weslie John has football running in his veins.

John, like his uncles Quentin and Quincy, were stand-outs at Vessigny Secondary school and he was only half-joking when he said that his daughter, Arianna, could be the next Christie Rampone or Mia Hamm.

The versatile ex-national under-20 defender, who has already represented Police FC and Central FC at professional level, dreams of international stardom too and is anxious to follow his uncle’s footsteps by winning a spot with the senior “Soca Warriors.”

But, first, the young confident Civic employee had a chat with Wired868:

Date of birth: 29 July 1991

Number: 04

Position: Central defender

Home town: Vance River village, La Brea

Former schools: Vessigny Secondary and then Presentation College where I played midfield.

Favourite team: Locally – Point Fortin Civic FC. Internationally – Arsenal, I like their style of football.

What makes you stand out as a player?

Firstly my ability to read the game and secondly, my height; I’m kinda tall.  It gives me presence on the field to communicate.

Something most people do not know about you:

I always play with a chip on my shoulder, in that from since childhood days they used to say that I was too slow or too weak.  So now when I play, I have that in the back of my mind and always play with the intention to prove myself.

Who was your most important coach and why?

Actually, I have 2 coaches: my coach at Presentation College, Shawn Cooper, and National Under-20 coach, Zoran Vraneš. They believed in me and gave me my first opportunity to play at those levels.

What was your best and worst moment in football so far?

Best: My debut on the national under-20 team representing T&T against Guyana in 2010.

Worst: An Under-20 World Cup qualifier match in 2011.  We lost 5-0 to give Mexico them the opportunity to go to the World Cup.

How do you handle disappointment?

Before, not well.  I used to be really hard on myself, pulling down myself with doubt, but then I met Akeem (Adams) who was one of the humblest persons I knew.  So now that he’s passed on, I try to keep his memory by not crying over spilt milk and moving on.

Recently, I’ve been lighter on myself in remembrance of him.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Hanging out with my neighbourhood friends and teammates and, more often now, spending time with my two-month-old daughter, Arianna.

Which three words best describes you as a person?
 
Passionate, motivated and fun.

What pushes you to succeed?

First of all I enjoy the game; but where I come from many people don’t make it.  I intend to make it (and) to make a difference and that pushes me to succeed.

Who is your greatest fan?

My mom, Carlene John; she supported (me) from day one. When no one else believed, she always believed.

What are your thoughts on the local game?

I’ve been in the Pro League since 2009 and I have seen some improvement in the support (from fans). But I would like to see more community-based teams get involved so that supporters get more involved (in the league).

What is your target for 2014?

To try out for the national senior team and to go abroad; my agent, Dion Sosa, is working on that.

What is the first thing you are going to do when you become a star?

Make sure that my Mom is set. I always joke and tell her that I would buy her a Range Rover. She hasn’t picked out a colour yet. (Laughing)

Do you have any inspiring words for upcoming footballers?

Believe in yourself. It will have moments of discouragement but you have to stick at it. Stay positive.


40
No surrender: Defence Force and W Connection refuse to back down
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


“We need to win on Tuesday and we will be going to win,” Defence Force assistant coach Marvin Gordon told Wired868. “You know what we have been through this season. We had to stop for a month to do work for the country and then losing Kevon Carter… The Pro League trophy will show the strength and belief this team has to come from where we come from.

“This trophy means everything to us.”

Last season when Defence Force secured its third league title in the 15-year history of the Pro League, winger Kevon Carter lifted the trophy. This year, the army/coast guard combination wants to win in memory of him.

Carter, a former Trinidad and Tobago international, died on 28 February 2014 after he suffered a heart attack during practice. Even before his tragic passing, the “Teteron Boys” were already given little chance of retaining their title.

In seventh place in the nine-team table last December, the Defence Force players were not even allowed to train for most of January National Security Minister Gary Griffith ordered every available member of the country’s security forces into action in an attempt to bring down the escalating murder rate. This unscheduled break meant the Regiment had to spend much of the last three months playing five games every two weeks.

Yet, today, with just two games left, the soldier boys have one hand on the crown. Last night, they led DIRECTV W Connection twice before being pegged back on each occasion as the defending champions eventually settled for a 2-2 tie.

“It was fitting for a top-of-the-table-clash,” said Gordon. “I thought the winner yesterday was the fans because they saw a great game. Both teams worked really hard although we lacked  concentration at times.

“Our guys were brilliant but we gave up two soft goals from the right side…”

It is telling that Gordon singled out the right flank. The technical staff has shown wavering commitment to its right back this season.

Last night, captain Cory Rivers started and it was his stoppage time winner against Police FC, three weeks ago, that kept the regiment in the hunt. But, at 31, he is finding it harder to stave off a younger challenger.

Twenty-seven-year-old Marvin Jones—the son of former “Strike Squad” defender Kelvin Jones—is Rivers’ direct competitor and Defence Force head coach Ross Russell only has to look at the W Connection squad to see the potency of the Jones bloodline.

Joevin Jones, Marvin’s 22-year-old brother, is Connection’s top scorer and the top flight’s most prolific goal-scoring midfielder with 12 league goals. Yesterday, Joevin showed his usual nimble footwork and passing range although it is now almost two months since his last goal from open play.

“My form is not fully there but it could pass,” said Jones. “I think teams are sending men to mark me and it is a little hard to find space now. So I am trying to create room for my teammates.”

Fortunately, Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier has two Jones boys in his squad. And, last night, it was 19-year-old Alvin Jones who stepped forward with a typically thunderous finish to keep Connection on course to break the current Pro League title deadlock and go to five, one ahead of Jabloteh.

Mere months ago, players and supporters had not troubled themselves to learn Alvin’s name.  “Little Joevin,” they called him.

But after a stunning free kick against Central FC in the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield final and another successful set piece in a 1-1 league tie against Point Fortin Civic Centre, last night the right back would surely have made a name for himself with his vital equalizer.

“I’m really enjoying (playing) right now,” Jones (A) told Wired868. “I never won the league as a (senior) player and this is my first full season in the league so it is special for me. Also it is the club’s 15th anniversary.”

No one’s history but their own was on the Defence Force minds at the start yesterday. Connection made the early running as Jones (A) and Jerrel Britto both went close while Jones (J) had an item disallowed for offside.

But the Teteron Boys got their name on the scorecard first as tidy midfielder Jerwyn Balthazar rifled a brilliant left-footed half-volley into the corner, after Connection left-back Kurt Frederick’s headed clearance landed in his path.

Defence Force marked the moment in typically cheeky fashion, coming together for a “selfie” as a solitary bugle sounded up in the stands.

But Connection response was quick in coming.

Cuttting in off the left flank to meet a lofted, diagonal pass,Britto  strucked his lobbed effort against the bar. Surinamese forward Stefano Rijssel was on spot to convert with a diving header. The cheers from the Connection supporters was a reminder that Defence Force is not the only team with an emotional attachment to the league crown and, let’s not forget, the million dollar first prize.

“Belieeeeeeeve!” Connection owner David John Williams screamed from the covered stands. “Keep believing!”

The game looked to have taken another turn in the 54th minute as Defence Force midfielder Curtis “Boyo” Gonzales went to ground after a slight tug from Connection’s Colombian utility player Christian Ocoro Viveros. There was not much in it but referee Neal Brizan followed the rule book and Viveros was ejected for his second caution.

Russell responded by sending on Defence Force’s all-time top scorer, Devorn Jorsling, who had missed his team’s last three games with a hamstring injury.

“Jorsling is about 75 percent fit,” said Gordon.

Within ten minutes, the three-quarter fit Jorsling restored Defence Force’s advantage with a trademark finish. With back to goal, he collected the ball in the penalty box and, waiting until he felt his defender, Alvin, shift his bodyweight to the wrong foot, he pivoted and placed his shot precisely into the corner.

It was Jorsling’s 115 career Pro League goal. Only Jabloteh poacher Kerry Baptiste, with 122 strikes, has scored more.

Not counting the Digicel Charity Shield, which is effectively a one match pre-season fixture, Defence Force had lost just once in normal time from six games against Connection in the past two years, three of the remaining clashes ended in victory for the Teteron Boys.

The Defence Force players might have still been congratulating each other when, two minutes later, Alvin stormed into the opposing box to meet a low, left side cross with a thumping finish into the roof of the net.

He celebrated by racing to the Connection owner’s son, David John Williams, jnr—who was on ball- boy duty—and scooping him up for a group hug.

“When we lost the (Lucozade Shield) finals, he was real emotional and taking it on,” said Alvin, “so that one was for him.”

Alvin spent the first half of the 2013/14 season as a back-up to Brazilian right back Joao Ananais before finally getting his time to shine. There has been much criticism about Connection’s recruitment of overseas players; but Ananais, a top division player in Brazil, is no mug and the former East Mucurapo Secondary schoolboy said it was a valuable internship.

“I learned a lot from him,” said Alvin, “his awareness and positional play; he doesn’t lose the ball often and (I like) the way he attacks.”

During his stint in Trinidad, Ananais scored just one penalty, so Alvin can arguably teach him a thing or two about that aspect of the game.

One more huge performance, just one additional point, and Alvin and the W Connection team will be champions.

But there are players on the other team who also deserve to end the season as champions. In the seven meetings of the clubs over the last two years, Jorsling, a former Connection youth team player, has scored five times.

According to Gordon, the real game changer is wearing Defence Force colours.

“You saw Jorsling came on last night and was effective,” he said. “He will train again this weekend and Monday. And maybe he will start on Tuesday.”

There are no maybes about the contest; on Tuesday night, it will be a fight to the finish.

(Teams)

Defence Force (4-2-3-1):
1.Kevin Graham (GK); 14.Cory Rivers (captain), 3.Keston Williams, 6.Rodell Elcock, 21.Aklie Edwards (23.Kerry Joseph 53); 4.Dave Long (18.Sean Narcis 90), 8.Curtis Gonzales (9.Devorn Jorsling 60); 30.Akeem Roach, 15.Jerwyn Balthazar, 17.Ross Russell Jr; 10.Josimar Belgrave.

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 6.Devin Jordan, 7.Balondemu Julius, 13.Marvin Jones.

Coach: Ross Russell

 

W Connection (4-2-1-3):
18.Julani Archibald (GK); 39.Alvin Jones, 4.Daneil Cyrus, 15.Mekeil Williams, 2.Kurt Frederick; 3.Gerard Williams (captain), 25.Christian Viveros; 10.Joevin Jones; 12.Jerrel Britto (7.Silvio Spann 56), 14.Hashim Arcia (65.Neil Benjamin Jr 77), 20.Stefano Rijssel (17.Jamal Clarence 85).

Unused substitutes: 22.Aquelius Sylvester (GK), 13.Devaughn Elliot, 19.Joel Russell, 40.Jomal Williams.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

 

Referee: Neal Brizan

 

Digicel Pro League

(Fri May 2)

Defence Force 2 (Jerwyn Balthazar 20, Devorn Jorsling 79), W Connection 2 (Stefano Rijssel 29, Alvin Jones 81) at Couva

Upcoming fixtures

(Tue May 6)


Central FC vs San Juan Jabloteh, 6 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection vs Defence Force, 8 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;

North East Stars vs St Ann’s Rangers, 7 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Caledonia AIA vs Point Fortin Civic, 9 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.

41
Belgrave hattrick pulls D/Force within point of Connection
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Defending Digicel Pro League champion Defence Force is just three games away from the most unlikely title defence in Trinidad and Tobago’s professional era.

In a rescheduled fixture this evening at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, the “Teteron Boys” kept the pressure on current leader, DIRECTV W Connection, after a 4-0 win against Caledonia AIA. And, after seeing off the challenge of Central FC, Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier now has Defence Force coach Ross Russell breathing down his neck.

Connection and Defence Force will face each other twice on May 2 and May 6 and, for all the rancour of tonight’s Lucozade Sport Goal Shield final against bitter Couva rivals Central FC, it is those two league matches that matter most to either club.

Before kick off, a Defence Force official handed out flyers for a barbeque fund raiser for the family of late winger Kevon Carter, which will be held on 30 May 2014 at the Diego Martin Recreational Ground. It was a reminder of the grave misfortune that the army/coast guard combination has endured this season.

