Famous Fifer Dwarika to show old tricks.

By: Alan Patullo - The Scotsman.
29-May-2004 - Of all the players boasting tartan connections in the Trinidad and Tobago squad preparing for tomorrow’s clash with Scotland at Easter Road, perhaps none can claim to have been so revered on these shores as Arnold Dwarika.
The midfielder was signed in March 1995 by the then East Fife manager Steve Archibald, and briefly fired a level of ambition amongst the faithful few at Methil not seen since the glory days after the Second World War. It wasn’t normal for the Bayview club to sign an international, and Dwarika proved no normal player. He already had 54 caps when he arrived in Fife as a 23-year-old, subsequently scoring with adroit back-heels and bringing a slice of calypso life to an area which had only one similarity with the West Indies - a shoreline.
Now playing in the Chinese first division, Dwarika is glad to return.
"It wasn’t a top club, but it was a nice place," he says. "I enjoyed my stay in Leven. The chairman, Mr Baxter, and his wife were like family, and looked after me." Dwarika was enticed over by Archibald, and was ready to be beguiled by talk of such places as Ochilview because of the success of compatriots Jerren Nixon at Dundee United, and Tony Rougier at Raith Rovers.
"It was a great place to come and learn," says Dwarika. "The present T&T team is a very young team, and so I hope some of the younger lads do their best on Sunday because they might get picked up by Scottish sides." He adds that he hopes a few East Fife fans make it along to Easter Road: "I want to show them some of the old tricks, bring back some memories." Recognition from East Fife will come today in any case. After training at Livingston he will be presented with honorary membership of the East Fife Supporters’ Trust.

Arnold Dwarika set for Chinese stint.

By Ian Prescott.
04-Mar-2004 - National footballer Arnold Dwarika is expected to sign a contract with a Chinese club as early as tomorrow.
The skilful rasta-haired Vibe CT 105 W. Connection midfielder left Trinidad and Tobago on February 6 for a trial with Chinese club Beijing Guoan.
Guoan, who campaign in the Chinese First Division, visited Trinidad and Tobago in January when they were held 2-2 by a President's XI team at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Dwarika is among several Trinidad and Tobago players who have had trials in China recently. Returning just last week was North East Stars striker Jerren Nixon, while national goalie Kelvin Jack also had a trial stint in China.
Gary Glasgow, another T&T player, is currently on a one-year stint with Chinese First Division team Guangzhou Xiangxue and scored four goals in his first six matches with the club.
Yesterday, Vibe CT 105 W. Connection owner David John Williams informed the Daily Express that Dwarika had a successful trial and was on the verge of signing a one-year contract. The stint with the Chinese club, should it go through, will be the second overseas assignment for Dwarika, who once played for East Fife in the Scottish second division.
Dwarika is one of four Vibe CT 105 W. Connection players expected to take up a professional contracts overseas this season. Already, Brazilians Ronaldo Viana and Gefferson Da Silva Goulart have been picked up by Yugoslav club F.C. Zeleznik for the rest of the season. The influential Connection midfielders left here in January for a 14-day trial with F.C. Zeleznik. During that time, they travelled to Turkey with the team which was then on a winter break. At that stage, Zeleznik were fourth in the top division, trailing leaders Crvena-Zvezda, Partisan Belgrade and third-placed Sartid.
Both Brazilians, who have been with Connection for the last four years, have reportedly excelled at the club and have started playing with the first team since competition resumed on February 21. Their contracts see them to the end of the season, with an option to sign them on a further two years should F.C. Zeleznik qualify for next season's European competition. Both Goulart and Viana were expected to play yesterday against Red Star Belgrade.
The exodus of players from Connection has meant a restructuring of the team who were runners up in all of the major competitions in T&T and the Caribbean last season.
Owner John Williams said that they will be fielding a very young team, including some of their Under-20's who were loaned out to other teams last season.

Arnold Dwarika, Jerron Nixon off to China.

By Shaun Fuentes.
11-Jul-2003 - Local footballers Arnold Dwarika and Jerren Nixon left on Friday for China where they will spend a week in Beijing on trial with professional club team Beijing Guoan.
Dwarika, a member of Vibe CT 105 W Connection, and Nixon who has been out of contract for the past few months received the invitations from the club through local businessman Hugh Leong Poi. Nixon was last based in Switzerland up to January.
Guoan were in Trinidad in January when they held a President s Eleven to a 2-2 draw at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. They are currently campaigning in the Chinese Division 1 A.
Leong Poi was also helpful in getting striker Gary Glasgow to sign a one year deal with another Chinese First Division team, Guangzhou Xiangxue where he is currently the topscorer with four goals in six matches.
"The club has been looking for players and they are well aware that players from Trinidad and Tobago are capable of doing well. They came here and saw it for themselves earlier this year and now the opportunity has come for both Arnold and Jerren to go out there and get contracts," said Leong Poi. "Hopefully things will go well with them over the ten days." Both players are likely to play their first trial match early next week.

