Sancho looking for laughter, honesty
By: Sean Nero (Trinidad Guardian)
Sunday 6th July, 2008
FORMER NATIONAL footballer Brent Sancho says no one should be surprised he's not married, since he never proposed or was proposed to.
But that's not how the world remembers it.
Moments before the Soca Warriors took on England in that's crucial match in the 2006 World Cup, his ex-sweetheart Jana Herbert-Fiu,
proposed to him, through BBC South East Today's Geoff Clark, who watched the match in Kent with her.
Two years later and with their relationship now history, Sancho denied the events on that day.
"It was never really a proposal. BBC was going on the air and she said she loved me. She was quite nervous. She wished me all the best
and I think the BBC kind of turned it into a wedding proposal," he recalled. "I'm not taking anything away from Jana. She was somebody I
would have certainly married at that time. When you spend that amount of time with somebody, eight years, the bond you create is unique."
A woman in Sancho's life has to be honest and must love to laugh. She'd score double points if she could cook, especially is the meal
consists of "a good stew chicken and macaroni pie," he said, laughing.
Sancho considers himself a hard working, positive, thoughtful team player, who wore his heart on his sleeve when on the field.
"I can't wear my heart anywhere else. Not the way I was brought up. I've been fortunate to have two great parents who have been extremely supportive. They taught me right from wrong and to stand up for what I believe in. They taught me that there's nothing wrong with being second, third or last, once I give a 100 per cent."
Describing himself as a professional football player turned "union man," citing his involvement in the soon-to-be established T&T Football Players Association, Sancho said: "Wherever God puts me, I have to give a 100 per cent and I never cry over spilled milk.
"I'm not as rash as I was at age 21, nor am I as gung-ho. I draw on experiences when I make decisions, which have helped me tremendously in terms of who I am today."
Sancho, 31, returned to the UK on Tuesday, where he hopes to get signed to either Wickham or Brighton Football Clubs.
"I've been burnt at clubs that I played for in England. I want to go somewhere that I can enjoy my football. It's not about money. That
will come once I'm happy."
He's clear that relaxing took no better form than when he's on a beach in T&T.
He recalled the pride he felt as a player attached to the Soca Warriors in Germany, back in 2006 and the pains he felt watching T&T
go down to England in an international friendly.
More painful for him was watching T&T go down to Bermuda 2-0 in last month World Cup qualifier.
Letting people know that he's approachable, in a sport where players can be stuck-up, he says makes him unique.
Q&A:
Most unusual present?
A blow-up doll.
One thing you'd never do?
Turn my back on my family.
One thing you'd like to do before age 41?
Back-pack across Asia.
Any children of your own?
No. I seem to be the only member of the Soca Warriors who has not got off the mark as yet.
Looking forward to having children?
Yes. My first child should be a girl.
Do you think you understand women?
Yes.
What do you understand about them?
They need to be treated with respect.
Where did you learn that?
My mother and three sisters.
Biggest turn-off in a woman?
Being loud.
Biggest turn on in a woman?
Excellent conversation skills.
Do you consider yourself a romantic?
When I have to be.
What fascinates you in a woman?
Great legs and torso.
Boxers or briefs?
I'm definitely a briefs guy. Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren brands.
One thing you must do while in T&T, apart from going to the beach?
Go for snow-cone around the Savannah.
One thing you'd want to change about yourself?
My walk. Being athletic my buttocks is cocked when I walk.
Best purchase you've ever made?
Nelson Mandela's book titled a Long Road to Freedom.
What's your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Waking up to a good breakfast, a hearty lunch and spending time with my family.
What do women love about you?
They say my eyes.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Giving back to T&T significantly, whether it's through managing or coaching.