And yet here stand Russell’s troops, just one point behind a Connection team that once had a double digit lead over the rest of the Pro League.

This evening, Caledonia AIA was Defence Force’s ninth successive Pro League victim although, for the first hour, the regiment saw little of the ball. If anything, Keyon Edwards, Caledonia’s silky dreadlocked striker, was the game’s outstanding player with his adhesive touch and efficient distribution.

Like deadly snipers, Defence Force lay low and waited for their opportunities. Devorn Jorsling and Richard Roy were both missing so Russell pushed midfielder Josimar Belgrave upfront to the role he once held with St Ann’s Rangers. And Belgrave showed he has not lost his predatory instinct.

Three times, Belgrave collected the ball inside the Caledonia penalty area. And, three times, Caledonia goalkeeper Shemel Louison had to pick the ball out of the back of his net.

On the first occasion, Belgrave stroked through Louison’s legs in the 29th minute. In the 69th minute, he headed in from point blank range after a brilliant left side cross from Ross Russell Jr and his third was even simpler as he rolled into an empty net in the 81st minute after substitute Balondemu Julius knocked the ball around Louison.

Each goal was a tribute to his good positioning and steady nerves.

Belgrave had a hand in Defence Force’s fourth goal too albeit with a scoffed shot that midfielder Curtis Gonzales banged home despite cries of offside from Caledonia.

A win and draw in their next two games against Connection would virtually ensure that Defence Force successfully defends its league title; and it will only the fourth time that has happened—San Juan Jabloteh did it twice in 2002 and 2003 and 2007 and 2008 while Connection managed it in the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

The 2013/14 Pro League season has boiled down to a two-legged play off. And a million dollars is at stake.

(Teams)

Defence Force (4-2-3-1):
1.Kevin Graham (GK); 14.Cory Rivers (captain), 3.Keston Williams, 6.Rodell Elcock, 21.Aklie Edwards (31.Thurlani George 82); 4.Dave Long (7.Balondemu Julius 77), 8.Curtis Gonzales; 30.Akeem Roach (23.Kerry Joseph 66), 15.Jerwyn Balthazar, 17.Ross Russell Jr; 10.Josimar Belgrave.

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 5.Devin Jordan, 13.Marvin Jones, 18.Sean Narcis.

Coach: Ross Russell

 

Caledonia AIA (4-4-2): 1.Shemel Louison (GK); 2.Jabari Braithwaite (18.Denron Frederick 75), 3.Nuru Muhammad (captain), 5.Akeem Thomas, 6.Marcus Ambrose; 27.Nathan Lewis, 8.Keron Bethelmy, 21.Densill Theobald, 28.Pernell Schultz (24.Conrod Smith 60); 9.Keyon Edwards, 13.JulianWade (15.Aaron Lester 60).

Unused substitutes: 34.Kevin Graham (GK), 12.Kareem Joseph, 22.Jameel Neptune, 30.Akil Stafford.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

 

Referee: Michael London

 

Pro League fixture

(April 25)

Defence Force 4
(Josimar Begrave 29, 69, 81, Curtis Gonzales 36), Caledonia AIA 0 at Couva

42
One on one with Elton John
By Dominique Webb (Wired868)


Born and bred in Sherwood Park, Arima—a tough area known also as the Congo—Elton John played football to escape the harsh realities of his childhood.

Raised by his grandmother, Julia John, John remembers losing his favourite uncle to a drug addiction. But his own focus never wavered as the former St Augustine schoolboy vowed to use his talent on the ball to make a better life for himself and his family.

Now, the 27-year-old Central FC defender, who is already an eight-year veteran of the Pro League after spells with San Juan Jabloteh and North East Stars, plays the game as his bread and butter.

John took time out from his Central FC duties to have a chat with Wired868:

Name: Elton David Wallace John.

Date of Birth: 8 April 1987.

Height and weight: I am 5 feet and 8 inches and 170 pounds.

Position: Currently, I am a neutral player. I do however prefer to play as a midfielder. (John has played mostly in central defence this year).

Hometown: I am from Sherwood Park, Arima also known as the Congo.

Former school: Arima West Government Primary School, then St Joseph College and finally St Augustine Senior Comprehensive… St Joseph College was more work oriented while St Augustine had a football team.

Favourite player: Ronaldinho (Brazil).

Favourite team: FC Barcelona.

Nickname: Broady

Why are you called Broady?
I got the nickname from bawling plenty during my childhood. Also people can hear my mouth from far.

What is it like to live with the famous name Elton John?
Once people hear that my name is Elton John, they usually harass me and ask if I am gay just like the singer. I don’t let any of that bother me though as the constant calling of my name helps to get me in the spot light.

What is something most people do not know about you?
I am always smiling and happy but they don’t know the struggle I had to get where I am today.

What struggles did you face when growing up?
I grew up without my father and was raised by my grandmother. My mother was around in the earlier part of my life but she got married and moved away to Blanchisseuse. She took my sisters and my grandmother offered to help by raising me.

Since my grandmother raised me, I was able to play football. I believe that I would not have been able to play football if I was living with my mother in Blanchisseuse.

While living with my grandmother, however, I grew up without much guidance and I had to witness one of my uncles, who my family and myself adored, turn to drugs. That really hurt me.

How would you describe yourself as a person?
I am loving, understanding and have a strong determination. My background also prepared me to deal with unwilling people.

How did you start playing football?
I grew up playing football in the basketball court in the Congo. I saw my family play and it was a way for me to relax and escape while growing up.

Who had the most influence on your career?
My grandmother, Julia John. She supported me and pushed me and always made sure I reached to training and to my games.

Do you have any family member that plays football professionally?
Yes. My cousin, Jason Marcano, who is now playing at Central FC with me.

Who was your most important coach/coaches and why?
Dave Weeks from my primary school team, Michael Grayson from St Augustine and, last but not least, Terry Fenwick (Central FC). I believe each coach always has something to teach you and I listened to them. Terry helped me to understand the game better.

What makes you stand out as a player?
My ability to adapt and work rate. I believe I am fairly good with ball handling and finally my ability to read the game.

What does it feel like when you play against your old team mates?
When a player leaves a club, he has something to prove. For me, it brings out the best in me. I have to concentrate more as I don’t want to lose against my old team.

Also when I play I say to myself my old team knows how I play and I think of ways to change up my playing style so I would have an advantage.

Which team do you look forward to playing the most?
W Connection as they always give you a tough game. I get joy from beating that team.

What is your pre-match routine?
The team usually trains the morning of a game. Personally, I start off my day by giving thanks to the Lord, then have a good breakfast, relax and watch football, drink a lot of water and, lastly, I play the game in my head before the actual match.

What was your best moment in football so far? And your worst?
My best moment was when I played at St Augustine. We played in the East Intercol final against San Juan Secondary and I scored the only goal in stoppage time.

My worst would be this season when we played against W Connection. We were leading by two goals and we could have won but the victory slipped away from us. (Connection fought back to draw 2-2 with two goals in the last five minutes).

If we had won we would have been in a better position in the league competition. That defeat gave me sleepless nights.

What pushes you to succeed?
Where I came from pushes me. Growing up, my family did not have much and it was tough. Football motivated me and I used it as a good and now it is my bread and butter.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Shivon Mohammed, and my daughter, Xaria John.

What would be success for you as a player?
Playing full-time on the national team. (John was a former Trinidad and Tobago national under-20 and under-23 player).

What is your target for 2014?
On the pitch, it would be to win the Pro League competition. This would show people that, despite the ups and downs in my life, I was still successful. I would also like to play regularly on the national team.


43
Stars floors Central with million dollar punch; Rangers stun Caledonia
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)

Nine straight wins and 15 consecutive unbeaten games; but that might count for nothing now for Central FC.
The “Couva Sharks” were contenders for the Pro League’s million dollar first prize at kick off last night. Now, even their chance of a top two finish and a place in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League is in jeopardy after a typically emphatic double from Trevin Caesar paced North East Stars to a 2-1 win over Central at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The result saw Central slip to third as Point Fortin Civic, who whipped San Juan Jabloteh 3-0 in Couva, skipped into second spot last night. Defence Force poses the bigger long-term threat to Central, though.
Veteran Defence Force captain and right back Cory Rivers scored arguably his most important goal for the defending champions as he slammed home a late winner, two minutes into extra time, to see off Police FC in Couva.
The result brought the “Teteron Boys” level on 38 points with Central although the latter team has a better goal difference. DIRECTV W Connection leads the standings with 45 points and has just three games remaining. Two of those outstanding matches will be against Defence Force and they will decide the destination of the 2013/14 Pro League trophy.

At present, Defence Force has three games in hand apart from the two meetings with Connection. If coach Ross Russell’s men win those, then a win and draw against Connection would cap the most remarkable title chase of Trinidad and Tobago’s professional era.

Two years ago, a youthful Connection team pipped T&TEC to the crown on the final day of the season. But Connection did not lose its vice-captain to a heart attack in mid-season or take a month off from football duties to tackle a spiralling murder rate.

Connection is deservedly first at present; the league table does not lie. But it would take a heart of stone to not warm to Defence Force’s remarkable race.

At the other end of the table, there was an emotional moment too as bottom placed St Ann’s Rangers snapped a 16-match winless streak with a shock 3-2 triumph against Caledonia AIA at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

After 19 league games under former coach Gilbert Bateau, Rangers had three points. Since Anthony Streete’s return, the St Ann’s based squad is unbeaten from two league games as a draw against Jabloteh was followed by last night’s result.

Even Streete would have a hard time convincing anyone that yesterday’s triumph was wholly manufactured on the training ground, though. Not after Kennedy Isles’ stunning opener.

Read More

44
Million dollar race: Central maintains dogged Connection pursuit
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Pro League leader DIRECTV W Connection and second placed Central FC eased away from the chasing pack last night with emphatic wins over Police FC and Caledonia AIA respectively at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Surinamese teenager Dimitrie Apai scored his first hattrick in a Connection shirt as the “Savonetta Boys” routed a 10-man Police team 6-1 while Trinidad and Tobago international Willis Plaza responded with a treble for Central as the “Couva Sharks” crushed Caledonia 5-1.

Only Defence Force, who played three games fewer than Connection and four less than Central, has a mathematical chance of leapfrogging the Couva rivals to the million dollar first prize now.

Last week, on April Fools’ Day, Point Fortin Civic conceded its pursuit after a 3-2 loss to Defence Force. And, last night, the Civic players took North East Stars down with them after a 1-0 win at the Marvin Lee Stadium courtesy of a solitary Marcus Joseph goal.

The other fixture yesterday involved the top flight’s two bottom clubs as Anthony Streete made his Pro League return with the St Ann’s Rangers against San Juan Jabloteh.

Rangers, who managed one win and 18 losses from its first 19 competitive fixtures, led 2-0 with just two minutes left in regulation time before a last gasp Neil Mitchell double denied the club a rare triumph.

There is no denying Connection and Central these days.

Just over a month ago, there were six clubs in the hunt. But, since then, no team has been able to live with the pace set by Connection; except its bitter cross-town rival, Central.

Like a scene from an epic car chase, Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier accelerates, dances through traffic and swings into an alley. Then, he peers into his back mirror. And Central coach Terry Fenwick is still there.

Last night, Connection pulled clear of Police within the first 25 minutes after three key interventions by referee Cecile Hinds. Hinds whistled two penalties and ejected a Police defender within a 10 minute stretch that effectively ended the “Lawmen’s” chance of a result.

In Connection’s last five matches, the club has had three penalties and twice played against 10 players. The conspiracy theories would shake their heads knowingly and, at a glance, it is notable fortune to enjoy at the business end of the season.

The counter-argument is that Connection attacks with more numbers than any other team. Fevrier plays with three orthodox forwards and two full backs who are often sighted in the opposing penalty area while advanced midfielder Joevin Jones is the club’s highest scorer.

In the 14th minute, left back Kurt Frederick felt a tug on his shorts and went down in the area and Jones blasted his penalty high to the left of Police goalkeeper Adrian Foncette. Two minutes later, Jamal Clarence went down after a shoulder challenge by Police defender Jasimar Ashers and again Hinds pointed to the spot and Jones hit repeat.

