TnT FA-Cup Thread.

[Deeks]

yuh right deeks  many of the guys / former ballers  from SFN  ,did in fact  beat  pan with panvibes and pandemonium....... the team still going strong ..

Pass the word to them to keep the faith. Blessings!

[Flex]

FA Trophy semis: Random draw pits Central against Connection; N/E Stars against Jabloteh.
ttproleague.com.

Reigning FA Trophy champions and four-time winners DIRECTV W Connection will meet rivals Central FC in a repeat of last season’s final when the TTFA FA Trophy 2015 semi-final round gets underway on Sunday 15 March, 2015 at separate venues.

Central, defeated finalists in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, will tackle seven-time finalists W Connection from 3:30 pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, and simultaneously at the Larry Gomes Stadium, North East Stars, winners in 2003, and Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh, winners in 1998, 2005 & 2010-2011, will also meet for a place in the final on Sunday 22 March, 2015.

Both match-ups were determined at a random draw on Wednesday afternoon at the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) office at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

Connection, who defeat Central 6-5 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the final last season, needed kicks from the penalty spot last Sunday to defeat lower league side St. Francois Nationals 5-3, following a goalless draw, to reach the semi-final round.

“Our players’ attitude wasn’t what it should have been today,” said Fevrier following the match against Northern Football Association (NFA) side St. Francois Nationals. “It could be because of the opponents but I don’t know for sure. We have been joggling around a lot of the players with all the football that we have but I think today the motivation wasn’t what it should have been. We are now just happy to progress to the semi-final [round] and hopefully we will more motivated then.”

Fevrier, who utilised a second string team against St. Francois admitted back then, that whoever his side is drawn to face in the semi-final round, the “Savonetta Boys” must improve.

“Whoever we meet we will definitely have to step up to get a better result because today our level wasn’t what I expected,” continued the Connection coach. “We didn’t have much problems defensively but offensively we were below what we normally play.”

Central FC – the current Digicel Pro League leaders standing five points ahead of second placed Connection – defeated three-time former winners Police FC 2-0 to secure a place in the semi-final round.

While Jabloteh and North East Stars were 3-2 winners over Super League champions Club Sando and Defence Force respectively in their quarterfinal round match-ups.

At the start of this season’s FA Trophy competition, Central FC star player and former FA Trophy winner with Jabloteh in 2010-2011 said, “It’s about time we (Central FC) [won] the FA Trophy. After being in the last two finals and finishing on the wrong end, I think it’s time we take the FA Trophy. We have the capacity and the edge to push harder and capture the crown.”

Central and Connection have already met a total of four times this season and Sunday's semi-final round of the FA Trophy will serve as a tie-breaker following 1 win, 2 draws and 1 loss recorded by both teams.

Semi Final Round

Sunday 15 March 2015

North East Stars vs San Juan Jabloteh—3:30 pm, Larry Gomes Stadium

Central FC vs W Connection—3:30 pm, Manny Ramjohn Stadium

[soccerman]

yuh right deeks  many of the guys / former ballers  from SFN  ,did in fact  beat  pan with panvibes and pandemonium....... the team still going strong ..

Pass the word to them to keep the faith. Blessings!

That's my team, played with them from U12 all the way to the senior team, in fact some of my fiends play with them still. Big up SFN!!!

[Flex]

Connection and Jabloteh reach FA Trophy final.
ttproleague.com.

Déjŕ Vu as Connection kicks Central out on penalties

Last season twelve kicks from the penalty spot were needed to decide the champions of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) FA Trophy between bitter rivals W Connection and Central FC when the “Savonetta Boys” prevailed 6-5 following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the final.

Likewise, Sunday's semi-final round match-up at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, had to be decided on kicks from the penalty spot when Connection and Central played to a 2-2 draw.

This time around – fifteen months since meeting in the 2013 final – both teams weren't as clinical from the spot but the winners remained the same as Central were defeated 3-1.

Central FC's Jason Marcano and Marvin Oliver both missed the target before teammate Keion Goodridge was denied by goalkeeper Aquelius Sylvester. Twenty-seven-year-old Liberian midfielder Borfor Carr, a second half substitute, scored Central’s only goal on the fourth kick.

By then it was too late for the “Couva Sharks” although Connection's Alvin Jones was the first to miss the target and substitute Jabari Mitchell struck the upright, separated by Jomal Williams beating goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams on the second kick. Anselm Jackson and Christian Viveros later found the back of the net to steer the "Savonetta Boys" into an eight FA Trophy final.

Connection, four-time winners, are now one match away from defending their title but must face former winners North East Stars, who are hoping to lift FA Trophy for the first time since 2003 when both teams meet in the 2015 final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Sunday 22 March.

North East Stars, defeated finalists in 2006 and 2010-2011, booked their place in the 2015 final with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over three-time winners San Juan Jabloteh on Sunday at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

Former Stars player Tyrone Charles handed Jabloteh a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute of play with a free kick but Keron Cummings levelled the Angus Eve-coached North East Stars 1-1 in the 54th minute before Kennedy Hinkson grabbed the 2-1 winner in the 78th minute.

In Marabella, defender Jamal Jack gave Central a 1-0 advantage five minutes before the break with a snap shot past goalkeeper Aquelius Sylvester from the edge of the six yard area following a raid on goal by the “Couva Sharks”.

Earlier Sylvester, who made a stop in the 12th minute, pulled off a low save in the 35th minute to keep out a Sean de Silva effort from inside the box following a short corner and move into the area by Ataulla Guerra.

Connection had two earlier chances to take the lead but Jomol Williams' header crashed off the cross bar in the 17th minute and Jan-Michael Williams made a crucial interception to deny Kurt Frederick on an excellent scoring opportunity in the 28th minute.

De Silva tried to cushion Central early in the second period but his tries in the 55th and 59th minutes were just high of the goal, failing to force Sylvester into action.

Connection, who rested a number of regular starters to put faith in a second string team, levelled the scores 1-1 in the 63rd minute with Colombian midfielder Yefer Steven Lozano converting from the penalty spot.

Referee Keilon Bacchus awarded Connection the kick after defender Akeem Benjamin upended Jomol Williams inside the left of the box.

