Finland-based defender Aubrey David turned out to be one of the key performers for T&T at the Caribbean Cup Finals in Montego Bay in Jamaica.
The former national Under-17 and U-20 player was a starter in Stephen Hart's team for three of the matches during the championship after missing out on the previous semi-final stage in T&T.
Playing with FF Jaro in the Finnish top flight, David, who also played for Guyana at the senior level, said he owed his progress to hard work and self-belief.
"It was a decent tournament and I think we deserved every bit of success we achieved in getting to the final. Unfortunately the result didn't go out way but we fought till the end and that's the best one can hope for," David said.
"I think my game has seen some improvements and my transition from playing in Trinidad to Europe has played a big part in my ability to perform on the international stage. I can only hope to continue developing and improving."
David will return to the Caledonia AIA line-up but hopes to move back to Europe next season.
"I will be back at Caledonia but I'm hoping another opportunity comes up when the transfer window reopens in January. I feel my game is good enough to keep a spot on the national team and of course I want to play at a high club level because it's definitely helping me. I can't stay relaxed and think my place is fixed on any team. I have to keep delivering every match."
Molino takes topscorer award
National team forward Kevin Molino received the top scorer award at the Caribbean Cup Finals on Tuesday night after finishing the tournament with three goals. He was tied with Jamaica's Darren Mattocks and Haiti's Kervens Belfort.
Molino was called up to the stage to receive the trophy during the post-game awards ceremony when Mattocks unceremoniously made his way on stage and relieved Molino of the trophy shortly after the Orlando City midfielder collected it. The awkward situation was not taken lightly by a couple CFU officials as well as the Haiti contingent on hand at the time.
Molino however saw the lighter side to it.
"To me it's no problem if he wanted to rush to collect the trophy. It's just a trophy anyways but I'm grateful to have won the award itself because of me scoring goals at a tournament like this was important, especially as it meant getting my country to the final and the Concacaf Gold Cup," said Molino who also scored four goals in the previous semi-final round and now has 11 goals in 29 senior international appearances.
Commenting on the team's performance, Molino added, "We didn't get it right in the final but we came a long way. Playing Jamaica at home was tough because there was a lot at stake and the Jamaicans are a tough bunch in their backyard. But we are building and the team is progressing well. I think we can have a strong team for the Gold Cup and the World Cup qualifiers," he added.
Advertising opportunities for
companies on Dec 2
Local businesses and corporate bodies can support the upcoming Fifa Women's World Cup qualifier between T&T and Ecuador by purchasing advertising field boards for the encounter at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 2.
The field boards which are placed on the sidelines and behind the goals on the playing pitch will offer the opportunity for businesses to have a visual branding presence at the venue and on screen as the match will be broadcasted live in Ecuador and several South and Central American countries.
Because of the huge significance of the match with the winner qualifying for the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup, the game will also be shown on several television stations and sports show globally either delayed or via highlights package. Income generated through field board sales will go towards the development of the national women's teams as well as other national teams and development programmes. Interested parties can get more information by contacting the TTFA offices at 623-9500, 681-5429 or 772 0248.
Tickets are currently on sale for the big match at $200 covered, $100 uncovered and kids under 12 free in the uncovered section. Kick off is at 6 pm.
Shaun Fuentes is the director of communications for TTFA. shaunfuentes@yahoo.com