Central FC, a club which set ambitions of claiming its first T&T Pro League title this season, secured perhaps one of its biggest deals early last month, with the signing of T&T international midfield standout Ataulla Guerra.The 26-year-old, whose contract with Finnish club Rovaniemen Palloseura expired two months ago, is expected to go straight into action with the Sharks, when the team plays its first Pro League fixture for the year, against his old club San Juan Jabloteh, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Sunday.In a media release issued by Central FC, on Wednesday, Terry Fenwick, the team's head coach expressed his pleasure in signing one of the keenest targets to one of the Pro League's youngest clubs."I had several players on my wish list for the Winter transfer window, but Ataulla was at the top of that list," said Fenwick."For me, Guerra is a natural goal scorer, but his real strength is as a provider and I don't think there is anyone better to play behind Winchester and Quintero."
Guerra, a former Caledonia AIA player has played 27 matches for T&T, scoring four goals."Ever since Guerra played against us in last year's FA Trophy final, I wanted him in our squad," added Fenwick."There aren't many game changers around at the moment, but we've seen him do this for the national team and it's a role that we've been missing at Central this season."Having signed within the first week of last month, Fenwick said it had been frustrating to have the player's signature, but not having him available for selection."Guerra signed with us on December 6 to play football, and for me, having such an exceptional talent unavailable is annoying, but I've been looking forward to January 5 when we can finally see him playing in Central FC colours.
However, the massive signing, according to Fenwick, has not signalled the end of transfer activity this month for the title hopeful, according to Fenwick."Our aim is to regularly field six or seven T&T national players and complement them with youngsters who will push for the national team, as we did last season with Mitchell and Winchester," said the head coach."While our policy will always be to shop locally, we have several trialists arriving from overseas and if they have the quality we require, then we will look to bring them on board."
Fenwick then turned his attention to striker Willis Plaza, who was signed by Central in September but failed to convince Fifa to give him clearance. "Although we obtained the signature of Willis Plaza in September, the intricacies of the Fifa transfer system prevented his transfer from his club in Vietnam going through, despite appeals from us and support from TTFA and the Pro League.""This meant that his registration didn't clear until December 26 frustrating for the club and Plaza."According to Fenwick, the club is now in further discussion with the 26-year-old striker, who is considering a return to Vietnam."Technically, Willis is our player until May 31, but there is no value in having a player at your club who is not happy. We will sit down with him and let common sense prevail."