Jordan “J-man” Riley, who plays on the right wing for defending Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premier Division champions, Presentation College (San Fernando), believes consistency and persistence will be key to his school defending their title this season.
The talented five-foot-three player with lightening feet and top dribbling and crossing ability, spoke to Wired868 intern Cindy Roopnarine about his football career so far in today’s One on One:
Date of birth: 22nd December 1999
Hometown: South Oropouche
Position: Right Wing
How did you get into playing football?
My dad, Roger Riley, played a big part in me playing football. He played for St Benedict’s College back in his time.
Why are you called ‘J-man’?
I got the nickname by accident. I would say when one of my friends jokingly said to me one day, ‘J-man what we doing later boy?’ From that day, the name “J-man” just stuck with me and everyone started calling me by that name.
What makes you stand out as a player?
I’ll say my athletic ability and stamina on the field as well as my dribbling and crossing techniques. Also, keeping fit all the time; everyone always says ‘J-man’ is the fastest on the team.
Who is your favourite player?
Lionel Messi. He is very hard-working like me. He is fit and he is one that I always look up to. Even though he may not always be the biggest player in the field, he always wins his one-on-one battles.
What is your favourite team?
Barcelona.
Who was your most important coach/coaches and why?
I must say the coach of the Presentation College team, coach Shawn Cooper. I have been training with him for the past six years and at the under-14 and under-16 level, he was the one who saw the potential in me and pushed me. He was the person behind me to push forward.
What was your best moment in football so far?
Well I must say the best moment was last year winning the Secondary School Football League was one of the biggest accomplishment for me.
And your worst moment?
The worst moment I’ll say was reaching the National Intercol Finals but we did not win the title, we came second which was back in 2016. It was very heart-breaking.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games or liming with my friends. Football is life so we will play FIFA and watch football.
What is something most people do not know about you?
Most people say that I can only play football but what they do not know is that I also play the piano. My parents sent my sister, Mya, and me to St Cecilia’s Music School in South Oropouche when I was ten years of age. We placed second in the piano duet, junior category at the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival back in 2010.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
As a person, I am hard-working both on and off the field, helping with house chores. Also, I am very funny person because I am always telling jokes and everyone who limes with me always will have a good time.
What do you hope to do when you finish school?
When I finish school here in Trinidad, I hope to further my studies in the US with a university to pursue Sports Management or Sports Physiotherapy. Or, every footballer’s dream is to become a professional footballer; so hopefully to get a footballing contract with a professional club.
What would be success for you as a player?
Success as a player for me will be playing on the international stage representing my country at the senior level at a big football tournament such as the World Cup and becoming a professional footballer for a professional club. Also, making my family proud is something I want to do.
What is your target for the season?
Last season my target was to score a goal at every game but I did not live up to that so this season it is just to become the top goal scorer in the league and help my team to victory. Also, I hope to become the most outstanding player in this year’s SSFL.