Central thought they were ahead again in the 68th minute when substitute Jason Marcano bundled the ball into the Connection net. But celebrations were cut short after the assistant referee had already waved for offside.

Two minutes later the Zoran Vranes-coached Central won a free kick but De Silva powerful thump flew high over bar.

Connection then took the lead for the first time in the 76th minute for a 2-1 score with a laser of a strike from Alvin Jones off a 25-yard set piece, defeated the wall and entered the bottom corner of goalkeeper Williams’ right side.

Connection substitute Jabari Mitchell – the Secondary Schools Football League Player of the Year and Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 footballer – had an excellent scoring opportunity in the 81st minute but lifted Christian Rodriguez's low cross onto the cross bar.

Connection were made to pay in the 89th minute when Jack restored parity between the two sides by hitting past Sylvester to complete his double after the defense failed to clear on a De Silva free-kick into the area.

Sylvester, however, was able to block-out a stoppage time free-kick by Marvin Oliver to send the match into kicks from the penalty spot, then contributing with a save to help the Stuart Charles Fevrier-coached W Connection to the final.

Connection, who occupy second place on the Digicel Pro League 2014-2015 standings – five points adrift of leaders Central, will return to league action on Tuesday against cellar-placed St. Ann’s Rangers from 4 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Round Three Match Day Four. Simultaneously at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium the “Couva Sharks” will take on Police FC.

Also on Tuesday, Jabloteh and North East Stars will meet a second time in three days from 7 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, preceding a 9 pm clash between Defence Force and Caledonia AIA.

Semi Final Round Results

North East Stars 2 (Keron Cummings 54', Kennedy Hinkson 78') vs San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Tyrone Charles 12')

Central FC 2 (Jamal Jack 42', 89') vs W Connection 2 (Yefer Steven Lozano 63' penalty, Alvin Jones 76')
(W Connection won the match 3-1 on kicks from the penalty mark)

Kicks from the penalty mark

W Connection (3)    v     Central FC (1)
Alvin Jones (over bar)                    Jason Marcano (wide
Jomal Williams (scored)                 Marvin Oliver (over bar)
Jabari Mitchell (hit the post)            Keion Goodridge (saved)
Anselm Jackson (scored)               Borfor Carr (scored)
Christian Viveros (scored)

Teams

Central FC: 21.Jan-Michael Williams; 11.Darren Mitchell (28.Borfor Carr 67th), 12.Jamal Jack, 24.Kevon Villaroel, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 33.Willis Plaza, 2.Elton John, 45.Ataullah Guerra (7.Jason Marcano 61st), 10.Marvin Oliver, 5.Akeem Benjamin (3.Keion Goodridge 85th), 8.Sean de Silva

Unused substitutes: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 19.Nathaniel Garcia, 29.Upston Edwards, 6.Leston Paul

Coach: Zoran Vranes

W Connection: 22.Aquelius Sylvester; 2.Kurt Frederick, 39.Alvin Jones, 25.Christian Viveros, 4.Bradley Beaumont, 10.Yefer Steven Lozano (9.Maleik De Freitas 84th), 11.Tremain Shayn Paul (16.Anselm Jackson 64th), 20.Christian Rodriguez, 30.Aaquil Campbell (34.Jabari Mitchell 62nd), 40.Jomal Williams, 43.Shirvone St.  Prix

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK), 34.Jabari Mitchell, 44.Levon Bass, 42.Amrit Gildharry, 46.Anfernee Frederick

Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier

[Flex]

Connection and Jabloteh NE Stars reach FA Trophy final.
ttproleague.com.

[Flex]

10-man N/E Stars edge Connection on kicks for FA crown.
ttproleague.com.

Return of the Glory Days:

It took a total of 120 minutes, stoppage-time, and a ten kicks from the penalty spot to separate title holders W Connection and 10-man North East Stars in the final of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) FA Trophy 2015 on Sunday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

When the dust cleared, North East Stars, 5-4 winners on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw, were the ones celebration as FA Trophy champions for the first time since that memorable 2003 when Guyanese coach James Mc Lean led the Darryl Mahabir-owned club to the title.

Back then, it was the first ever title celebrated by the Sangre Grande club, in just their third year of existence, defeating Connection, then three-time winners (1999, 2000 & 2002).

Now 12 years later, under third-year coach Angus Eve, the FA Trophy heads back to Sangre Grande, after again defeating (2013-14) holders W Connection.

A miniature FA winners’ trophy, the MVP award which was presented to goalkeeper Cleon John, and winners’ medals were given out of TTFA officials, but neither the tournament organisers nor finalists clubs’ officials could confirm whether or not prize money will become available for the oldest and "most prestigious" trophy in Trinidad and Tobago.

Needless to say, North East Stars were in a jubilant mood to take the status of FA Trophy 2015 champions.

“It brings back memories of 2003 (FA Trophy) and 2004 (Pro League championship) when our football was at its best,” said North East Stars owner/chairman Darryl Mahabir following Sunday’s final. “I think (coach) Angus Eve has done an excellent job so far. In the last two to three years we have seen significant improvement in the development of the youths, and tonight it is as a result of youths working hard together with the coach.

“It was really an intense final. The 30 minutes extra-time was a little different from what we experience in regular finals. It had us on the edge all the way to the end.”

Mahabir said while the FA Trophy means great for the club going forward, the real joy is returning the title to the people of Sangre Grande.

“We targeted the FA title,” said North East Stars Angus Eve, who now boasts winning the FA Trophy as a player and head coach. “I told the guys at the beginning of this season that the chairman really loves this title. We lapsed last season and in the season before that, so we really wanted to get this one. We prepared for it. For the people of Sangre Grande this is fantastic.”

Eve was forced to make a premature change in the 24th minute, replacing hard-working utility player Keryn Navarro in midfield with Jayson Joseph due to a right ankle injury picked up by the veteran in a tackle by Connection's St. Lucia midfielder Tremain Shayn Paul.

Eve's troubles doubled eight minutes later -- his side reduced to ten men -- when Joseph was shown a direct red card by referee Cecile Hinds.

