Kerry Baptiste named Player of Round One
By Randy Bando (ttproleague.com)
Bmobile Joe Public captain Kerry Baptiste was a clear winner for the 2009 Player of Round One in the Digicel Pro League after points were accumulated.
After Round One the Trinidad and Tobago international had a total of 62 points, with his closest challenger Errol McFarlane of St Ann's Rangers(currently playing with USL club Rochester Rhinos) 8 points away with 54.
Jabloteh duo Ataulla Guerra(53 points) and Marvin Oliver(44 points) ran in third and fourth respectively. St Ann's Rangers goalie Javan Seegobin had the fifth highest score.
Baptiste coming off impressive seasons in 2007(Joe Public) and 2008(Joe Public) started off the 2009 season with a double against Caledonia AIA of Morvant Laventille to lead the Lions to a 3-2 victory.
Baptiste never looked back since then, leading the Derek King coached side to second position at the end of Round One with 21 points, two points behind San Juan Jabloteh who played a game more than Joe Public.
Baptiste's excellent passing skill turned into a superb goalscoring form this season. In his first ten games(Round One) he registered 13 goals well ahead of the 2009 goalscorers and has been one of the most consistent players this season.
Currently, the 27 year old attacker is looking sharp for the Player of Round Two with his tally up to 29 goals in 18 games as the Lions sit atop the standings with 37 points ahead of Caledonia by way of goals difference.
Ever since joining Joe Public on a free transfer from Jabloteh in 2007--the same year of his son Kerry Baptiste Jr.--Baptiste's performances began to soar. In that same year he said that the birth of his son would motivate him to do much better.
His performances in the Digicel Pro League has led to him being a regular call-up with the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Team this year, but unfortunately haven't received much playing time under coach Russell Latapy. Baptiste is currently part of the T&T squad in Honduras preparing to take on that country's National Team in a 2010 World Cup qualifier on Saturday in San Pedro Sula.