It was hardly a cast iron call; but there was contact.

Read More


45
Ex-TTFA coach ponders return to youth football despite schoolboy scandal
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Terrence Marcelle, a former Pleasantville Secondary and Trinidad and Tobago national youth team football coach, has a passion for developing youths and the qualifications to place him in the top echelons of local coaches in that field.

However, Marcelle’s past indiscretion with a schoolboy is threatening to derail his effort to return to youth team coaching in south Trinidad.

Five months ago, Marcelle was removed from his posts at Pleasantville and the Trinidad and Tobago national under-15 boys team after explicit messages emerged of an alleged exchange between him a Pleasantville school boy. In the chat, relayed to Wired868 by an anonymous source, Marcelle supposedly told the student that he wants to show him a shot of penis despite the latter’s objection.

Undeterred, the 38-year-old coach appeared to eventually send the boy the image of an erect penis. Wired868 could not confirm the age of the student.

Marcelle admitted that he had an “inappropriate” exchange with the schoolboy; although he did not take responsibility for all the messages.

“That was not my picture,” he told Wired868, about the sexual image. “The picture was a trap because I alone don’t use my account.”

So who else uses his account?

“There are times when I use the cyber café and forgot to lock off,” said Marcelle.

So did he send the image?

“The picture was sent,” said Marcelle. “Sometimes you send something and it ends up in the wrong message and you say ‘sorry’… But parts of the chat were doctored…

“I have done what I had to do and I leave the rest in God’s hands.”

Marcelle claimed to be a regular at the San Fernando Open Bible Church and said he received counselling from elders at the church regarding the incident. He insisted that it was a “one-off.”

Marcelle’s two former employers, Pleasantville Secondary and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), differed widely in their recollection of his departure.

Pleasantville football team manager and teacher Jillian Huggins insisted she never received any official complaint about Marcelle, who coached at the school since he was 20 years old.

“Under my watch as far, as I am concerned, he hasn’t given Pleasantville what we were looking for,” said Huggins. “His performance just wasn’t as impressive as it should be (and) I told my principal I think we should get someone better to bring the team where it should be.”

TTFA president and Port of Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee might disagree with Huggins’ assessment of Marcelle’s coaching value. Two months before Pleasantville sacked its coach, the TTFA selected him on a shortlist of three locals to represent the country at a CONCACAF D License course in Aruba.

Marcelle’s list of coaching qualifications includes two CONCACAF high level certificates, an England FA license, diplomas from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and Ministry of Sport and Sports Psychology I and II certificates from the WITCO Sports Foundation.

Pleasantville principal Phillip Allard refused to say anything at all and was unmoved when asked if his school had any responsibility to alert the wider public about the reason behind Marcelle’s removal.

“I have no comment,” said Allard. “Talk to Mr Marcelle. I suggest very strongly that you do that.”

Shawn Cooper, the national under-15 head coach, was more forthright.

He confirmed that his staff was alerted to the contents of Marcelle’s email and the national team manager and another assistant coach raised it with him. Cooper did not trust his diplomatic restraint enough to be a part of that conversation.

“I am a parent and if I had that information on a coach with my son, I don’t know if I could keep sane,” Cooper told Wired868. “They are in a vulnerable position. The coach dictates if you play or not and he can try to solicit certain behaviour from you…

“This is the modern world now with same sex marriage and, if that is someone’s preference, it is not my business. But not with children.”

TTFA technical director Anton Corneal sought and received support from general secretary Sheldon Phillips to have Marcelle suspended immediately.

“Youth team coaches have to always remember that they are role models on and off the field,” said Corneal. “And if they cannot carry themselves as role models then this is not the profession for them… We have parents trusting us as coaches and we have to be able to fulfil that.”

But what happens to Marcelle and his professional ambitions now?

Cooper said Marcelle was very passionate about his job and contributed a lot to his community. But he stopped short of recommending a future role for Marcelle with minors.

“In sport, there is no support group for things like that here in the way that there is ‘Vision on mission’ for prisoners,” said Cooper, who is an estate corporal at RBC. “He made a big error but we have to be willing to forgive—not forget—and convince him not to make that error again.

“Personally, I think he probably should not be involved in coaching youths again until we can feel certain that it will not happen again.”

After his disgraceful exits from Pleasantville and the TTFA, Marcelle, who works in a sport store, said he initially restricted himself to helping colleagues draw up developmental programmes for youth players who were trying to get football scholarships in the United States.

He said he also accepted a request to help with a youth football tournament that will be held in San Fernando during Easter holidays.

However, Marcelle told Wired868 that he is considering a return to active youth team coaching too.

“I won’t rule out coaching (boys) below 18 at this point in time,” said Marcelle. “I have my expertise in youth development and, despite the situation, a lot of people have come to me and I am not the type of person to neglect anyone from the knowledge that I have acquired over the years.”

Marcelle countered that anyone who feels he should not coach minors does not understand God’s word.

“My passion is developing players; that is my calling,” said Marcelle. “If God has a vision for someone, He will want them to continue that vision.

“Life is progressive. If people are non-believers and don’t know the word of God (about forgiveness), they will say that person shouldn’t do that again.”

Cooper sympathised with Marcelle but wondered if he could ever regain the trust necessary to handle children.

“I would never want to make a decision like that on somebody’s career, especially an individual like that who so loves that job,” said Cooper. “But, in my own judgment, we will have to find out that he will not be a repeat offender; and I don’t know how that is possible unless you are a mind reader.

“There were never any complaints about Marcelle in his six years as a national coach but then some people are good at spotting the vulnerable ones. There is an old saying that monkey knows what tree to climb.”

For now, Marcelle, whose punishment did not extend beyond his dismissals from Pleasantville and the TTFA, aims to climb back into the technical area at youth level. The jury is out as to whether he should be re-admitted.


46
Fresh referee ruckus as Connection holds Stars while Central downs Civic
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Pro League referees again found themselves under fire last night as the top four teams clashed in a double header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Present leader, DIRECTV W Connection came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against North East Stars in a hotly contested affair while Central FC benefitted from a debatable call as the “Couva Sharks” eased past Point Fortin Civic 2-0.

When the dust settled, Connection’s lead had shrunk by another two points with bitter Couva rivals, Central, in hot pursuit.

Connection has 41 points from 19 matches while Central, Stars and Civic has 35, 33 and 32 points respectively. Defending champion club Defence Force, who is on Caribbean Club Championship duty in Jamaica, also remains in contention with 26 points and four games in hand.

But, with the Pro League’s top two teams guaranteed of a Caribbean Club Championship spot next year, Stars coach Angus Eve was livid to fall two points behind Central on the back of another debatable penalty.

“The general consensus from most of the teams is that W Connection is getting the calls,” Eve told Wired868. “That is my opinion too. If you look at the games, they are definitely getting the calls.”

Eve’s criticism mirrored complaints from Central coach Terry Fenwick last week after his playmaker Ataullah Guerra was ejected in a 3-0 win over Connection.

Yet, ironically, Central took advantage of a debatable call last night when Jamal Jack put the Sharks ahead in a clash between the second and third place Pro League teams.

Midfielder Jason Marcano launched a long free kick into the Civic area in the 32nd minute and Central defender Yohance Marshall tried to meet it with an unsuccessful acrobatic kick. Referee Gyasi McDonald ruled that it was not dangerous play and Jack belted in the rebound.

Civic was already seething about a disallowed item in the 24th minute after Central custodian and stand-in captain Jan-Michael Williams fended away a 30-yard Marcus Joseph rocket and striker Andre Alexis buried the loose ball. It did appear to be the correct call, though.

Three minutes after Jack’s controversial item, Central doubled its advantage as Rundell Winchester ran on to a clever lobbed pass from midfielder Sean De Silva and hit past Civic goalkeeper Marvin Phillip.

It was Winchester’s first league goal since his hattrick against Civic last October; 15 league games ago.

Read More

47
One on one with Shemel Louison
By Dominique Webb (Wired868)

Twenty-three year old Caledonia AIA goalkeeper Shemel Louison’s sporting career started behind the stumps as a wicket keeper in Grenada. Devon Dowden, a youth team coach in Mt Moritz, challenged Louison to try football instead and his love for the game blossomed.
Louison was just 20-years-old when he made his senior international debut for Grenada and, two years later, Caledonia AIA coach invited him to join the then Caribbean Club Champions in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
At present, he has 14 national caps for Grenada and has represented his country in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2012 Olympic qualifiers, the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the 2013 CONCACAF Champions League.
But the goalkeeper had to deal with personal tragedy along the way. He was only 17 when his mother, Jacinth Louison, died from breast cancer.
Louison took time from his Caledonia duties for a one-on-one with Wired868:

Name: Shemel “Paxson” Louison
Date of birth: 9 August 1990
Position: Goalkeeper
Former school: Happy Hill Secondary
Hometown: I grew up in Mt Moritz community of St George in Grenada.
Favourite player: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
Favourite team: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Height and weight: I weigh 175 lbs and I am 6 feet 2 inches
What is something most people do not know about you?
I love playing cricket and I cannot swim.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I am friendly, humble and great at communicating.
What pushes you to succeed?
My mom, Jacinth Louison, who passed away from breast cancer on 5 August 2007. She had the most influence on my career even though she was afraid I got hurt.
What would be success for you as a player?
Playing at the highest level in Europe.

Read More

48
Defence Force stuns Civic; Pt Fortin loses 8-game unbeaten streak
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Point Fortin Civic’s eight match Pro League unbeaten streak came to an end at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva this evening as the newly promoted team lost 1-0 to defending champion Defence Force.
The result saw Civic concede ground at the top of the table as the team from deep south slipped three points behind joint second place clubs, Central FC and North East Stars, and eight shy of present leader DIRECTV W Connection.
For Defence Force coach Ross Russell, the triumph was the best possible going away present as the army/coast guard combination prepares to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2014 Caribbean Club Championship.
Defence Force opens it campaign in Group 3 on Friday against Guyana’s Alpha United at Harbour View in Jamaica. Caledonia AIA, the Pro League’s other representative, plays Haitian host Sportive de Mirebalais on Friday in Group 2.
But the “Tetetron Boys” rode their luck today. Thrice, Civic thumped shots off the upright while Defence Force was also forced to play the final 20 minutes with 10 players after defender Glynn Franklyn received a straight red card for a hack on substitute Kelvin “Supers” Modeste.
Somehow, Defence Force held on and seemed to even grow in stature as the final whistle drew close.
Russell’s men are just three points behind fourth placed Civic now and with two games in hand. It would be an astounding feat if Defence Force finishes in the top two after the unforeseen and tragic circumstances that affected the team this season. And, if they manage it, the Teteron Boys would look back at this evening’s game and smile.
Civic should have gone ahead in the seventh minute.
Midfielder Akeem Redhead slipped the ball into the path of Marcus Joseph and the league’s leading marksman cannoned his effort off the base of the far post. The rebound fell to his capable strike partner, Andre Toussaint, but his effort took a slight deflection off an opponent and hit the other post.

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49
Guerra fires Central past emotional D/Force
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder Ataullah Guerra came off the bench to fire home the winner today as Central FC overcame a two goal deficit to edge defending Pro League champion Defence Force 3-2 in stoppage time at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.

The result saw Central leapfrog Point Fortin Civic into second place by goal difference although the latter team has played one game less.

For Defence Force, it probably meant curtains for any realistic chance of defending its crown.

If the army/coast guard combination wins its games in hand, it can join Central and Civic on 29 points. But the forced January break for supposed crime fighting duties has robbed the “Teteron Boys” of momentum and a marathon schedule awaits with two games per week plus CONCACAF Champions League qualifying action.
Vice-captain Kevon Carter’s sudden and tragic death surely meant a lot more to the team than just the loss of a talented and prolific winger.

But those factors together and it would be a minor miracle if the Defence Force finishes in the top two teams this season.

It would probably suit Trinidad and Tobago’s football best, at this point, if Defence Force prioritises its CONCACAF duties as one of the Pro League’s two representatives alongside Caledonia AIA.