Joseph, who had an attempt which sailed high seconds before, had lunged in to meet a neat Keron Cummings' pass but caught the legs of Colombian Christian Rodriguez.

North East Stars, defeated FA Trophy finalists in 2006 and 201-11, continued to look the better side in the first half and even had a superb try from 30-yards out from former Connection player, Cummings, in the 38th minute that goalkeeper Aquelius Sylvester was only able to push high into the air before it landed safely behind.

“The plan went to shot,” said Eve. “We tried to play 4-3-3 and pressure them high up the pitch and it worked. We thought that we could have won the ball higher up the park and then break from in their half. It worked well until the red card, which I think was very unfortunate. It changed the game plan to 4-4-1 and 4-3-2 but we still kept pressing them till the end.”

There was some confusion from the tournament officials though, initially informing both teams that the match will head straight into kicks from the spot at the end of regulation time, before reverting in the second half to the competition rules which states that extra-time will be played in the final after the end of regulation time.

Eve said wasn’t pleased by the mix-up but “I trusted our fitness and we knew that we can play defence having [one of] the best defensive record in the last two seasons. Our players were tremendous tonight.”

In the second half Connection, whose best chance of the opening half was curled inches wide by Colombian Yefer Steven Lozano in the 34th minute, adjusted to the extra player advantage while North East Stars were forced to defend and attack on the counter with Reserve team player Gorean “Ratty” Highley the lone forward.

Highley, a former Connection player, sliced an effort high and wide of the net from a tight angle in the 88th minute after errors by 'keeper Aquelius Sylvester and Canadian defender Bradley Beaumont in dealing with a Cummings pass into the box.

Twenty minutes earlier Highley was fouled just outside the area during a counterattack led by Cummings but Cummings, Stars man-of-the-match, was inches wide of the bottom corner just as he did in open play ten minutes inside the first period.

But it was Connection’s prodigy Shahdon Winchester that had the best opening of the match in the 90th minute. However the former Finland-based forward struck directly at goalkeeper Cleon John from point-blank range after being picked out by substitute Jerrel Britto.

Incredibly the intensity was lifted in stoppage-time with both sides creating a number of openings before Connection finally had the ball into the back of the net in the 114th minute.

But that goal was overruled by referee Hinds, ruling that there was infringement by Connection’s Britto, who knocked in the ball at the near post. North East Stars goalkeeper Cleon John had initially failed to grip the ball played towards goal and on his second attempt after the ball rebound off the upright, Britto pounced to hit in.

“I am disappointed that we did not win the game,” expressed W Connection head coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier, who led his side to four FA Trophy titles previously. “…because I thought we controlled and dominated the game. Unfortunately we missed several chances but the goal we scored, the referee disallowed it for her own personal reasons… I don’t know. It was a good goal and video evidence will prove that.”

Fevrier, who gave credit to North East Stars, added, “I was quite pleased with our overall play. It was a final and both teams came well-prepared for it. It was a very calculated game. It was a game we definitely had much more possession control and all we needed was one goal, because North East never created one goal in the game.”

North East Stars, with ten men, buoyed by the thundering sounds of their supporters chanting “Let's go North East… lets go” held out till the end of 120 minutes to send the final into kicks from the penalty mark.

Eventual MVP, John, had some glove to Winchester’s kick in the first as it entered his netting at the bottom corner but Cummings leveled the kicks 1-1 soon after. The North East Stars goalie then got in right on the second with a diving save to his right to deny substitute Jomal Williams before Jesus Perez pumped the Sangre Grande club ahead. Connection’s Britto, Aikim Andrews and Christian Viveros were all clinical just as North East Stars Aquil Selby and Neveal Hackshaw before Kion Joseph had the courtesy of sending the winning kick beyond the “Savonetta Boys” goalie Aquelius Sylvester.

“We have been working on penalty kicks in the past week and I didn’t expect anything different from the guys tonight,” Eve explained. “They have been very consistent and saw that tonight, the penalties were very high class.

“It’s great to win the title. We worked very hard. A lot of people and also in the media are saying that local players don’t have certain fitness but we played with 10 men and lasted for the 120 minutes. It was a great game of football. Although it was 0-0, both teams really went at it and I thought the crowd was well into it throughout the game. It was a good spectacle for local football.”

Following the match, W Connection owner/president David John-Williams said his club plans to lodge a protest to the TTFA against North East Stars for the use of forward Gorean Highley.

But Sharon O’Brian, of the TTFA informed ttproleague.com that Highley, although unable to play for the first team in the Digicel Pro League, was free to represent North East Stars at the FA Trophy competition, which doesn’t fall within the Pro League jurisdiction.

FA Trophy Final

W Connection 0 vs North East Stars 0

Kicks from the penalty mark

W Connection  4                              North East Stars 5
Shahdon Winchester (scored)            Keron Cummings (scored)
Jomal Williams (saved)                    Jesus Perez (scored)
Jerrel Britto (scored)                        Aquil Selby (scored)
Aikim Andrews (scored)                    Neveal Hackshaw (scored)
Christian Viveros (scored)                 Kion Joseph (scored)

Teams

W Connection: 22.Aquelius Sylvester; 2.Kurt Frederick, 39.Alvin Jones (34.Jabari Mitchell 103rd), 25.Christian Viveros, 4.Bradley Beaumont, 10.Yefer Steven Lozano (Yellow Card) (40.Jomal Williams 46th), 9.Shahdon Winchester, 11.Tremain Shayn Paul (Yellow Card), 20.Christian Rodriguez, 30.Aaquil Campbell (12.Jerrel Britto 46th), 28.Aikim Andrews

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK), 16.Anselm Jackson, 36.Triston Hodge, 45.Kori Cupid

Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier

North East Stars: 22.Cleon John; 4.Keithy Simpson, 8.Dwane Muckette (6.Jeromie Williams 63rd), 9.Gorean Highley, 15.Glenton Wolfe, 25.Keryn Navarro (12.Jayson Joseph 24th), 38.Jesus Perez, 41.Neveal Hackshaw, 44.Kion Joseph, 14.Dwane James (5.Aquil Selby 83rd), 10.Keron Cummings

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK), 18.Kaashif Thomas, 26.Zavion Navarro, 7.Stephon Prescott

Coach: Angus Eve.

