Expect a united Morvant and Caledonia this 2014/2015 T&T Digicel Pro League season as Caledonia AIA FC has rebranded itself to Morvant Caledonia United.
Speaking about the club’s rebranding, the founder and technical director Jamaal Shabazz explained that it’s five years now they’ve been discussing rebranding since Caledonia is a small part of the bigger entity which is Morvant.
The emergence of gang related activity, divisive politics and the like has rendered our community into sectors and borderlines.”
Over the years Caledonia has contributed towards the successful development of many notable players like: Russell
Latapy, Dennis Lawrence (both of whom are now practicing coaches), Stokely Mason, Shurland David, Densill Theobald, Conrad Smith and Radanfah Abu Bakr just to name a few.
In addition, the club has also been an avenue for Caribbean players to gain opportunities as well. With players like Charles Pollard, Walter Moore (Guyana), Kendal Velox, Wesley John (St. Vincent and The Grenadines), Franklyn Drayton, Franklyn Baptiste (Grenada), Titus Elva and Valencius Joseph ( St Lucia ) all passing through the “Caledonia” ranks.
While they have not won a National league or the T&T Pro a League title, Caledonia has won the FA Trophy on three occasions and several cup competitions in the Pro League including the First Citizens Cup, Digicel Pro Bowl and the Lucozade Shield.
However for Shabazz, the trophy that he covets the most is winning the most disciplined team title in 2011/12 Pro League season.
“Discipline and the way we carry ourselves on and off the pitch is so important to us at the club. We strive for order and discipline in an environment where mob rule, chaos and disorder stares us in the face.”
“I have been motivated by the likes of Desperadoes, Massy All Stars, Solo Harmonites and Malick Folk Performers as good organisations coming out of our communities.”
“I hate it when our players get a yellow or red card and I cannot see anything that will make me as a coach get ejected from a game. The example we set to our communities is what keeps us in the game and in the battle for the minds of our young people.” “That’s why that the Most Disciplined Trophy meant so much to us,” he added.
Shabazz has admitted however that it has been an uphill task over the years as often times the club has lost battles but he remains hopeful in the war.
Shabazz hoping for better under PNM
Former national coach and current technical director of Morvant Caledonia United Jamaal Shabazz says he is hopeful that things will improve for his community and club with the coming of the People’s National Movement into power.
Speaking on the eve of yet another Digicel T&T Pro League season as head of the Morvant/Laventille club coaching staff, Shabazz said, “The PNM knows that our mothers and fathers have been loyal to the party and while we are not asking for hand-outs, we need for them to remember who has stood with them, during the darkest days of the party.”
“If we get a mini stadium, a cultural facility, a top class library and even our own hospital and mall in Morvant we will be able to change our condition on our feet than instead of on our knees.”
“Is that really too much to ask of a party that has never lost this constituency?” Questioned Shabazz.
Notwithstanding the challenges, Shabazz has an ambition to ensure Morvant Caledonia United continue to be a factor for progress and development. “I live in Morvant, I went to school here and I stand for a united community; football by in its nature, is a factor that can bring the people together.”
“Once we get the necessary resources and the facilities, we are going to address this foolish gang violence in our community.
Because our players come from all parts of Morvant and Caledonia and I am not accepting any borderlines,” he ended.
With regards to the his club Shabazz stated that Caledonia will continue to play our part in the national and regional development of football.”
He added, “In the 36 years of our existence while I am proud of some of our achievements on the field.
I am more happy for the avenue we have been able to create for young people to develop themselves in a disciplined environment.”