At present, Caledonia is fifth in the nine team table and Defence Force is seventh. The Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) qualifying phase will certainly not be a leisurely stroll this year.

It was local honours at stake today though and, after a minute’s silence in Carter’s honour, Defence Force started as if keen to make a point.

After defensive blunders from either team, Central defender Elton John inexplicably handled in his own area in the 17th minute and Devorn Jorsling’s penalty was flawless.

Jorsling doubled Defence Force’s advantage in the 24th minute as he got on the end of a fantastic right side Jerwyn Bathazar cross to tuck the ball past Central goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.

But something was missing.

This is a team that puts the ‘c’ in choreography and Jorsling’s strikes usually end with gems like his teammates mimicking pins in a bowling alley waiting to be knocked over. But Jorsling, who was a close personal friend of Carter, merely completed a few obligatory high-fives and trotted back to the centre circle.

However the Defence Force players aimed to honour their former teammate, it was not with smiles.

The scoreline did flatter Defence Force though. And, two minutes into the second half, Central halved the deficit as midfielder Darren Mitchell ran on to a Willis Plaza pass and rounded Defence Force custodian Sheldon Clarke to score.

Coach Ross Russell’s men could have restored the two goal lead in the 57th minute as right back Marvin Jones ran on to a brilliant return pass from Jorsling but, alone in the penalty area, lost his nerve and was foiled by Williams.

The Central goalkeeper barely saw the ball for the remaining 37 minutes. And, in the 72nd minute, it was hardly a surprise when the “Couva Sharks” equalised after Marcano successfully re-diverted a driven cross from the lively Mitchell.

By then, the soldiers had lost shape.

Jorsling was booked in the 61st minute for an uncharacteristic lunge at John that almost cut the defender in two. Curtis Gonzales, one of the league’s most dominant midfielders, was anonymous and he got booked too in the 84th minute after catching Marcano in the face with a flailing hand.

Two minutes later, Rodell Elcock was ejected after picking up a second yellow card during a scrimmage between the two teams.

And, four minutes into extra time, Central was rewarded for keeping its head as Guerra blasted into the corner after being teed up by Marcano inside the opposing box.

At the final whistle, Jorsling angrily booted the ball towards the stands and Russell made a point of putting an arm around the striker’s shoulder as he headed to the dressing room.

The Defence Force players had the desire today; but not the composure. Who can blame them after what they have been through this year?

For Central, it looks like the worst is past. The Sharks’ play was still patchy but the togetherness and heart of the squad, brought to order by chief whip Oliver, was unmistakable.

And, of course, their number 45, Guerra, has opened his scoring account. The talented playmaker is not up to full fitness yet after a recent shoulder injury but he claimed to be a week away from being himself again.

Central’s upcoming Pro League opponents have good reason to be concerned about that.

(Teams)

Defence Force
(4-2-3-1): 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 13.Marvin Jones, 5.Devin Jordan (2.Glynn Franklyn 58), 6.Rodell Elcock, 21.Aklie Edwards (captain); 8.Curtis Gonzales, 4.Dave Long (10.Josimar Belgrave 78); 12.Jemel Sebro (23.Kerry Joseph 70), 15.Jerwyn Balthazar, 17.Ross Russell Jr; 9.Devorn Jorsling,

Unused substitutes: 1.Kevin Graham (GK), 7.Balondemu Julius, 18.Sean Narcis, 26.Richard Roy.

Coach: Ross Russell
 

Central FC
(4-1-4-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 12.Jamal Jack, 2.Elton John, 50.Yohance Marshall, 3.Keion Goodridge, 6.Leston Paul (45.Ataullah Guerra 46); 7.Jason Marcano, 10.Marvin Oliver (captain), 11.Darren Mitchell, 27.Samuel Delice, 1.Willis Plaza (22.Keon Trim 89).

Unused substitutes: 25.Javon Sample (GK), 4.Sean De Silva, 9.Dwight Quintero, 17.Rundell Winchester, 24.Akeem Benjamin.

Coach: Terry Fenwick

 
Referee: Cecile Hinds

 

Pro League result


(Sun Mar 9)

Central FC 3 (Darren Mitchell 47, Jason Marcano 72, Ataullah Guerra 90+), Defence Force 2 (Devorn Jorsling 17 pen, 24) at Malabar

50
Football / Shahdon scores twice as Rangers lose 15th game this season
« on: March 08, 2014, 09:44:47 PM »
Shahdon shines as Connection hands Rangers 15th League defeat
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)

Shahdon Winchester struck twice this evening as Pro League leader DIRECTV W Connection returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over bottom placed St Ann’s Rangers at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The result restored Connection’s eight point lead over second placed Point Fortin Civic with eight games remaining in the 2013/14 season.

Tomorrow, Central FC could pull level with Civic—albeit having played a game more—when the “Couva Sharks” face Defence Force from 3 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar. For the Defence Force, which will make its first outing since the death of 30-year-old winger Kevon Carter, it is now or never if the army/ coast guard unit has any hope of retaining the Pro League title.

It must be a very different matter trying to motivate the young Rangers squad.

Both teams went into today’s match attempting to play their way out of a slump. Connection had failed to win any of its last three matches with a loss to Point Fortin followed by draws against Central and Caledonia AIA.
Rangers coach Gilbert Bateau would probably give an arm for that kind of bad run.

The St Ann’s-based club has won one league match whole season and that was 20 weeks ago against Defence Force on 25 October 2013. Naturally, Rangers then lost all its respective scorers from that triumph, Clevon McFee and Keron Cummungs, to Police and North East Stars respectively.

And Bateau could do with some marksmen too. It has been 11 weeks and 15 hours of football since Rangers last managed a goal, which came in a 3-2 loss to Central on 21 December 2013. And, yes, Rangers’ opening scorer from that match, Duran Dilworth, has also swapped employers and now lines up with San Juan Jabloteh.
Whatever Rangers chairman Richard Fakoory had in mind during the January transfer window, it surely was not strengthening his team. In Rangers’ ten outings since the transfer window swung up, the club has conceded 21 times without reply.

It took Connection 19 minutes to go ahead today as Rangers goalkeeper Akel Clarke cleared the ball straight at opposing midfielder Hashim Arcia and the versatile Connection player released Winchester for a simple finish.

Winchester got his second in the 57th minute although he needed two attempts to beat Clarke following a Joevin Jones through pass.

Apart from his role in Connection’s opener, Clarke, who is Rangers’ oldest player at just 25, was immense. In the 62 minute, the goalkeeper flew to his right to keep out a 12-yard Jones volley and then regained to his feet to save twice from the hungry Winchester.

There were two more superb Clarke saves to deny Winchester his hattrick while Connection substitute Dimitrie Apai was also thwarted by consecutive reflex blocks.

Seventeen year old Rangers defender Isaiah McIntyre chipped in too with two acrobatic goalline clearances while there was a perceptive lunging challenge from captain Jelani Peters, midway through the first half, to again deny Winchester.

At the other end, 18-year-old Rangers striker Kyle La Borde acquitted himself well while Keron Cornwall and Keron Alexander both also went close to an elusive goal.

But, at the final whistle, the score summary was testament to another impotent, spirit sapping outing for Rangers.

At present, Rangers’ 11 goals is the third lowest return for any club in Pro League history and South End, who scored 10 times in 2010/11, only played in an 18-game season. Gilbert’s troop has already played 19 times this term.

In truth, Rangers did not look that bad. But figures do not lie. It is time for the young men to show what they are capable of.

(Teams)

W Connection (3-4-3): 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 19.Leslie Russell, 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Daneil Cyrus, 39.Alvin Jones, 14.Hashim Arcia (7.Silvio Spann 68), 40.Jomal Williams, 10.Joevin Jones, 65.Neil Benjamin (2.Kurt Frederick 46), 16.Shahdon Winchester, 12.Jerrel Britto (32.Dimitrie Apai 59).

Unused substitutes:
22.Aquelius Sylvester (GK), 13.Devaughn Elliot, 17.Jamal Clarence, 25.Christian Viveros.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier
 

St Ann’s Rangers (4-4-2): 1.Akel Clarke (GK); 43.Shomarie Antoine, 33.Isaiah McIntyre, 41.Kevin Carter, 4.Jelani Peters (captain); 51.Keron Cornwall (26.Josh Toussaint 65), 10.Kennedy Isles, 44.Sedale McLean, 16.Keron Alexander; 50.Kyle La Borde, 14.Michael Yaw Darko (21.Jair Edwards 85).

Unused substitutes: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 5.Keon Peters, 31.Jameel Antoine, 39.Shaquille Moses, 49.Chad Clinton.

Coach: Gilbert Bateau

 
Pro League result

(March 8th)

W Connection 2 (Shahdon Winchester 19, 57), St Ann’s Rangers 0 at Couva

51
TTFA fingered for Pro League referees cock-up; FIFA ref fails fitness test
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)

Trinidad and Tobago Referees’ Committee chairman Brian Layne blamed an administrative error for a mix-up between the refereeing body and the Pro League, which left Trinidad and Tobago’s top flight competition without its best officials this weekend.

Zonal referees Roger Smith and Ishmael Muhammad officiated at yesterday’s Pro League double header in Macoya after the Pro League was informed on Thursday that no referees were available due to a FIFA-mandated fitness test, which was conducted this morning.

Layne, who is also a Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) executive committee member, said the date for the FIFA test was fixed since early February and blamed general secretary Sheldon Phillips for the lapse in communication.

“What I guess went wrong is, when we made the decision, the general secretary was supposed to inform every one of the (fitness) test,” Layne told Wired868. “We couldn’t postpone this test because FIFA mandated we have four tests per year and we have already set the dates… We couldn’t afford to miss this test.”

There were no Pro League games over the Carnival weekend but Layne claimed that referees could not have conducted their tests then since some officials played pan in Panorama.

He insisted that the disruption was a necessary evil to ensure the Pro League gets the best possible officiating.

“If you need to see the best in the referees you need the referees to be fit,” said Layne. “Some referees know the laws of the game very well but they don’t have the fitness level and that contributes to them making mistakes.”

Layne confirmed that there will be new faces with the whistle at Pro League level next week as some senior referees failed to pass the fitness test.

“Before, we used to compromise,” said Layne, “but, as chairman, I can say we are not compromising anymore.”

Layne refused to give any details on today’s fitness examinations before the TTFA dispatches an official release.

However, Wired868 understands that veteran referee Gordon Maloney and referee’s assistant Cindy Mohammed both failed and will be replaced at Pro League level.

Just last month, Mohammed had her status as a FIFA referee renewed while last year she was adjudged the Pro League’s assistant referee of the season. She has already officiated in two senior women’s World Cup and several other international tournaments.

Local referees’ department head, Ramesh Ramdhan, presented a FIFA badge to Mohammed, Neal Brizan, Caleb Wales, Cecile Hinds and Ainsley Rochard last month at the TTFA’s Hasely Crawford Stadium office.

“You as referees are in this position because of your hard work and willingness to learn and to carry out your duties in the right way,” Ramdhan, an ex-FIFA referee, told Mohammed and her colleagues. “But you have to take it a step further and carry yourselves as examples to others. What I want is for these FIFA referees to know that they are the top referees in the country and you represent Trinidad and Tobago.

“The younger referees must be able to emulate you.”

Fitness has been a regular concern for local officials. Mohammed missed the 2010 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup after failing a fitness test while Dion Neil was sent back from the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup after also falling short of the required standard.

It is uncertain whether Mohammed’s possible loss of local status will affect her FIFA appointment.

52
Football / Jason Marcano nets again as Central FC beats Defence Force
« on: February 18, 2014, 07:16:54 PM »
Marcano nets again as Central downs Defence Force
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Reigning Pro League champion team, Defence Force, was left with little doubt about the scale of its 2014 mission this evening as the army/ coast guard combination returned to active football duty with a 2-0 loss to Central FC at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Coach Ross Russell’s men held their first training session in a month last Thursday, after being suspended from the game in a kneejerk reaction to the sharp murder rate at the start of the year. And the inevitable rust meant that Defence Force probably did as well as could have been expected today.