[Football supporter]

Sounds like a good final: controversy, sending off, disallowed goal.

I just always hate matches being decided by penalties. Bring back the Golden Goal!!!!

[Sam]

What happen to St Lucian Connection, all de foreign players they sign and they can win nothing this year.

Ah see my neighbor Gorean Highley put some heat on them, nice to see him back at this level, always a good player just need to fix he head.

St Lucian Connection going and cry to de TTFA now because of Gorean Highley...

 

And North East played with 10 players to.

[Tallman]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/9BO9RiVUfRE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/9BO9RiVUfRE</a>

[SWF Reporter]

Stars penalise Connection in FA final; WCFC promise protest
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868)

After a two and a half year drought, North East Stars returned to winners’ row last night with a 5-4 penalty shootout triumph over defending champions, DIRECTV W Connection, in the 2015 TTFA FA Trophy final at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
There were roughly 1,000 fans at the Ato Boldon Stadium for the cup final and, for the most part, their noisy exuberance put to shame the much larger audience that turned out to watch Trinidad and Tobago’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Panama, two days earlier.
At the death, the Sangre Grande contingent was in ecstasy as the shorthanded Stars overcame a man deficit to defy Connection.
Connection chairman David John Williams vowed to take the fight beyond the final whistle, though. In the post-game press conference, Williams reiterated his view—which he expressed before the match—that Stars forward Gorean Highley should have been ineligible since he joined the club after the January transfer window and received special dispensation to play only in the Reserve League.
“The rule clearly says that Gorean Highley was registered outside of the transfer window as a senior player only to play reserve team football,” said Williams. “When I saw the name on the team list, I went to the Director of Competitions who is Neville Ferguson. I spoke to Sharon (O’Brien) about it and the Match Commissioner and they still allowed the game to play.
“I think that is bringing the game into disrepute. I will take it all the way…”
It costs just $500 to lodge a protest to the TTFA. Yet, that is $500 more than the combined cash prize for the competition.
The FA Trophy was once Trinidad and Tobago’s most prestigious cup competition. But those days are long gone. Now, the competition is testament to the hapless and ineffective leadership style of president Raymond Tim Kee and general secretary Sheldon Phillips.
In Tim Kee’s first year in charge, he handed out trophies, medals and promises after the FA final. In his second year, he promised prize money and then never paid.
Last night, neither he nor Phillips even bothered to show up.
Yet, with only pride at stake, Connection and Stars fought as though they were in the middle of the desert and contesting the last bottle of water.
Stars coach Angus Eve came into the converted conference room for his media address while journalists were speaking to the Connection chairman. He listened attentively as Williams explained why he felt Stars did not deserve the trophy before storming out on the grounds that the media disrespected him by ignoring his presence.
In fact, Williams had spoken for all of one minute and 40 seconds and the Stars coach did not have a long wait. But then Eve is big on latching on to perceived slights and nurturing them.
Despite being Trinidad and Tobago’s most capped outfield international player, Eve has always carried the air of an outsider; and, with Stars, he has found a club that mirrors his feelings. Both Stars and Eve, arguably, see themselves as great figures that are denied the limelight by the system’s inherent snobbery.
If anything, Williams’ post-game fury probably fit their perceived script perfectly.
“We played well and we enjoyed enough territorial advantage to win the game,” said Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier. “We just needed one goal.”
Fevrier was partially correct. But Stars, despite playing with ten men for 88 of the 130 minutes, had at least as much claim to the trophy as they did.
It was not a great technical affair. Connection was generally one-paced while Stars struggled to force their opponents back once they lost numerical parity. But the game was not short of drama.
(Read more: http://wired868.com/2015/03/30/stars-penalise-connection-in-fa-final-wcfc-promise-protest/)

[Tallman]

Take a look at W-Connection’s disallowed goal in the 2014/15 FA Trophy final against North East Stars. Are they right to feel aggrieved?

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/7298mzNuT9s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/7298mzNuT9s</a>

[Football supporter]

Take a look at W-Connection’s disallowed goal in the 2014/15 FA Trophy final against North East Stars. Are they right to feel aggrieved?

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/7298mzNuT9s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/7298mzNuT9s</a>

Seeing this on TV, I would say it was a goal. From the referee's view it may have seemed like the keeper was between the ball and the player and was fouled. I certainly would be aggrieved if I were a Connection supporter. But I'm sure Angus would be equally aggrieved if it was given!!
To me, the more important issue is whether Highley should have played. Remember that the F.A.Trophy allows amateurs and even schoolboys to play. It's not a Pro League competition, so TTFA can decide their own rules. But where does this end? Could a team recruit, say Carlos Edwards or Kevin Molino for one game just to play in the F.A. Trophy?

[Bakes]

Take a look at W-Connection’s disallowed goal in the 2014/15 FA Trophy final against North East Stars. Are they right to feel aggrieved?

W Connection's management have been extremely good sports in light of the fact that the ref blew this call, and that the match was already being played under protest owing to Gorean Highley's participation.

[elan]

Ref had poor positioning to make that call. Should have consulted withe the AR.

[Tallman]

Stuart Charles-Fevrier talks at a post-match press briefing after North East Stars defeated W Connection 5-4 on penalty kicks in the TTFA's 2015 FA Trophy Final at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/rToYZp_tCi4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/rToYZp_tCi4</a>

[Flex]

Highley case for Disciplinary Committee
By Ian Prescott (Express).

FA Trophy protest

THE OUTCOME of the 2015 FA Trophy final may well be decided in the protest room. Beaten finalists Directv W Connection have lodged an official protest over the eligibility of one of the North East Stars players, Gorean Highley.

On Sunday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Sangre Grande-based North East Stars survived 120 minutes of football when playing with a man short, before winning an exciting, but controversial final 5-4 on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

Prior to the final, W Connection had already raised the issue of Stars’ striker Highley being ineligible to play. They claimed he had been registered outside the transfer window. Connection president David John-Williams lodged an official protest on Tuesday.

Now that the protest is official, the matter has been sent to the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for deliberation. The Committee chaired by Newton George, will meet next Tuesday.

