When Presentation defeated Carapichaima 2-0 on Friday night to qualify for its first Big Five final of the BG T&T Secondary Schools Football League in 23 years, it marked the third time that coach Sean Cooper lead his charges to the final stage of the competition.
As coach of Naparima, Cooper lost the 2007 final to San Juan but won it in 2005 with Naparima against the same san Juan side as co-coach with Kirt Winbeard. The 43-year-old coach, who is in his first season with Presentation, believes that the newly crowned South Zone champion’s run of success has been as a result of a “great team effort”.
“It’s been a total team effort and we have no star players per say,” Copper pointed out. “On any given day, someone will show up and have an outstanding match which will influence our performance.“
Two second half strikes—one by Travis Francis in the 73rd minute and a late penalty from Rodney Young—were sufficient to take Pres to the final against East Zone champion St Augustine. The final is to be played tomorrow at a venue to be announced. “I am very excited to be in a national Big Five final once more,” said Cooper. “As you know, it is becoming a habit getting there. I have to be doing something right.
I am pleased with what I have been achieving so far with whatever squad I have to work with. “Hard work, perseverance and faith in God was responsible for the turnaround at Pres. We started believing in ourselves. “The Naps teams that I coached were probably more talented sides, but as a group this team has done wonders. Each one play for each other.
Credit must not only be given to the players, but also to the Management Staff, including managers Junior Ferguson and Michael Tony. I don’t think this whole season would have been successful without them.”
Cooper said he is looking forward with great eagerness to the final against St Augustine, which defeated North champion St Mary’s 2-0 to qualify. “I have great respect for St Augustine coach Michael Grayson, who is one of the better coaches in the country. And, I have been admiring his work for a number of years. He has been doing a great job with the St Augustine team and continues to do so.”
“I am grateful for all the help I have gotten from all the coaches who have helped and continue to do so, including Edgar Vidale, Brian Wiliams, Anton Corneal and Michael McComie.
“I am one who always takes advice. I am still young in the game and learning.” Cooper was captain of Presentation in 1985, leading his side to the Raffie Knowles Knockout and the final of the South Intercol, which Presentation lost to San Fernando Technical Institute. He was also a member of the national Under-21 squad and national Olympic team coached by Hannibal Najjar.
He is said his coaching career was kick-started by the first coaching course he took with Keith Look Loy in the 1990’s. Cooper said that claiming the coveted South Zone title was a dream come true for the team following its 23-year drought. “I didn’t know it was so long we were without a title and that makes it all the more special.”
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