West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo told a group of young footballers they should look no further than the achievements of T&T's own Dwight Yorke, if they desire success in the sport.
Speaking at Friday's launch of the Malta Carib Youth Pro League held at the President's Box at the Queen's Park Oval, Bravo outlined key steps for success and directed them to the feats of the former T&T captain and Manchester United star.
"At age 17, Yorke was picked up by the scouts of Aston Villa and went to England. In England, for those who have never been to England, sometimes you wake up on mornings (and) it's like 13 degrees. You go months without seeing daylight. Dwight could have jumped on a plane and come back to Tobago.
Then, we might not have even known about him.
Now the whole world knows about Dwight Yorke and I want to say that you should try to be like him: another Russell Latapy, a young Kevin Molino, Khaleem Hyland. You are going to make it, but you are not going to make it overnight. There is a process and discipline is very important," Bravo said. He added, "You have to live the dream. Discipline does not mean only getting up in the morning and telling your mom good morning. Discipline doesn't (only) mean you don't use obscene language. It is how committed, how dedicated you are to your sport, to your fellow teammates, which is most important in sport–teamwork. You have got to respect your teammates; respect your coaches; coaching staff. In order for you to gain respect, you have to respect your fellow teammates."
Bravo impressed the need to always be honest and steer clear of inflicting self-doubt. Instead, he urged them to think of the great things they could achieve. Sharing intimate childhood details which moulded him, the star cricketer recalled the poverty-like circumstances that confronted his family.
"It was because of sports," he declared, "and the respect and good sense to listen to those with the knowledge I lacked in earlier days, which propelled me to establish a dynamic and prosperous career.
"There is great opportunity for you. It can change your lifestyle. I came from a very poor family. I am not ashamed to say it, but at the same time I am in a position now where I can provide for my entire family," he said.
Bravo added, "I was supposed to be the next Brian Lara. I grew up in a small village, Santa Cruz. Being right-handed was what made my batting style different to Lara. My younger brother Darren (Bravo) was being tipped to clinch that honour. My dream from a very early age was to play international cricket."