Arnold Dwarika's enjoying the game again.

Written By: Shaun Fuentes.
3-Dec-2002 - Local ex-Scottish-based professional Arnold Dwarika is once again enjoying his football and if the opportunity arises for him to join the overseas ranks he may very well grab it with open arms.
The former Malick Senior Comprehensive scored on Sunday to help Vibe CT 105 W Connection to a 5-1 victory over Arima Fire in the TTFF FA Trophy final. This came on the end of the last few months which saw him axed from the Joe Public team and sidelined from the National Senior team. Dwarika joined Connection and showed his worth during the latter part of the season, adding that local flair to the Connection outfit.
Dwarika came back home in February from a trial with English club Blackpool where officials stated they would continue to monitor him.
Reflecting on winning the FA crown having also helped Joe Public achieve the prize last season Dwarika said "Anyone will be honoured to win this Trophy. For me winning it back to back is a nice feeling.
He added that he will relish the chance to play for T&T again."
"I don't think I have really come back to prove a point. That is how I am, I always play football to win and nothing else. I will be the Arnold Dwarika that I am, I can't change that. If they are willing to call me back on the national team then it will just be a blessing. If not, well then I will just have to continue playing club football where I will continue to win championships. I am enjoying my football once again. If the opportunity is there to go abroad then that will be good but I will continue to play until it's all over," said Dwarika.

W Connection sign Arnold Dwarika.

By Lasana Liburd.
4-Sept-2002 - Maverick Trinidad and Tobago attacker Arnold Dwarika is now a Vibe CT 105 W Connection player—at least until the end of the year.
Connection president David J Williams confirmed yesterday that Dwarika had been signed for an undisclosed transfer fee although his past employer, Joe Public had released him from his contract.
“Yes, there was a transfer fee,” said Williams. “We have signed him until the end of the year and the arrangement is satisfactory to me.”
Dwarika is eligible to play for the defending league champions from as early as today when they travel to Malabar to face North East Stars in a decisive Independence Bowl competition second leg match.
His signing is a major boost for Connection who have been hard hit by injuries this seasons and already relinquished one crown—the First Citizens Bank (FCB) Cup.
A 0-0 first leg draw at home to table proppers, North East Stars, also leaves open the possibility of a humiliating first round exit and coach Stuart Charles will be tempted to break with tradition and include Dwarika on his travelling squad today.
It has been a predictably eventful season for Dwarika who has been in the headlines ever since he caught the attention of the local public in 1990 with newly promoted Malick Secondary under coach Keith Look Loy.
After helping set the foundation for Malick’s dominance of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), Dwarika made headlines for refusing an offer to join coach Bertille St Clair’s national under-20 team to focus on his studies.
St Clair’s team went on to became the first English-speaking Caribbean team to qualify for a Fifa tournament as they participated in the Portugal 1991 World Youth Cup.
Dwarika fell afoul of St Clair again at senior level when the player was asked to cut his dreadlocks and attend sessions more regularly.
There was also a famous spat with Look Loy at Joe Public when his former mentor offered the player for sale at a nominal fee of $1.
In both cases, FIFA vice-president and Public chairman Jack Warner came to the assistance of the talented player.
But Warner claimed to have had enough in early July when he sacked Dwarika and national teammate Nigel Pierre for participating in a minor league tournament.
Despite his disciplinary shortcomings, Dwarika remains one of the country's most talented products since ex-Manchester United star Dwight Yorke and is likely to repay Connection's faith in goals.
Dwarika’s career is expected to become more complex later this year when his loan period ends with Connection and he once again becomes the property of a club that has refused to pay him.

Faltering Connection turn to Arnold Dwarika.

By Lasana Liburd.
01-Sept-2002 - There may be life after Joe Public for Arnold Dwarika after all.
Almost two months after being booted out of the Centre of Excellence by Public owner Jack Warner, Dwarika is on the verge of being rescued by a move to defending Professional Football League (PFL) champions Vibe CT 105 W Connection.
Connection coach Stuart Charles told the Sunday Express yesterday that the club was interested in acquiring the discarded player who was axed from Public for playing in a minor league competition.
The deal would hinge on the willingness of Dwarika’s former employers to allow the talented Trinidad and Tobago international to join their bitter rivals.
But Charles is convinced that Dwarika can be of use to the faltering “Savonetta Boys” who have managed just one win from their last six outings.
“Dwarika, for me, can add to our goalscoring potential,” said Charles. “Since we lost Earl (Jean)... we have not been able to replace him with a goalscorer of equal effect. And I feel Dwarika can add to our potential to get goals.
“Dwarika is a player who can both create and score.”
It is left to be seen though, how Warner—a FIFA vice-president and former major PFL financier—responds to an approach for the player who was the cornerstone of his Public outfit since landing at Macoya from Scottish lower division team, East Fife, in 1997.
According to another daily newspaper, Public manager Sam Phillip placed a $250,000 price tag on ex-striker Nigel Pierre who was sacked along with Dwarika.
And although Connection president David J Williams would not give details before a meeting with Public officials, a similar demand is likely to scuttle the move with the Pro League September 15 transfer deadline looming.
Williams is hopeful that Dwarika can help to compensate for a long injury list which he blamed for Connection’s drop in form.
Strikers Jose Manoel and Leonson Lewis are both unavailable through injury as well as Ronaldo Viana, Renato Pereira, David Charles, Addison Belfon and Jefferson George.
“We have a long injury list and Dwarika can help us,” said Williams. “But we need to strengthen for the Caribbean Club Championship as well.”
Charles said that at present, he is going through his worst spell at Connection and pointed to several possible reasons for the slump, including a depleted squad and an early pre-season due to the March Concacaf Champions Cup.
Still, he gave credit to Connection’s opponents including table-proppers, North East Stars who, he said were significantly improved following the acquisition of several Guyanese internationals.
Charles insisted though that Connection would recover.
“In spite of the difficulties, we feel very much at the top so to speak,” said Charles. “The important thing to us now is to get back our rhythm and our confidence before the team reaches the final round.”
Dwarika, they hope, would play a big role in making that possible.