“He (John-Williams) has made an official protest,” stated Neville Ferguson, the TTFA’s Director of Tournaments. “The protest came in yesterday.”

“The protest goes before the TTFA’s Disciplinary Committee for adjudication on the matter,” Ferguson continued. “He is saying the guy was registered on the 31st of March and because of that he could only play in the Reserve League of the Pro League.”

Speaking after Sunday’s final, John-Williams told local media, he had raised concerns about Highley’s participation since the semi-final stage. Highley, a popular former Arima Secondary and recent Malabar FC footballer, was signed by Stars recently, well after the close of the January transfer window.

“He (John-Williams) is saying the guy (Highley) was registered late, and he because of that, could only play in the Reserve League of the Pro League,” Ferguson said.

John-Williams vowed to pursue the matter vigourously, even if it had to reach the courts. John-Williams also went to court in 2013 against the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board concerning his W Connection Wanderers team.

“I think that is bringing the game into disrepute, and I intend to take it all the way,” John-Williams said. “When I saw his name on the team list, I went to the Director of Tournaments which is Neville Ferguson. I spoke to Sharon (O’Brien) (TTFA official) about it. I spoke to the match commissioner about it and they still allowed him to play.”

John-Williams further accused the TTFA of operating in an adhoc fashion and ignoring established international rules regarding the registration and transfer of players.

”It clearly tells me that I could go and register a player now in my reserve team as a senior, and I could play him in the Caribbean Club Championships.

That is exactly what this says, and I can’t accept something like that.” stated John-Williams, who sits on a board of CONCACAF. “I challenged the Cricket Board. I took them all the way, and now it’s the same.”

T&TFA to decide on Highley protest April 7.
T&T Guardian Reports.

Having captured its second T&T Football Association FA Trophy for only the second time in club history, Japs North East Stars must now await a ruling the association’s Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, April 7, to know whether it will keep hold of the crown.

On Sunday, the Sangre Grande-based North East Stars under the guidance of coach Angus Eve got the better of title-holder W Connection, 5–4 on penalty-kicks after a 0–0 draw at the end of regulation time and 30-minutes extra-time at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, despite playing most of the match with ten men following the first-half dismissal of Jayson Joseph.

The win added to the Darryl Mahabir-owned club, first triumph in 2003, also over W Connectionm, champions in 1999, 2000 & 2002, and 2013/2014.

However, prior to the final W Connection owner/president David John-Williams stated his club was going to lodge a protest to the T&TFA against Stars for the use of Gorean “Ratty” Highley.

John-Williams said the basis of his team’s process was that Highely, a former W Connection player, was signed outside of the January transfer window to play in the Reserve League of the Pro League only, and not as part of the club’s first team.

But in response, Sharon O’Brien, of the TTFA, noted that Highley, who was formerly of Malabar FC, although unable to play for the first team in the Digicel T&T Pro League, was free to represent North East Stars in FA competition, which doesn’t fall within the Pro League jurisdiction.

[vb]

yuh right deeks  many of the guys / former ballers  from SFN  ,did in fact  beat  pan with panvibes and pandemonium....... the team still going strong ..

Pass the word to them to keep the faith. Blessings!

That's my team, played with them from U12 all the way to the senior team, in fact some of my fiends play with them still. Big up SFN!!!

Big team back in the day when community teams had an impact on the National league: SFM. Barataria Ball Players, Point Fortin CC, Tacarigua United and Memphis.

VB

[Football supporter]

Highley case for Disciplinary Committee
By Ian Prescott (Express).

FA Trophy protest

THE OUTCOME of the 2015 FA Trophy final may well be decided in the protest room. Beaten finalists Directv W Connection have lodged an official protest over the eligibility of one of the North East Stars players, Gorean Highley.

On Sunday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Sangre Grande-based North East Stars survived 120 minutes of football when playing with a man short, before winning an exciting, but controversial final 5-4 on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

Prior to the final, W Connection had already raised the issue of Stars’ striker Highley being ineligible to play. They claimed he had been registered outside the transfer window. Connection president David John-Williams lodged an official protest on Tuesday.

Now that the protest is official, the matter has been sent to the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) for deliberation. The Committee chaired by Newton George, will meet next Tuesday.

“He (John-Williams) has made an official protest,” stated Neville Ferguson, the TTFA’s Director of Tournaments. “The protest came in yesterday.”

“The protest goes before the TTFA’s Disciplinary Committee for adjudication on the matter,” Ferguson continued. “He is saying the guy was registered on the 31st of March and because of that he could only play in the Reserve League of the Pro League.”

Speaking after Sunday’s final, John-Williams told local media, he had raised concerns about Highley’s participation since the semi-final stage. Highley, a popular former Arima Secondary and recent Malabar FC footballer, was signed by Stars recently, well after the close of the January transfer window.

“He (John-Williams) is saying the guy (Highley) was registered late, and he because of that, could only play in the Reserve League of the Pro League,” Ferguson said.

John-Williams vowed to pursue the matter vigourously, even if it had to reach the courts. John-Williams also went to court in 2013 against the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board concerning his W Connection Wanderers team.

“I think that is bringing the game into disrepute, and I intend to take it all the way,” John-Williams said. “When I saw his name on the team list, I went to the Director of Tournaments which is Neville Ferguson. I spoke to Sharon (O’Brien) (TTFA official) about it. I spoke to the match commissioner about it and they still allowed him to play.”

John-Williams further accused the TTFA of operating in an adhoc fashion and ignoring established international rules regarding the registration and transfer of players.

”It clearly tells me that I could go and register a player now in my reserve team as a senior, and I could play him in the Caribbean Club Championships.

That is exactly what this says, and I can’t accept something like that.” stated John-Williams, who sits on a board of CONCACAF. “I challenged the Cricket Board. I took them all the way, and now it’s the same.”

T&TFA to decide on Highley protest April 7.
T&T Guardian Reports.

Having captured its second T&T Football Association FA Trophy for only the second time in club history, Japs North East Stars must now await a ruling the association’s Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, April 7, to know whether it will keep hold of the crown.

