“Disappointed, but not dejected” was how Central F.C.’s Head Coach, Graham Rix described his feelings after the Sharks lost their first Pro League game of the season.
The California based club were hoping to make it three wins in a row on Saturday as they played in their home stadium, Ato Boldon, for the first time.
The Sharks very nearly completed an exciting comeback after going 3-0 down to St Ann’s Rangers, who were hungry for their first win of the season. But a Hayden Tinto brace wasn’t enough and Rangers hung on to secure 3 points.
“We made a few defensive errors that Rangers pounced on and then we were always chasing the game” said Rix, a former Arsenal captain. “But I was very pleased with the guys attitude, as we continued to play attacking football and very nearly fought our way back.”
Managing Director Brent Sancho said “We were very happy with the support we received and our strategy of bringing young people to our games paid off, as I saw students from Couva East and West, Presentation College Chaguanas amongst the crowd.”
Central F.C. have been spending time off the field visiting schools in the Central area. “These will be our future supporters” said Sancho. “These young people will help to build our club over the years, both on and off the field, so we want to do all we can to encourage them to games.”
At half time, 21 year old defender, Akeem Adams, presented a Central F.C. supporters jersey to 19 year old Brad Bachu of Presentation College Chaguanas. Brad was one of the two 2012 President’s Medal winners, awarded for his academic achievements.
“It’s a great personal achievement for Brad” said Adams, who missed Saturdays game through injury “But it’s more impressive for Presentation College who have had three Presidents Medal winners in three years. It makes us at Central F.C. particularly proud as we use the College facilities to train”
Bachu, of Felicity, Chaguanas credits his sporting activities as motivation for success. Having represented Trinidad & Tobago at table tennis in the Pan American Games, Bachu said that both in sport and education
you should “Never compete with other persons. Compete against yourself because once you begin to compete with others, you begin to limit yourself.” Bachu now plans to continue his studies in the United States.
Central F.C. Assistant Coach, Kevin Jeffrey, himself a product of U.S. education said “ Brad is a perfect example of making use of the synergy between sport and education.
A healthy body helps to produce a healthy mind. Some youngsters feel that because they have been blessed with some sporting talent, they can forget their studies. What they don’t realise is that to reach the very top in sport, you must also have a good level of education.
“Jeffrey, who was recruited from college to play professionally in U.S.A added “There are so many times in your career where you must be mentally strong.
This strength often comes from developing a good work ethic at school. Nobody likes doing homework, but once you realise that you have to push yourself and sacrifice to achieve your goals, that mental toughness sticks with you throughout life.”
Central F.C. have no time to lick their wounds as they play W.Connection on Tuesday night and then travel to Hasely Crawford on Friday 9th November for an 8pm clash with Defence Force.