Central got a contest but the “Couva Sharks” were always favoured to leave with the three points at stake and did not disappoint. It was the second successive win for Central whose boast of being unbeaten for 2014 initially sounded hollow on the back of six successive draws.

Now, the Sharks are third in the standings; although they have played a game more than Police FC, North East Stars and Caledonia AIA and two of those three teams can overtake them with a victory later this week.

Central coach Terry Fenwick was not on the sidelines as he is on pressing family business in England. Central’s versatile attacking midfielder, Jason Marcano, ensured that Fenwick had one thing less to worry about with a goal in his third straight outing for the team in black and white stripes.

As for the “Teteron Boys”, they return to Couva on Friday night and will hope for better luck against San Juan Jabloteh. A loss could mean curtains for their title hopes.

Before kick off, there was a touching gesture from the Defence Force squad as Russell presented a framed, autographed shirt to Roston, Dianne and Tyrell Fletcher—the siblings of former player, Rawle Fletcher, who was gunned down on 22 December 2014.

But Central had no intention of following anyone else’s script this evening.

Young winger Samuel Delice, who started the season with Defence Force, could have had a hattrick in the first half hour.
Delice failed to connect with a dangerous low Marcano cross that only needed to be nudged over the goal line in the first five minutes. Then, in the 25th minute, he was stripped by Rodell Elcock inside the opposing box after being teed up by Plaza.

Two minutes later, Plaza again played a pass into Delice’s run and, on that occasion, the teenager thumped his shot off the bar.

Wily veteran Marvin Oliver was not nearly as wasteful as he hooked into the corner for the opening item in the 34th minute. Again, Plaza was the architect after Defence Force failed to clear a Marcano free kick.

Defence Force had one peek at goal in the first half but Devorn Jorsling was lunging in and could only redirect Kevon Carter’s cross hopefully. And Central custodian Jan-Michael Williams is far too experienced to be caught out by anything half-hearted.
Photo: Defence Force winger Kevon Carter (left) glides past T&TEC player Christian Bailey during a Pro League match last season. Carter threatened sporadically this evening but failed to land a telling blow against Central. (Courtesy Wired868)

Photo: Defence Force winger Kevon Carter (left) glides past T&TEC player Christian Bailey during a Pro League match last season.
Carter threatened sporadically this evening but failed to land a telling blow against Central.
(Courtesy Wired868)

Carter had a better chance in the 71st minute after a rare flowing move culminated in a curving Jerwyn Balthazar cross into the area. But the Defence Force winger could not get enough power behind his header and Williams’ comfortable was rewarded for himnot leaving his feet too early.

Seconds later, Central doubled its lead as substitute Johan Peltier chipped the ball over the square back four and Marcano took full advantage with his sixth goal this season. DIRECTV W Connection’s Joevin Jones is the only midfielder with more items this season—Jones has seven—although Marcano does not have the freedom to swap places with his strikers as Jones does from time to time.

Still, the best player on the field wore the Defence Force’s baby blue shirt. Curtis Gonzales was the epitome of authority in central midfield where he seemed to single-handedly repel Central’s thrusts through “middle earth” while his measured passes stood out in a scrappy game littered with unforced turnovers.

There was nothing to show for Gonzales’ work today. Russell will hope that Friday evening against Jabloteh will be different.

(Teams)

Central FC (4-1-4-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 12.Jamal Jack, 2.Elton John, 50.Yohance Marshall, 3.Keion Goodridge; 6.Leston Paul; 7.Jason Marcano, 11.Darren Mitchell, 10.Marvin Oliver (captain), 27.Samuel Delice (13.Johan Peltier 64); 1.Willis Plaza (9.Dwight Quintero 87).

Unused substitutes:
25.Javon Sample (GK), 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 18.Kevon Goddard, 20.Nicholas Dillon, 24.Akeem Benjamin.

Coach: Marc Leslie

Defence Force (4-2-3-1): 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 14.Cory Rivers (captain), 5.Devin Jordan (3.Keston Williams 64), 6.Rodell Elcock, 17.Ross Russell Jr; 15.Jerwyn Balthazar, 8.Curtis Gonzales; 12.Jemel Sebro (23.Kerry Joseph 65), 10.Josimar Belgrave (26.Richard Roy 73), 11.Kevon Carter; 9.Devorn Jorsling.

Unused substitutes: 4.Dave Long, 18.Sean Narcis, 21.Aklie Edwards, 70.Dwyane Thomas.

Coach: Ross Russell

Referee: Gordon Maloney


Digicel Pro League


(Tue Feb 18)


Central FC 2 (Marvin Oliver 34, Jason Marcano 72), Defence Force 0 at Couva


53
Football / Marcus Joseph stuns Caledonia; Civic chases W Connection
« on: February 15, 2014, 09:44:55 PM »
Marcus sets the marker for Civic; Point downs Caledonia
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


“My form is now starting to come,” said Point Fortin Civic attacker Marcus Joseph. “I’m accustomed to scoring plenty goals… (I feel like) it can score anytime I shoot.”

Caledonia AIA led Civic 1-0 at halftime today and seemed to be cruising towards three points and second place in the Pro League standings. But then Joseph removed the safety from his left boot and it was not the same thereafter.

“I believe that winning is an attitude,” said Civic coach Reynold Carrington, as he explained the self-belief that now flows through his squad.

It was only half the story, though. Today’s contest, which was Civic’s third straight home win, was as much about tactics as it was tenacity.

Civic started using a 4-4-2 system with a diamond-shaped midfield that asked the right and left side midfielders to pull wide when the home team was in possession and tuck narrow while defending.

Caledonia countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation that used Akim Armstrong as the offensive midfielder just ahead of the holding pair of captain Stephan David and veteran national playmaker Densill Theobald.

When defending, Civic could not close Caledonia’s passing triangles down quickly. And, once in possession, Carrington requested two of his midfield four to play as orthodox wingers.

So, right midfielder Kariym Balthazar, Carrington’s stepson, would do shuttle runs trying to close down Caledonia’s wall pass specialists, David and Theobald. And, when Civic took possession, would then sprint outside to try and outmanoeuvre the mobile pair of Noel Williams and Aubrey David.

It seemed to be asking for trouble and Williams obliged the hosts with the opening goal in the eighth minute with an imperious header into the corner off a right side Kareem Joseph cross.

It might have been 2-0 in the 24th minute but for a flying Marvin Phillip save, which denied busy Caledonia midfielder Nical Stephens. And then Caledonia really should have scored in the 31st minute as Armstrong released Williams with a simple pass over the top but the utility player stabbed wide.

Steven Joseph hit the upright for Civic, just before the interval, but it was a misplaced cross and Caledonia supporters might not have been overly concerned at the break.

Caledonia was still the most dangerous team at the start of the second half. Stephens created a chance for Keyon Edwards that the striker could not take in the 52nd minute before the young midfielder forced Phillip into a good low save in the 55th minute.

But Carrington had adjusted tactically by then as Civic changed its focus from the flanks to central midfield.

In the 66th minute, David made a heavy touch in central midfield and, in a flash, the ball was stolen from his toes and relayed upfront to Joseph who calmly steered to the left of Caledonia goalkeeper Shemel Louison.

Five minutes later, an errant Theobald pass almost produced a similar result but, on this occasion, Louison was a fraction quicker to the through ball than Joseph.

But Joseph completed the job in the 79th minute when collected a cross on top of the opposing area from his namesake, Joseph (S), and slapped a brilliant effort past Louison at his near post to settle the match while Muhammed stood off.

“Today is a significant victory,” said Carrington, “because it cuts Connection’s lead to seven points.”

It was a bold statement considering that Civic is just four points ahead of third placed North East Stars and the latter team played one game less.

“We want to look at the top not the bottom,” said Carrington, with a smile.

Joseph has allowed himself a personal target as well. But it is a case of who not what.

“I want to be on the field against Argentina,” said Joseph. “So far, coach (Stephen Hart) has used me mainly on the left but this is my best position (through the centre).”

Thus far, Joseph has played five times for the senior international team. Shabazz gave him two caps while he was a lower league player and Hart used him three times in the midst of his run of eight league games with one goal.

Perhaps the Civic attacker would give a better account of himself now.

Since the 2013 Gold Cup, Hart has used Kevin Molino, Willis Plaza and Ataullah Guerra alongside striker Kenwyne Jones. Joevin Jones has auditioned for the part too with a series of quality performances for DIRECTV W Connection.

Add Joseph’s name to the list of applicants; and his CV, which boasts of 10 goals in his last six games, cannot be easily overlooked.

Civic intends on chasing Connection; Joseph wants to share the stage with Lionel Messi.

Point Fortin is clearly living the dream these days.

(Teams)

Point Fortin Civic (4-1-3-2): 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 8.Steven Joseph, 5.Andre Ettienne (captain), 4.Weslie John, 17.Glen Sutton; 7.Nickcolson Thomas; 8.Kariym Balthazar (29.Kevin Rouse 46), 19.Andrei Pacheco, 18.Akeem Redhead; 10.Marcus Joseph, 11.Andre Toussaint.

Unused substitutes: 22.Akini Adams (GK), 21.Andre Alexis, 23.Kelvin Hernandez, 27.Jarred Bennet, 30.Akiniyel Rouse, 33.Jamille Boatswain.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Caledonia AIA (4-2-3-1): 1.Shemel Louison (GK); 12.Kareem Joseph, 5.Akeem Thomas, 3.Nuru Muhammad, 2.Aubrey David; 7.Stephen David (captain), 21.Densill Theobald; 19.Nical Stephens (18.Denron Frederick 84), 17.Akim Armstrong (16.Tyrone Charles), 20.Noel Williams (10.Ralph Lundy Jr 87); 9.Keyon Edwards.

Unused substitutes: 34.Kevin Graham (GK), 6.Marcus Ambrose, 8.Keron Bethelmy, 22.Jameel Neptune.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

Referee: Gordon Maloney

Pro League results

(Fri Feb 14)

North East Stars 1 (Kennedy Hinkson 27 pen), St Ann’s Rangers 0 at Ato Boldon Stadium;

*–Seventh clean sheet

Central FC 4 (Samuel Delice 5, Jason Marcano 45, Willis Plaza 61, 90+), San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Bradley Welsh 56) at Ato Boldon Stadium;

(Sat Feb 15)

Point Fortin Civic 2 (Marcus Joseph 66, 79), Caledonia AIA 1 (Noel Williams 8.) at Mahaica Oval

Upcoming fixture

(Tue Feb 18)

Central FC vs Defence Force, 6 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.


54
Stars go second; Central snaps six-game winless streak
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


North East Stars edged St Ann’s Rangers 1-0 to move to second place in the Pro League standings yesterday evening while Central FC snapped a six-game winless streak with a 4-1 romp over San Juan Jabloteh in an Ato Boldon Stadium double header in Couva.

Stars and Rangers have the league’s most sterile offensive set ups with 12 and 11 goals respectively from 13 outings before kick off. There was never going to be a goalfest and, when the dust settled, it was Kennedy Hinkson who got the game’s only goal with a 27th minute penalty.

At the other end, Stars captain Cleon John helped the Sangre Grande-based club to its seventh clean sheet of the season, which is just one short of the league high mark of eight by present leader DIRECTV W Connection.
In the second outing, Central finally broke from the shackles with a 4-1 triumph that was not quite as comfortable as the score summary might suggest.

Jabloteh pressed Central hard but could not match the quality of coach Terry Fenwick’s team as the “Couva Sharks” pulled off their first win for the year on Valentine’s Day.

Teenage winger Samuel Delice got his first top flight goal in the fifth minute as he banged home from close range after the Jabloteh defence made a mess of a deep Elton John free kick into the penalty area.

And, in first half stoppage time, Jason Marcano scored his fifth league item this term and his second in successive matches as he bravely charged into the six yard box to apply a simple finish to a low, raking Rundell Winchester cross.

There might have been some jitters in the 56th minute when new Jabloteh signing and former national youth team forward Bradley Welch brought the “San Juan Kings” back into the game with a cracking finish in the far corner after Nyron Jones picked him out on top the Central penalty area.

Jabloteh had managed a last gasp draw against Central, against the run of play, when the teams last met on 5 January 2014.