On Sunday, the Sangre Grande-based North East Stars under the guidance of coach Angus Eve got the better of title-holder W Connection, 5–4 on penalty-kicks after a 0–0 draw at the end of regulation time and 30-minutes extra-time at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, despite playing most of the match with ten men following the first-half dismissal of Jayson Joseph.

The win added to the Darryl Mahabir-owned club, first triumph in 2003, also over W Connectionm, champions in 1999, 2000 & 2002, and 2013/2014.

However, prior to the final W Connection owner/president David John-Williams stated his club was going to lodge a protest to the T&TFA against Stars for the use of Gorean “Ratty” Highley.

John-Williams said the basis of his team’s process was that Highely, a former W Connection player, was signed outside of the January transfer window to play in the Reserve League of the Pro League only, and not as part of the club’s first team.

But in response, Sharon O’Brien, of the TTFA, noted that Highley, who was formerly of Malabar FC, although unable to play for the first team in the Digicel T&T Pro League, was free to represent North East Stars in FA competition, which doesn’t fall within the Pro League jurisdiction.

This actually has far reaching implications for TTFA. They can hardly afford to defend themselves in court, but should they find in favour of W.Connection, Jabloteh will also have grounds to complain as Highley played in the semi final too. In facy, it could go further if Highley played in previous rounds. The whole competition could be at risk.

Then, North East could also appeal as TTFA officials were advised of the situation and allowed Highley to play, so again, TTFA could be vulnerable in court. If TTFA defend their officials position and rule against Connection, I'm sure Mr Williams would take the case further and there is enough precedent for him to win his case!

[Flex]

Stars dismiss W Connection protest
By Ian Prescott (Express).

No wrong

FA TROPHY winners North East Stars believe they have done nothing wrong which will prevent them hanging onto the 2015 title they won on Sunday. “I don’t see that North East Stars have done anything wrong,” stated Stars owner Darryl Mahabir.

On Sunday, Sangre Grande-based Stars won a controversial FA Trophy final 5-4 on kicks from the penalty mark at Ato Boldon Stadium. However, on Tuesday, W Connection president David John-Williams lodged an official protest over Stars’ use of former Malabar FC striker Gorean Highley in the final.

Prior to that game, Connection raised the issue of Highley being ineligible to play, having been registered outside the transfer window. John-Williams contends that the terms of Highley’s registration in the Pro League allows the player to only play in the Reserve League for the rest of the season.

Further, he accused the TTFA of ignoring international rules governing the transfer and registration of players. Next Tuesday, the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) , chaired by Newton George, will meet on the matter.

However, Mahabir said that Stars were willing to abide by the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.

“If he (John-Williams) is right, he is right. If he is wrong, he is wrong,” Mahabir stated.

Further, Mahabir said that Stars are not troubled by the Disciplinary Committee’s hearing and are instead focussing on having a good season. The Sangre Grande side are currently third in the Pro League, have won the FA Trophy and are hoping to win at least one of the two remaining knockout competitions to be contested this season.

“We (Stars) have been very consistent under the management of Angus Eve and we are on course to have another good season,” Mahabir said. “We have conceded the least goals in the Pro League over the past few seasons. We need to improve the attacking aspects, and again I think we are going to finish very strong.”

[elan]

Connection lodge “Ratty” protest against Stars; TTFA offers prize money

But the biggest post-final surprise is that the TTFA has promised to pay prize money to not just the 2015 FA winner and runners-up but also vowed to pay the 2014 FA competitors and the the top four 2014/15 Super League teams.

TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips, who is in El Salvador at present, said the football body will make the handouts next week.

TTFA Tournament and Competition chairman Neville Ferguson told Wired868 that he was “working on processing the payments as we speak.” He confirmed that the local football body had not found a sponsor but would pay the teams from its own coffers.

Read More...

[Bakes]

I thought Watson Insider said last week that the TTFA went dark with the media?

[Deeks]

It is encouraging to see TTFA appears to be living up to their present and past commitments. On the other hand the FA mix-up appears to be their fault. It appears they did not follow the written law as pertain to transfer players.

[Flex]

TTFA to decide on Connection’s protest Monday.
T&T Guardian Reports.

The T&T Football Association (TTFA) disciplinary committee headed by Newton George will decide on a protest lodged by DirecTV W Connection against Japs North East Stars’ use of Gorean Highley in the FA final at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on March 27, on Monday instead.

This after the scheduled meeting for April 7 at the TTFA’s Office, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo had to be postponed because of a lack of a quorum, and subsequent meetings also had to be put off some the same reason.

According to the T&TFA’s constitution no fewer than three members of the five-man panel of the disciplinary committee are needed for a quorum to take place, but this was not the case at the first scheduled meeting date as three members were unavailable, forcing the meeting to be postponed.

The Angus Eve-coached Stars’ went onto the win the match, 5-4 on penalty-kicks after the match ended 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes, and the 30 minutes of extra-time for its second triumph and first since 2003, also against W Connection.

However, prior to the final, W Connection chairman/owner/president, David John-Williams stated his intentions to protest the outcome of the encounter should Stars’ use Highley, who they deemed was transferred outside the international window from Malabar FC. But the Darryl Mahabir-owned Stars did not bow to the pressures of W Connection and still used Highley in the match, which they played most of the time with 10 men after the first-half expulsion of Jayson Joseph.

John-Williams, then followed up his intentions the next day by lodging an official protest with the TTFA, and while both parties have stood firm of their actions, it will all be decided by the TTFA disciplinary committee tomorrow.

[Flex]

Any word on this protest?

[Flex]

W Connection lose appeal; Stars FA champs.
By Ian Prescott (Express).

OVERRULED

NORTH EAST STARS have been confirmed as 2015 FA Trophy champions, after the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) dismissed a protest lodged by defeated finalist DIRECTV W Connection.

The teams played to a goalless draw on March 29, before 10-man Stars came away winners, 5-4 on penalty kicks, in the process dethroning DIRECTV W Connection, winners the previous season.

W Connection had played the final “under protest” over Stars’ use of striker Gorean “Ratty” Highley, signed after the close of the January transfer window. After the final, W Connection owner David John Williams made an official protest.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) had not issued an official decision up to yesterday, although several sources confirmed that a decision was made.

