SWANS GIVE TRIAL TO T AND T PROSPECT
GARETH.VINCENT@SWWMEDIA.CO.UK09:00 - 24 October 2007
Trinidad & Tobago defensive prospect Radanfah Abu Bakr will arrive on trial at Swansea City this weekend.
The 6ft 4in centre-back is rated as one of the hottest prospects in his homeland, where he has captained the under-17 and under-20 national sides.
Abu Bakr is yet to play for T&T's senior team and so could not sign for Swansea now as he would not qualify for a work permit.
But Roberto Martinez is convinced the 19-year-old will soon be a full international - and believes he could be the latest in a line of T & T success stories in English football.
"He is a hugely talented centre-half," said the Swansea manager.
"He has that leadership characteristic that you don't find very often and we want him to have a look at the way we do things because we know he is going to have a huge future.
"He can't get a work permit at the moment, but we think he will soon become available and he's a good one to keep an eye on.
"We are presenting ourselves to him and he will probably play in a couple of games behind closed doors.
"It could develop into something in the next few months."
Abu Bakr has recently been playing in the Trinidad Pro League for Caledonia AIA, but is now in London studying at Kingston University, where his course ends next spring.
His Liberty Stadium trial is thanks in part to agent Mike Berry, who also works with Dennis Lawrence and Jason Scotland.
"Roberto and Kevin Reeves are interested in Trinidad & Tobago talent because of the success players from that part of the world have had in English football," Berry said.
"Radanfah has a week's break in his studies and it's an ideal opportunity for him to come and have a spell at Swansea, which he is very excited about.
"It's a case of giving him a taste of the club and I'm sure Swansea will be his first choice if - although I prefer to say when - he breaks into the national side and qualifies for a work permit."
Given the eligibility complications, Abu Bakr may not provide a quick fix as Swansea continue their search for central defensive cover.
But they are keen to tap in to a market which has already supplied the likes of Dwight Yorke, Kenwyne Jones, Carlos Edwards and Stern John.
SWANSEA are looking for landlords or landladies to house two of the club's youth players in a family environment during the current season.
There is a generous remuneration package available.
Contact the youth department on 01792 616602 for further details.
It's all about getting the national cap
Abu Bakr is yet to play for T&T's senior team and so could not sign for Swansea now as he would not qualify for a work permit.
But Roberto Martinez is convinced the 19-year-old will soon be a full international - and believes he could be the latest in a line of T & T success stories in English football.
"It's a case of giving him a taste of the club and I'm sure Swansea will be his first choice if - although I prefer to say when - he breaks into the national side and qualifies for a work permit."
Think Wim will give it to him?