But ex-Guaya midfielder Leston Paul helped the Sharks pull clear with two telling contributions to ease the pressure on his new boss.

In the 61st minute, the Jabloteh defence half-cleared a Marcano corner kick and Paul’s firm, side-footed volley was deflected on to an upright by opposing winger Rennie Britto before Willis Plaza roofed the rebound from point blank range.

And Paul and Plaza teamed up again in the second minute of stoppage time as the diminutive midfielder danced past three opponents and teed up Plaza for a composed finish past Jabloteh goalkeeper Shane Mattis.

Central stayed in sixth place despite yesterday’s win. However, a win over Defence Force from 6 pm next Tuesday at the Ato Boldon Stadium can see the Sharks jump to anywhere from fourth to second according to results today.

Second placed Point Fortin Civic hosts fourth placed Caledonia AIA from 3.30 pm at Mahaica Oval today. Civic is unbeaten in Point Fortin this year with 11 points from a possible 15 in its last five matches.

Defence Force, the defending Pro League champion, will make its first league outing next Tuesday since a 1-1 draw against W Connection on 3 January 2014. The army/coast guard combination was subsequently suspended from the competition as part of the Government’s effort to address the steep murder rate.

(Teams)


Central (4-2-3-1): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 12.Jamal Jack, 2.Elton John, 50.Yohance Marshall, 3.Keion Goodridge; 6.Leston Paul, 11.Darren Mitchell; 17.Rundell Winchester (4.Sean De Silva 86), 7.Jason Marcano, 27.Samuel Delice (13.Johan Peltier 81); 1.Willis Plaza (22.Keon Trim 90)

Unused substitutes: 25.Javon Sample (GK), 9.Dwight Quintero, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 24.Akeem Benjamin.

Coach: Terry Fenwick

 

Jabloteh (3-5-2): 30.Shane Mattis (GK); 6.Dario Holmes, 18.Jevon Morris, 25.Alfie James; 16.Nyron Jones (5.Mudassa Howe 76), 4.Jean-Luc Rochford (9.Jelani Felix 64), 2.Duran Dilworth,23.Marcus Gomez, 21.Neil Mitchell (7.Rennie Britto 63); 15.Micah Lewis, 8.Bradley Welch.

Unused substitutes:
10.Kerry Baptiste, 17.Kerry Daniel, 19.Dillon Kirton, 24.Kareem Smith.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey


Referee:
Glendon Superville

 
Pro League results

North East Stars 1 (Kennedy Hinkson 27 pen), St Ann’s Rangers 0 at Ato Boldon

Central FC
4 (Samuel Delice 5, Jason Marcano 45, Willis Plaza 61, 90+), San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Bradley Welch 56) at Ato Boldon

Today’s fixture

Point Fortin Civic vs Caledonia AIA, 3.30 pm, Mahaica Oval;

Upcoming fixture


(Tue Feb 18)

Central FC vs Defence Force, 6 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

55
Football / World Cup Memory Lane Thread
« on: February 11, 2014, 02:14:46 PM »
World Cup memory lane with Nakhid, Hart and Leonson.
By Lasana Liburd (wired868).


What does the FIFA World Cup mean to you?

Wired868 asked some of our more illustrious football readers to share their memories of the greatest single sporting event on the planet. And we would like you to do the same.

There are three basic questions and, each week, we will take one answer from a different interviewee. So let’s kick off:

What is your favourite World Cup memory?

Former Trinidad and Tobago midfield visionary and Europe-based professional David Nakhid always had a touch of the revolutionary in him. He opens our Wired868 column in the style of his favourite team: shuffle, pass, shuffle, pass, feint, reverse pass… Goal!

David Nakhid:

There are many moments of individual and collective brilliance that we have all witnessed at the various World Cups: from the ground-breaking Brazil ‘70 team with their array of exceptional players, Johan Cruyff’s dominance in the ‘74 edition, Mario Kempes and Teófilo Cubillas in ‘78, the aesthetics of an outer-worldly Brazil in ‘82 and Paolo Rossi, Diego Maradona, Maradona, Maradona in ‘86, a ‘90 best forgotten, the synergy of Romario and Bebeto in ‘94, Ronaldo’s inexplicable meltdown in ‘98, Ronaldo as the finished product in 2002, Zinedine Zidane’s not so inexplicable meltdown in 2006, culminating in Spain’s collective and unparalleled mastery of the football in the World Cup’s last edition.

Forgive me then if my favourite World Cup memory seems somewhat abstract or downright strange. Invariably, it was the 1982 World Cup and a game between Brazil and Argentina.

Brazil was as free-flowing as ever, the team’s almost surreal brilliance chipping away at my previous notions of how this game should be played. In 1986, I would sit in the living room of my coach at US semi-pro team Virginia Spartans, John Kerr Sr, before every and watch play after beautiful play from Brazil’s 1982 team.

One play caught our eyes and we could not quite explain it… even now!

Oscar, considered the least of the disciples in footballing terms on that team, had just played the ball into the elegant Socrates as they came out of defence. Socrates uncharacteristically slipped on the ball and fell and it bounced back, luckily, to Oscar.

Oscar had time to play the ball almost anywhere else; instead, he touched the ball once and played it straight back to Socrates while he was still on the ground.

It was defiant, imperial, confident; a signal to all that we can play this way because we dare to!

It is my favourite World Cup memory!

Which is your all-time favourite World Cup team and why?

Trinidad and Tobago national head coach Stephen Hart showed his tactical flexibility by somehow managing to squeeze two teams in there. Like Nakhid, he cooed about the Brazil of yesteryear.

Stephen Hart:


The Brazil 1970 team hands down: One of the most balanced teams, playing beautiful fluent football with a variety of goal scorers.

I also like the Brazil 1982 squad for its daring to play attacking football with flair, in an era where negative football was creeping into the game. It was the team that dared to play. This was a return to what we may call “Samba Football”: a team of adventure, creativity and individualism. A true team nonetheless, one that put passes and movement together in breath taking simplicity.

The 1982 team lacked two crucial pieces that the 1970 squad had: a genuine striker and a quality goalkeeper. Waldir Peres had a very poor tournament in goal and Serginho was stage-struck. They were highly criticized for their failure to lock down the Italy game, where all they needed was a tie.

Yet, the 1982 World Cup is remembered for this Brazil team more than the Italians that won it; although, strangely enough, this was one of the more adventurous Italian teams in World Cup history.
 

Pick your favourite XI World Cup players of all time in a 4-4-2 formation and explain your choices.


Former “Strike Squad” star and Portugal-based striker Leonson Lewis’ first choice central defensive pairing never played in a World Cup. It was the former Trintoc pair of Stuart Charles-Fevrier and Garnett Craig:

“I had to play against Stuart Charles and Garnett Craig as a young player and those are the best two stoppers I ever played against at a local level. Stuart was short and fast and Craig was tall and fast. They were world class and could match with anyone.”

Once we got that out of the way, Lewis selected a Fantasy XI that was big on dribblers but did not care much for midfield hard-men.

Leonson Lewis:

Sepp Maier (Goalkeeper/ Germany)

My first position was as a goalkeeper at under-12 level for Searchers FC in Mon Repos. I was fascinated with the diving around and Sepp was my idol.

My dad (Lloyd “Jeff” Lewis) told me he didn’t want to be a keeper because it was too dangerous and he said he would support me if I played in any other position. So I decided to play outside and score some goals instead.

Josimar (Right back/ Brazil)

He used to do what Dani Alves does now; he was a great attacking player. I will always remember that goal he scored from a really ridiculous angle in one World Cup. He wasn’t even supposed to start, someone got injured and they put him on.

Roberto Carlos (Left back/ Brazil)

Like Josimar, he was great going forward. I loved his strength and his ability to shoot the ball and his energy levels.

Gerard Piqué (Defender/ Spain)

I always liked the stoppers who can play. He can defend well and pass the ball. I like any player who can really pass the ball.

Franz Beckenbauer (Defender/ Germany)

I loved his class, his ability to pass the ball and his reading the game and simple but effective style.

Zinedine Zidane (Midfield/ France)

Zidane is just an amazing player. He is total class; his touches, his passing, his ability to see all around. He is my favourite midfielder.

Ronaldinho (Midfield/ Brazil):

I love his natural flair and creativity. I think he is right up there alongside Zidane.

Denilson (Left wing/ Brazil)

I love his speed and dribbling ability. I really find him to be a joy to watch.

Garrincha (Right wing/ Brazil)

When I watched football from that time, he caught my eye more than Pelé. Pelé was the young one who was getting the goals but Garrincha was the master of that team. He was incredible and most of Pelé’s goals were from Garrincha passes.

Diego Maradona (Forward/ Argentina)

He is the best player that the world has ever seen. He was fast, he could dribble, he could score goals, he could set up goals, you couldn’t get the ball from him and whenever he had the ball you knew something would happen. He was like a workhorse too; he was always looking for the ball.

Pelé and his generation played at a walking pace. I always preferred Maradona as a more modern player in a faster-paced, energetic game. For me, Maradona will always be the best.

The most incredible thing I have ever seen is when he ran from halfline against England and beat six players to score. It is the best individual goal I ever saw and he did it at World Cup level too.

Nothing compares to him.

He was so prolific. He hardly missed. He could score from anywhere and using any part of his body. I loved his bicycle kicks the most.

I remember going out as a young boy and doing it over and over and over so that I could do it as well as him. Even when it was not necessary, I would use the bicycle kick to make a pass in a game. I made it a trademark because of Pelé and how well he did it.

 

World Cup Quote of the Day:


What better way to round off a trip down World Cup’s memory lane with a word from the men that made it so special?

Today, we feature two seemingly contrasting quotes from two men who played in two of the most brilliant teams that never lifted the World Cup crown: Socrates from Brazil 1982 and 1986 and Johnny Rep from Holland 1974 and 1978.

Socrates:

To win is not the most important thing. Football is an art and should be showing creativity. If Vincent van Gogh and Edgar Degas had known when they were doing their work the level of recognition they were going to have, they would not have done them the same.

You have to enjoy doing the art and not think, ‘will I win?’

Johnny Rep:

Anyone who says the only important thing is to play beautiful football, well, they are crazy… Yes, we liked to play too, but our character to win was 200 percent. With so many great players in one team you make art; you don’t mean to, but you do.

It’s different now—good players like Bergkamp and Kluivert lack the hardness to win.


56
Football / Commentary: Did Tim Kee unmask himself in Sancho counter-attack?
« on: February 02, 2014, 12:14:08 AM »
Raymond Tim Kee’s unmasking: TTFA president says plenty in Warriors attack
By Lasana Libured (Wired868)


He is out of the closet now.

Fifteen months into his reign as Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president, Raymond Tim Kee, a salesman by trade, finally stepped out from behind the cover of clichés and friendly platitudes to give an insight into his true nature.

TV6 presenter Joel Villafana snagged the memorable interview for Raw Sports but Tim Kee did not need much coaxing to unload. Perhaps it was just time.

World Cup 2006 defender Brent Sancho, one of 13 “Soca Warriors” who have already waited nearly eight years for promised bonuses, vented his hurt at what he felt was the TTFA’s attempt to portray the players as impatient and unnecessarily confrontational. At present, the TTFA is four months late on its second payment to the Warriors and is yet to inform the players when they will be paid.

Villafana asked Tim Kee for his response to his irate creditor, Sancho.

Tim Kee began: “Well, I thought it wasn’t worthy of a response from me…”

Before you had our curiousity, Mr President, now you have our attention.

Tim Kee clumsily tried to suggest that he meant to show discourtesy to Sancho’s views rather than the individual. But it was nullified by later accusing the Central FC CEO of lacking common sense.

“What I thought Mr Sancho would understand and any thinking person should understand,” Tim Kee continued, “you make promises on things over which you have control and all things being equal you could satisfy those promises.

“If we have no control over those funds because we are depending on those funds to come from a certain source… There is nothing ambiguous about that. I thought that was simple.

“We did what we could have done. Everyone knows we don’t know have money.”

Tim Kee, as TTFA president, entered in an agreement before the High Court to pay 13 footballers an agreed sum by a stipulated date, which he reneged on. And then, rather than empathise with his frustrated creditor, he insulted him.