Contacted yesterday, Neville Ferguson, the TTFA’s Director of Tournaments, confirmed that a decision had been made, but directed further enquiry to the TTFA general secretary.

“Yes,” Fergsuon stated, when asked if a decision was made.“Call Sheldon (Phillips), he has the decision.”

Contacted, TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips declined making a pronouncement, until further consultation with both teams and the TTFA.

Late yesterday, however, Stars owner Darryl Mahabir told the Express that on Monday he was informed that W Connection’s protest was thrown out.

“I hear yesterday (Monday),” said Mahabir. “It was my team manager (Maurice Eligon) who informed me yesterday. “As far as I gather, we were on the right page in the sense of the player being allowed to play,” added Mahabir. “I didn’t think we did anything wrong, so from my stand point, I believed that we would have come out a winner.”

[Flex]

W Connection appeal FA Trophy ruling.
By Ian Prescott (Express).

Not Taking that

DIRECTV W CONNECTION have already appealed a decision by the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) to dismiss their protest over North East Stars’ use of striker Gorian Highley in the FA Trophy final on March 29.

W Connection president David John-Williams has formally appealed the decision, sending correspondence and $1,000 in fees to Sheldon Phillips, TTFA general secretary.

W Connection are appealing on the grounds that the TTFA broke its own constitution rules regarding the transfer of players. W Connection sources contend that the issue is not about “Grande Stars” keeping the trophy, but having the TTFA abide by the rules.

It was only yesterday, that the TTFA officially released a decision taken by its Disciplinary Committee which first met on April 22.

“I can confirm that the Disciplinary Committee ruled in favour of North East Stars and rejected the arguments made by W Connection,” Phillips stated in correspondence to the Trinidad Express Newspaper. Further, Phillips also acknowledged that an appeal was filed.

“We received the appeal request yesterday afternoon from W Connection,” Phillips said. “The request will be sent to our Appeals Committee, and they will determine whether there is ground to accept the request.”

Phillips added that both the Disciplinary Committee and Appeals Committee were “independent” of the executive to ensure impartiality.

“We cannot really influence their pace, but we would like to see that a decision is made as soon as possible,” Phillips added.

On March 31, W Connection officially protested Stars’ use of Highley in the FA final, which Stars won 5-4 on spot kicks, following a goalless draw.

Highley, was transferred from Malabar FC, just two day before the FA semi-final. He was registered by the local professional league after the close of the January transfer window, and was allowed to only play in the non-competitive Reserve League, but no other professional league competition this season.

In making its decision, the Disciplinary Committee determined that the FA Trophy had its own rules.

“The competition under reference had its own rules, as a consequence the rules governing the TTFA and the Pro League was null and void,” the Disciplinary Committee’s judgement said. “The Disciplinary Committee notes that while W Connection relied on clause six of the competition rules, it misinterpreted the said rules.”

The Committee determined that Stars should remain as FA champions, firstly based on the fact that both the referee and match commissioner allowed Highley to play, and secondly that Stars head coach Angus Eve “honestly believed” the player to be eligible to contest the final.

Prior to the final, Eve telephoned TTFA official Sharon O’Brien asking if Highley could have played.

“She did advise Mr Angus Eve that the TTFA was only interested in whether the player was registered with the participating club and nothing else,” the Disciplinary Committee’s judgement said.

“The Disciplinary Committee realises there was no precedent under which a similar ruling arose and a decision was made. The Disciplinary Committee therefore relied on the old adage practised, of upholding the decision on the field of play. In the circumstances, the protest is hereby dismissed and the decision is therefore final.”

W Connection’s appeal described both arguments as “nonsense” since neither the referee nor match commissioner had the power to prevent a football match being played in the first place. They also feel that the Pro League is a full affiliate of the TTFA, and the latter is bound by the rules of the international football body FIFA, concerning the transfer of players.

The W Connection appeal quotes FIFA rules 2.5 and 41.3 which allows the TTFA to organise competitions “adopting always rules and regulations set down by FIFA”.

W Connection further argue that the TTFA broke its own constitution which states: “The status of players and provision of transfer shall be regulated by the Executive Committee of the Federation (TTFA), in accordance with common FIFA regulations for the transfer of players.”

[Flex]

W Connection lose protest again.
T&T Express Reports.

Defeated 2015 FA Trophy finalists DIRECTV W Connection, have for the second time had their protest over the final thrown out.

This comes just a few weeks after the April 22 meeting of the Disciplinary Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), which threw out W Connection's protest over North East Stars' use of striker Gorean Highley in the March 29 FA Trophy final.

Stars won the final 5-4 on spot kicks, following a goalless draw in regulation time. W Connection had played the final "under protest", since Highley was signed outside of the Pro League transfer window, and was not sanctioned by the local professional league to play competitive matches this season.

W Connection owner David John-Williams immediately appealed the Disciplinary Committee's judgement, which ruled that the FA Trophy operated similar to a minor league -under its own set of rules, and not that of either the TTFA or the TT Pro League.

Yesterday, the Trinidad Express learned that the Appeals Committee had also upheld the earlier decision of TTFA's Disciplinary Committee, therefore declaring W Connection's protest as being without merit. Several efforts to reach John-Williams for comment yesterday proved futile.

[Deeks]

FA Cup returns.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).

T&T’s most prestigious football tournament, the National FA is set to return after a two-year hiatus, but the Central Football Association (CFA) being led by businessman Shymdeo Gosine, could have no representative teams.

T&T Football Association vice president Ewing Davis revealed that a decision was taken to include all the teams in the T&T Pro League, all in the T&T Super League, five teams from the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU) and six from the other Regional Associations- the Northern Football Association, Eastern FA, Central FA, Southern FA and the Tobago FA, for a total of 64 teams in the first draw.

Some of the regional associations held their own FA tournament earlier this year in a bid to meet the deadline date of August 19 (Saturday) to ensure their participation, while other zones opted to use their winners from the previous year.

CFA general secretary Clynt Taylor told Guardian Media Sports yesterday his association received no correspondence about the tournament. As he scrolled through his emails Taylor said: “They usually send information to us via email and I have not received any correspondence about the National FA, so I guess we will not have any teams in the tournament then.” He hinted there may be something sinister about this new development since all other regional associations were informed about the tournament.

The CFA recently won a battle over the TTFA to have Samuel Saunders replaced as its representative on the TTFA’s Board of Directors. In a bid to find out if correspondence was sent to all the regional associations, Guardian Media Sports attempted to reach Justin Latapy-George, the TTFA general secretary but calls to his phone went unanswered yesterday.

The last time the National FA was held in 2015, pro league campaigners North East Stars won it by beating rivals W Connection 5-4 on penalty kicks.

It will be the first staging of the FA under the David John-Williams administration which assumed office in 2015, and plans are underway to produce a tournament that will be the best run, that will carry the highest cash prize and be of the best quality. However no information about the prize structure was forthcoming as Davis said his association was still in the process of securing a sponsor for the tournament. Director of Football Muhammad Isa said however that the idea was to have cash incentives for each round of football.

The TTFA will hold a press conference on Tuesday at its office at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain Couva at which time the draw will take place. Apart from the pro league and super league teams, the TFA held its FA recently and have submitted Gold City FC, Calder Hall FC, Black Rock FC, Signal Hill United, Leeds United and Stokely Vale United as their representatives, while in the Northern FA, Step By Step Maple, Malta Carib Alcons, Block 8 Police Youth Club, Cultural Roots, St Francois Nationals and RSSR are the qualifying teams.

The ECFU did not have a qualifying competition and have chosen Tamana United, Sangre Grande United, Biche United, Damarie Hill Youths and Manzan United by viurtue of their successes last year. The EFA will be represented by WASA FC, Trinity Rangers, FC Maloney, Red Hill FC, La Horquetta XF and Creek SCC while the SFA has chosen last year’s top performers Erin FC, Pitchmen FC, Santa Flora FC, San Fernando Giants, Serial Strikers and Pele Pele.

[Flex]

Eve delighted over return of FA Trophy.
ttproleague.com.

Club Sando head coach Angus Eve is thrilled by the return of the prestigious Trinidad and Tobago FA Trophy after a two-year hiatus—with the new 2017/18 edition, involving 64 teams, commencing on September 16.

“Excited, the word is,” said Eve, one of the few men to celebrate, both as a player and a coach, the FA Trophy—the oldest football tournament in Trinidad and Tobago dating back to 1927.

Eve led his now former club North East Stars to the FA Trophy—the last time it was contested—in 2014/2015, edging former winners W Connection 5-4 on penalties at the Ato Boldon Stadium on March 29, 2015 in the title match following a 0-0 draw.

“I didn’t remember I was the last winning coach,” Eve joked. “The tournament hasn’t been around a long time.

“But it’s great to have it back. I don’t know about the prestige in Trinidad and Tobago, but it is one of the oldest trophies in world football and has with it a lot of prestige in places like England. But I do believe it is something prestigious for a coach to win the Trinidad and Tobago FA Trophy.”

This season’s FA Trophy competition will involve all ten (10) Pro League Clubs (W Connection, Club Sando, San Juan Jabloteh, Central FC, Defence Force FC, Point Fortin Civic, Morvant Caledonia United, St. Ann’s Rangers); all nineteen (19) Super League teams; six (6) teams from each of the five zonal associations (Northern FA, Eastern FA, Central FA, Southern FA and Tobago FA), and five (5) from the Eastern Counties Football Union.

Tournament organisers, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), will host the first round draw on August 22 at its office at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva. Teams and home venues are to be submitted by August 18.

“There has been a lot of rant and rave from Super League clubs (the second tier of Trinidad and Tobago football) in terms of their level of football. So this is another opportunity for us in the Pro League to show we are still the dominant league in the country,” continued Eve.

Since the debut of the professional teams into the FA Trophy competition in 1999, clubs from the former Professional Football League (PFL) and the current Pro League have won the trophy in all but 2006 when WASA became surprise winners. WASA defeated two top flight clubs including North East Stars 4-2 on penalties in the final following a 3-3 draw.

“The FA Trophy also gives smaller teams an opportunity against the bigger clubs from the Pro League and Super League and they are motivated because it gives them a feather in their cap with win. It’s a good opportunity for them to measure themselves against bigger opponents. A good game on the day and they can suddenly be in a final.”

Eve said that while his focus is on the Pro League title, where his Club Sando are currently second behind W Connection, but tied on points, the FA Trophy gives him a fresh challenge.

“I want to win the (Pro) League now, having won the FA Trophy and other titles in the past. But the FA Trophy gives me a fresh challenge with Club Sando who haven’t won anything [as a top flight team]. We will balance our regular schedule and the FA Trophy as best as we can because we want challenge for trophies.”

At present all Pro League matches are suspended till September 8 to facilitate the Trinidad and Tobago national team preparations for the final phase of the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign which includes an international friendly against Jamaica in Trinidad on August 24.

“I don’t believe in stopping our league for the national team,” said Eve. “The Mexico don’t stop. The MLS (Major League Soccer) don’t stop. And the championship in England don’t stop. I understand we don’t have big squads but with just 18 league games this season, stopping the league breaks the momentum of the competition as well as the development of players.”

Eve, this week, resigned his position as first vice-president of the Northern FA, to concentrate more on his roles as head coach of Club Sando and coach of Naparima College, who won a number of titles over the last three SSFL season’s with.

“I’ve learned a lot under the leadership of (NFA president) Anthony Hafford, and guys like Peter Rampersad who have been long-serving members around the TTFA, and it augurs well for me when I plan to return to football administration later on. But I’ve taken a personal decision to try and concentrate more on my coaching at this time,” ended the Sando coach.

[Deeks]

“There has been a lot of rant and rave from Super League clubs (the second tier of Trinidad and Tobago football) in terms of their level of football. So this is another opportunity for us in the Pro League to show we are still the dominant league in the country,” continued Eve.

Super League clubs (the second tier of Trinidad and Tobago football) in terms of their level of football, according to Angus.  Well, the pro-league clubs looked 2nd tier in the recent concacaf football.