 “I am here to serve,” said Tim Kee, in his maiden address as president. “… I will welcome divergent thought, difference of opinion because generally it is the antithesis that defines the thesis and open doors from a new synthesis that comes with synergies that work to make us all better.

“In short, under my stewardship, no voice will be silenced; no idea suppressed and no thought expressed will be left unconsidered.”

The reality has always been different.

Senior TTFA vice-president Lennox Watson told Wired868 that he had no clue where the funds to settle with the Warriors was sourced. Another TTFA vice-president and chairman of the technical development committee Rudi Thomas, who heads the committee responsible for hiring coaches, found out through the media that Leo Beenhakker and Stephen Hart were approached to lead the “Soca Warriors.”

The sidelining of the old executive has been justified by the fact that most of them were handpicked by disgraced former TTFF special advisor Jack Warner. First, this ignores the not-so-minor detail that so was Tim Kee. Second, when is ignoring democratic process and one’s own organizational structure ever a good thing as standard business practice?

How can it be bad for Warner but good for Tim Kee?

The point is Tim Kee has begun to run local football with such carefree abandon that it has poisoned his approach with the Warriors as well. And he looked straight into the cameras and suggested that he was not bound by a promise made before the highest court in the country.

Sancho and his teammates, he suggested, can get nothing through the court. The Warriors will only receive money if they keep quiet and wait for him to get back to them.

Sounds familiar?

Last March when he initially conjured up a settlement with the players, Tim Kee claimed the money given to the players was “unclaimed commercial and broadcast revenues that were due to the TTFF (from CONCACAF) for the 2014 World Cup cycle.”

It insults the intelligence to suggest that getting knocked out of the 2014 World Cup qualifying series in three months flat in the very first Caribbean phase was worth roughly $15 million (TT dollars). And, worse, that this money sat ignored and untouched for two years in a CONCACAF account while the TTFA struggled to find money to even hold training camps.

CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips and Tim Kee must not think much of their audience to try to sell that story.

In his recent interview, the man who claimed to have a monopoly on common sense offered an even more convoluted story which suggested that FIFA had withheld money meant for the Warriors because of a delay in the construction of Brazil’s World Cup stadia. Either that or the dog ate it for dessert right after enjoying some tasty homework.

Tim Kee was speaking a bit quickly there. And you know something is up when your salesman ups the tempo.

In reality, it does not matter. Tim Kee made a promise to the High Court and you are supposed to keep those. Normal people know better than scoff at such a contract.

But this is where Tim Kee showed just how far he has come since he became TTFA president and then Port of Spain Mayor.

He sat right in the mayor’s office and told Villafana that he could escape the court at any time.

“I could have easily—as was the advice from many, including legal advice, and looking at the enormous debt to be paid—declared bankruptcy, which cannot be questioned,” said Tim Kee. “If that had been done, if I had adhered to that advice, this now would not have been an issue.”

It is worth remembering here that Tim Kee was a vice-president when the TTFF entered into its World Cup bonus agreement with the Warriors and he still held that position when the players began their court case. Through collective responsibility and his own silence during Warner’s era, Tim Kee is also a party to this deal.

Yet, he spoke flippantly about dodging the debt and denying the players their share of profits; money that the TTFF claimed was taken by Warner but then steadfastly refused to chase, despite the repeated urgings of Justice Devindra Rampersad.

Villafana, unfortunately, never asked Tim Kee why he apparently refuses to consider legal action against Warner, despite his body’s precarious financial problem.

Tim Kee, after raising the possibility of cheating his creditors by legal sleight of hand, then attempted to pat himself on the back for not doing the unethical thing and urged the players to follow suit.

“I thought there would have been some greater appreciation for my selflessness and desire to see things done right,” said Tim Kee. “The pushing that is going on now; I still have the marbles in my hand to exercise options…”

The Warriors’ part of the deal was to qualify for the World Cup. Now, Tim Kee wants them to applaud too while he goes about not living up to his end of the agreement.

After calling the Warriors stupid for threatening to get redress from the High Court, Tim Kee warned the World Cup players that they would also be wasting their time if they sought help from FIFA.

“FIFA is a private organisation that accepts or rejects applicants that they want to accept or reject,” he said. “… This is not a company under any company act or anything like that; any organisation who meets the criteria for membership by FIFA could have (avoided debt through bankruptcy and still be fine).”

So, to summarise, the TTFA is being run by an egotistical leader who makes no secret of his political influence, considers himself to be untouchable by the law, is happy to make decisions without input from his executive and believes he can do as he likes because he has friends in FIFA.

If Tim Kee speaks this way now, imagine how he would sound if he had real power like a FIFA vice-presidency rather than just the leadership of a broke little FA on a tiny two island republic?

Meet Trinidad and Tobago’s new football chief; not much different to the old one.


57
Football / Kenwyne Jones talks to Wired868 about Cardiff, Hart and Messi
« on: January 31, 2014, 02:47:16 PM »
Can’t flipping wait: Jones talks on Cardiff move, Warriors form and Messi
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Things could get flipping awesome at Cardiff City from tomorrow afternoon as Trinidad and Tobago international football captain Kenwyne Jones prepares for life at his fourth England Premier League club.

The six-foot-two “Soca Warrior” managed home debut goals in England for Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Stoke City and he intends to give his new Welsh employers an early glimpse of his gravity-defying goal celebrations.

“I have (scored a few debut goals) and I’m hoping to do the same here,” Jones told Wired868. “I choose Cardiff because I had to have another stage in my career and I do hope to help the club retain its Premier League status.”

Cardiff, at present, is at the bottom of the England Premier League standings. However, a win against Norwich tomorrow, coupled with poor results for Fulham, West Ham and Sunderland, can see the “Bluebirds” move within goal difference of escaping the relegation zone.

New Cardiff City boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is in just his third season as a football manager and his first outside Norway, needs a dependable soldier upfront. And there is an irony in the fact that he is gambling his team’s Premiership existence on a player who was once considered overly laidback by fans in the unflustered pace of his homeland.

Ex-Southampton manager Harry Redknapp famously revealed that he once went berserk when Jones was beaten on a fitness test by his 49-year-old assistant Kevin Bond. And yet here is Jones about to make his bow for a fourth Premiership club after a 10-year spell as a UK-based professional.

He is still in the top flight of one of global football’s top leagues for one reason only; the boy can play.
“(Jones) was fantastic and I have played against him twice now,” said Chelsea captain John Terry, during the Trinidadian’s debut season for Sunderland in 2006/07. “He is a very good player, very hard working and probably the best in the air in the entire Premier League. He really is that good.

“All the lads are talking about him afterwards, how well he did and how impressive he was.”

At the time, Terry compared Jones to Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba and there is no higher compliment.

It is not for nothing either that seasoned football men like Redknapp, Roy Keane, Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes all utilised Jones while disciples of expansive football such as Michael Laudrup and Roberto Martinez tried to hire him.

Redknapp, despite his humorous anecdote, tried to re-sign Jones while at Tottenham.

Quick, strong and dominant in the air as well as a clean striker of the ball with either foot, Jones has the assets to be the envy of most centre forwards. Uneasy Cardiff fans need only look at the job he did for Sunderland and Stoke, who were both desperate to retain their Premiership roles when they sent for “Jonesy.”

There were seven goals in his debut season for newly promoted Sunderland in 2007/08; arguably a decent tally at a relegation-threatened team, particularly in Jones’ first real Premiership season and without the benefit of a pre-season with his teammates.

Jones missed the first three months and pre-season of his next Premiership campaign due to a knee injury sustained in a friendly against England. But he still managed 10 goals that again helped the “Black Cats” beat the drop and got nine goals in the 2009/10 season, despite being used to supply manager Steve Bruce’s record signing, Darren Bent.

Bent credited his personal best tally of 24 goals in that season to his partnership with Jones.

Jones moved to Stoke in 2010, after Bruce signed Ghanaian star Asamoah Gyan, and helped the club to its first FA Cup final appearance and a place in the Europa League while he was the club’s top scorer with nine League goals.

Jones might have been a victim of his own success. Stoke boss Tony Pulis responded to the club’s improved standing by signing ex-England international Peter Crouch and Jones was largely restricted to Cup matches for the next two and half seasons.

His League goal tally thereafter read: one, three and zero. Incidentally, Crouch continued to be an automatic starter ahead of Jones despite a distinctly modest goal return of: ten, seven and four.

Solskjaer, clearly, felt Jones’ worth lay beyond the unflattering statistics that do not tell the whole story of the Trinidadian’s unfulfilled talent. And, if the Cardiff faithful need more recent proof of their new striker’s worth, they need only request footage of his last five months with the Trinidad and Tobago team.

In Jones’ last nine internationals, he has scored six times; his 50 previous caps yielded just seven goals. (Click here for Jones’ brilliant lobbed goal against Saudi Arabia)

His purple patch coincides with the hiring of Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart and saw the Warriors advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 13 years. Jones was also on the Confederation’s Player of the Year shortlist although the award eventually went to Mexico striker Oribe Peralta.

Hart told Wired868 that a chat with Jones in his hotel room was the start of a mutually beneficial partnership.

“I couldn’t believe the amount of criticism Kenwyne got,” said Hart. “One of the first things I did was to have a long chat with him and try to take the pressure off.”

Jones spoke affectionately of his relationship with Hart and his present role within the national set-up.

“I think he’s amazing and he imparts his experience and knowledge of Trini football on to the squad and we respond,” said Jones, who did not attribute his improved strike rate to any significant tactical adjustments. “He has chosen me to lead and I respect that.”

The Warriors’ upward curve continues this year with friendlies against World Cup-bound nations, Argentina and Iran, in June 2014. Jones is excited about the present direction of the national squad.

“(Facing Argentina) is a fantastic opportunity for the squad to improve our team play,” said Jones. “We respect the talents of their squad and Lionel Messi is one of the best in the world. It would be a pleasure to grace the field with him but I wouldn’t be thinking of that during the game.”

Before Messi, Jones has to help Cardiff tidy up a stuttering start to its Premiership existence. Cue a couple of the somersault celebrations he picked up from his uncle, Philbert Jones, who played alongside Dwight Yorke in the country’s famous 1989 team, which was nicknamed the “Strike Squad.”

Jones comes from a humble background. As a boy, his mother, Lydia, worked as a domestic helper in the United States for six months in every year to afford a better lifestyle for her sons, Kerwin and Kenwyne.

Now, the 29-year-old footballer has made such a good living from the game that he probably will not have to worry about money again. He casually swatted away his critics.

“Everyone’s opinion of me would be different no matter what I do in my career,” he told Wired868. “I never try to live up to anyone’s opinion of me because I could die by their criticism. I was raised to always be myself and not be afraid to stand in my own place; I’m more concerned with what My God thinks.”

Jones is one of six players from the tiny two island nation to have played in the Premiership alongside Dwight Yorke (Aston Villa, Manchester United, Blackburn, Birmingham and Sunderland), Shaka Hislop (Newcastle, West Ham, Portsmouth), Clint Marcelle (Barnsley), Stern John (Birmingham, Sunderland), Carlos Edwards (Sunderland), Jason Scotland (Wigan) and Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa and Bolton).

But can Jones point to a spiritual home like his predecessors? Maybe the self-declared outsider will meet his calling with a small Welsh outfit trying to make a mark among England’s biggest football clubs.

Jones, who spent the last three days roomed in a Cardiff hotel, is itching to show what he can do.

“I’m looking forward to playing football and enjoying it again,” said Jones, who denied any acrimony in his departure from Stoke. “A footballer’s career is short and he should be happy in doing his job. I think it was necessary to leave in order for me to continue my career and enjoy my football.”

Cardiff will hope for a flipping brilliant start to life with its new Trinidadian star.


58
Hart: Warriors will gain from Argentina and Iran; coach discusses Kenwyne transfer   
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Trinidad and Tobago national senior team coach Stephen Hart believes the “Soca Warriors” have more to gain than lose from international friendlies against Brazil 2014 World Cup-bound nations, Argentina and Iran, as he braces for a challenging trip to South America in June.

The Warriors face Argentina in La Plata, Argentina on June 4 before tackling Iran on June 8 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Both opponents will participate at the FIFA showpiece event in Group F and Argentina is ranked third in the world while Iran is 34th.

In contrast, Trinidad and Tobago comes in at 78th among FIFA’s 209 member nations. However, Hart thinks the opportunity to face such strong opposition—not to mention the likes of global superstar Lionel Messi—should be a positive experience for his charges.

“If we are going to build a program for the future, we should test ourselves against the best nations in the world,” Hart told Wired868. “Yes people say the result can be lopsided but if players aspire to play at the highest level then they should find out what that level is about. Any of the top five nations in the world would struggle to play Argentina in Argentina, so it doesn’t get much higher than that...

“We have far more to gain than to lose.”

However, Hart pointed out that preparation for the two testing fixtures could be vital to the team’s showing and he hopes the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) can raise the money to prove the Warriors with an extended pre-Argentina camp.

“I will like to have an extended camp (to improve our readiness) because our players will have been out of competition for over a month,” said Hart, “and that is not an ideal situation when you are coming up against a team that is peaking for a major tournament.”

In related news, TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips told Wired868 that the body is trying to schedule a third friendly for the FIFA international match day on March 5. It is likely that the Warriors would face a Caribbean opponent like Haiti and Hart could feasibly use the fixture to blood local-based players.

“Ideally we would like to have two extended all local-based camps before the Caribbean Cup qualifiers start (in September),” said Hart, who would prefer a camp in July and August respectively, “to try out several players who looked decent at local level but who I would like to see at international level.”

The national coach regularly scouts local Pro League and Super League matches and is looking for players that can compete with his present Warriors.

“If you look at Trinidad and Tobago’s striking position, there was a time we had a glut of options but right now I don’t think that is the case,” he said. “The right back is a challenging one to fill too and I would like to see more competition in the goalkeeping department.”

Hart has paid close interest to the transfer news on the local and European circuit too and congratulated national captain Kenwyne Jones on his move from Stoke City to fellow England Premier League team Cardiff City.

However, the coach admitted that he secretly hoped Jones would have moved to Everton instead where he would have linked up with Spanish coach Roberto Martinez. Martinez has already coached two of Jones’ former 2006 World Cup teammates, Jason Scotland and his present Everton assistant coach Dennis Lawrence.

“Selfishly, I would have liked to see Kenwyne go to Everton mainly because of what Martinez could have brought to his game,” said Hart. “It would have been interesting to watch his development there. Martinez is able to relate to players from different backgrounds and ethnic groups and has worked with CONCACAF players before.

“I think he could have brought something to Kenwyne’s game other than what people see his qualities are. But I am just speculating of course.

“I think he will probably play more regularly and consistently at Cardiff, which is something he obviously needs right now.”

Hart noted Central FC’s “ambitious signings” at Pro League level as well as DIRECTV W Connection’s tendency to field more locals of late.

He generally declined to single out players but, when asked about 23-year-old Leston Paul’s transfer from his hometown club Guaya United to Central, Hart suggested that he would not rule out selecting Super League players since its top three teams are of Pro League standard anyway.

Still, he did see some positives in Paul’s move to the “Couva Sharks.”

“I would like to see (Paul) in the most challenging environment he can get himself into,” said Hart. “What would happen is there is more competition for selection (at Central) and he will have to fight more to stay in the squad than he might have at Guaya.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say the Pro League is better than the Super League; but the level is more consistent.”


59
Football / Kenwyne Jones vs Stoke City: A look at a HR nightmare!
« on: January 23, 2014, 09:41:56 AM »
Stoke versus Kenwyne: An ex-PFA employee reviews an HR headache
By Kevin Harrison (Wired868)


It’s been interesting to watch the recent debates following Kenwyne Jones rather public dispute with his employer, Stoke City. Jones was fined two weeks’ wages by Stoke boss, Mark Hughes for informing him, by text, that he wouldn’t be attending his club’s recent fixture against Liverpool.

There are those who have said that the punishment was harsh – after all, Jones had not been used recently and would, almost certainly, have watched the game unfold from the sidelines. Others said Jones wanted to transfer away from Stoke and was vexed that his request was denied by Hughes.

We don’t know the details or the reason for this rift, but it does raise the point about the rights of footballers, their obligations to their employers and the ability of clubs to control the careers of their players.

Having experienced players and clubs actions from the viewpoint of a football supporter, a footballers’ union representative and a football club director, it is usually difficult to see these disputes resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

A supporter usually sees things from a very partisan position; their only interest is the club. Players, owners and coaches come and go but supporters are there for life. They want their club to win games and if some petulant prima donna believes he is bigger than their club, they will close ranks and make their feelings known. They will bestow hero status on an average player who, literally, gives blood for their club; but if a player disrespects their club, he will feel the full force of fan power.

Deciding to skip a game – especially one as big as the Liverpool match – will not endear Jones to the Stoke faithful. Every great “KJ” performance or goal will be forgotten; the Jones replica jerseys will become an embarrassment.

Again, this may not be fair, as Jones may well have very pertinent reasons for his actions and may feel justified in his protest. But when have fans ever been fair? Ask any referee or linesman!

Having worked with players and clubs as a representative of the English Professional Footballers Association, I have witnessed dreadful behavior by clubs and coaches and equally poor behavior by players. Both believed that their actions were justified.

Football is different to most professions. Whereas, for example, a factory or office worker can call – or maybe text – their boss to say that they won’t be in work today in what is known in the UK as a “duvet day” (so called because people prefer to stay in bed under their duvet on a cold wet Monday morning), footballers do not enjoy such latitude.

Footballers sign very rigid contracts which usually stipulate that when a player is injured or ill, unless he receives permission from the club physio or doctor, he must attend training. Usually, the player is expected to change into his training gear and, if the physio decides he cannot train, he watches the training from the sidelines.

Similarly, personal or family problems cannot be an automatic reason for non-attendance. A call to the coach may result in permission to miss training or a game but suffering from a “tabanca” will often not be reason enough to stay at home.

This may seem very archaic to some but football clubs run on discipline and you simply can’t have players decide to miss training or games because they don’t feel up to it.

Reportedly, Jones earns the equivalent of TT$400,000 per week. That is more than nearly five years’ salary for a Trinidad and Tobago police officer.  Is it really so bad to be paid that kind of money to watch football from the stands or have to drag yourself to training when you feel under the weather?

But, of course, the size of his pay package is irrelevant. Jones deserves to earn as much as he can and if Stoke City didn’t think he was worth the money, they wouldn’t agree to pay him. And like any employee, his basic rights do not diminish according to how high his salary is.

He is human and he has emotional and professional concerns. I have never met a footballer who enjoys sitting in the stands watching others play.

There is also the rejection of being passed over by his employer. Aside from seeing teammates selected ahead of him, Jones has also watched new arrivals push him further from the starting lineup. This must take its toll upon his psyche.

And what about the club and coach?

Hughes is living on a tightrope. A string of poor results will see him without a job and those results depend on the players’ performances, which often hinges on good team work and morale.

When a player starts to “act up”, it can affect the harmony and morale of the entire squad; so, standards must be maintained and examples made.

The biggest fear is that one incident leads to another and, before long, the coach “loses the dressing room”, discipline breaks down and performances drop. So a coach will always try to nip this in the bud, even if it he may seem heavy handed at times.

Meanwhile, Stoke City is obliged to pay Jones’ salary whether he is playing or not and, in return, expects him to be professional.

It appears that Hughes does not want to part with Jones. Although he prefers to play Peter Crouch upfront, Crouch could become injured or lose form at any time and it might be reassuring to have a striker of Jones’ quality in reserve.

It may not be ideal for Jones but that’s the nature of the beast. Many players have been in that position and the only answer is to keep training and try to impress the coach. If you get your chance, you have to take it.

The worst position in football is reserve goalkeeper as substitutions are rare and squad rotation usually is not a factor. Former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Tony Warner won a FA Cup runner-up medal for Liverpool despite never making a first team appearance for them in five years!

Clubs and players will always have disputes and players’ unions are essential to mediate between the two and resolve the dispute, if possible, with no damage to the player’s career.

If a player has acted incorrectly, the union would encourage an apology and try to limit the punishment metered out by the club. Of course, if the club has behaved incorrectly, the union will use its full weight to support the player. But, they will aim for a win – win resolution if possible.

Having the privilege of knowing Jones, I suspect his reasons were sound but his actions might have been out of frustration. With the involvement of the PFA, I’m hoping that both player and club will move past this dispute and Jones will be able to focus on his game.

It may be that Jones gets his way and a transfer out is arranged. A fresh start would do him the world of good and Hughes won’t want to keep a player who is unhappy.

However, Hughes also cannot allow Jones’ actions to set a precedent where players force their club to allow them to move on. He has to win points to keep his job and he can only allow players to leave if he has replacements ready.

In the meantime, Jones could do without the label of “trouble maker” following him to the next club. The world of football is small and reputations can easily be damaged, even if the player is in the right – ask Brent Sancho and Kelvin Jack!

60
Seattle drafts Connection’s Rijssel; déjà vu for young Warriors
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)


Twenty one year old Suriname and DIRECTV W Connection winger Stefano Rijssel was selected in the third round of the United States Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft yesterday and will spend the next weeks in pre-season training with the Seattle Sounders.

Rijssel caught the attention of the scouts at the inaugural Caribbean Combine in Antigua, earlier this month, and was one of two Caribbean players invited to the subsequent MLS Pro Combine in Florida along with 18-year-old Curacao midfielder Quinton Christina. Seattle then decided to take a gamble on the quick, combative Pro League winger.

No Trinidad and Tobago player got the chance to participate in the 2014 Caribbean Combine after the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) failed to forward any names to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) for consideration.

Rijssel made the most of his break so far and W Connection owner David John Williams told Wired868 that he agreed to let his attacker go to Seattle for two weeks without a guaranteed contract. MLS officials contacted Williams by telephone yesterday.

“Stefano goes into training camp (at Seattle) this weekend and we will take it from there,” said Williams, who is considered to be a tough negotiator for his players. “The training camp will be for two weeks and then they will make an offer. The MLS did contact me yesterday to work out some parameters for if Seattle signs him.”

Rijssel, who is under a long-term contract with Connection, came on as a second half substitute for the “Savonetta Boys” against San Juan Jabloteh at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya last night and set up a stoppage time goal for Joevin Jones in his team’s 4-1 Pro League win. Connection is unbeaten after 11 Pro League games and 12 points clear of second placed North East Stars although the latter club has a game in hand.

Last night’s fixture might be Rijssel’s last Pro League game for the foreseeable future and Williams is confident that his player will make the grade in the MLS. If successful at Seattle, he will become Suriname’s first MLS player while he would join a club that averages a League-high 43,000 spectators per match.

He would hope for more success than Connection’s last two exports to the MLS. Brazilian left back William Oliveira played just eight games for Chicago Fire in 2007 while Trinidadian utility player Andrei Pacheco never got a game at Columbus Crew.

Williams, whose marquee transfer remains Stoke City forward Kenwyne Jones, said he prefers to send his top talent to Europe but suggested that his stance on the MLS might be softening.

Had the TTFA asked him to submit a player to be assessed by MLS scouts, the Connection boss said he would have probably sent skilful 19-year-old midfielder Jomal Williams rather than dynamic 19-year-old winger Neil Benjamin Jr, who had a two month stint with Genoa two years ago.

“In Europe, the market is bigger and, once you are playing in a top division, it is easier to move,” said Williams. “I am thinking about Europe for Benjamin because of his pace and he has already spent time there. But maybe I might start to warm to the MLS.

“There seems to be a little more money and flexibility in MLS contracts now.”

The MLS has hired 33 Trinidad and Tobago since its inception—only Jamaica exported more talent from the Caribbean with 39 players—while the US has shopped for professional talent from the tiny two island republic since the early 1970s when the likes of Steve David, Everald “Gally” Cummings, Warren Archibald, Leroy De Leon and Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips were all NASL All-Star players.

At present, only three “Soca Warriors” ply their trade in the MLS. Defender Carlyle Mitchell represents the Vancouver Whitecaps while Kevan George and Keon Daniel are employees at Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union respectively.

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