Arnold Dwarika, Nigel Pierre fired.

By Keith Clement.
6-July-2002 - National footballers Arnold Dwarika and Nigel Pierre were yesterday fired by Joe Public Football club.
The two players had their contracts terminated by its owner, businessman Austin Jack Warner.
Warner said, "I had enough. They have things too easy and the discipline was not there. They're the best paid players in the country, but perhaps life is too easy at Joe Public." Warner, who is also a FIFA vice president said, "I'm going to re-structure the club so that each individual will own-up to his responsibilities."
Asked what will become of the two players, Warner replied, "They are free to play for whosoever they want on free transfers, while the other players would be relegated to the second team."
Warner said, "Joe Public players earned between T&T$7,500 and $4,000, a month and they work for just 90 minutes a week."
Dwarika, a midfielder and the club's ex-captain, was the 1999 and 2000 "Footballer of the Year". He got a house and car for his exploits on the field and was the best paid player at the club.
Warner's decision to sack the duo resulted from their participation in the Jogglers' Soccermania which took place at St Mary's College last month.
Another national standout with the club, defender Stokey Mason together with Adrian Narine, Joseph "Gouti" Peters, Kendall Velox, Pierre and Dwarika were sanctioned for breaking the club's rules by playing in the event.
Except for Dwarika, 29, and Pierre 22, the others have been relegated to play for the "Eastern Lions" in the Eastern Football Association.
The Club will also slash their salaries by half as part of the re-structuring process.
The six players did not suit up for Wednesday's Pro League encounter with Arima Fire which going into the match with only five of its regular players, Joe Public managed to scramble a 1-0 victory with an Andre Toussaint header in the 83rd minute.
Apart from Toussaint, the other regulars in the starting line-up were goalkeeper Donovan Thomas, skipper Dale Sanders, George Dublin and Gayson Gregory.
Eight of the club's Under-19 players were drafted into the side in the absence of the "Naughty Six". They were Davin Jordan, Hollis Brown, Sterling O'Brien, Julius James, Kevon Cornell, Terrance McAllister, Keiron Benito and Lincoln Brown.
Pierre said they all knew of the circumstances if they played in any competition not relating to the Pro League since it was scribed in their contracts but they took one chance too many.
Warner said the Joe Public budget is $3.8million annually and already this year he has spent $1.3 million on the club. Joe Public has been having one of its leanest seasons in top flight football since 1997 after joining the Semi-Pro League.
Team Administrator, Sam Phillip said yesterday that the decision by the management of the club to discipline the six players stemmed from their playing for another side without permission.
"We have a rule at the club where the players cannot play in any other league or game without our permission," said Phillip.
"If this rule is flouted, the guilty player or players face either suspension, a fine or relegated to a lower division," he added.
Phillip explained that Dwarika, Pierre, Mason, Narine, Peters and Velox will be closely monitored over the next month.
Dwarika who played a vital role in Trinidad and Tobago's final World Cup qualifying matches, has struggled to make it into the Eastern Lions starting lineup in the inaugural 2002 T&T Pro League football season, while Pierre was expected to return for trials in England later this month.
Jemmott has run afoul of club rules in the past, while Narine recently returned from an unsuccessful stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States It is understood Warner is not taking the situation lightly, especially with the current below-par performances of the Eastern Lions in the pro league. technical director Zoran Vranes said he too was dissatisfied with the unimpressive performances of some of his players.
"It is clear that some of these players are not giving their best. Some of them are not serious.
"We have to blood the younger players and give them a chance, and I hope Mr Warner supports my move to look more at the youngsters," Vranes said.

Jack offers Arnold Dwarika an apartment.

By Keith Clement.
24-Mar-2002 - FIFA vice-president Austin Jack Warner said that he will offer national footballer Arnold Dwarika one of his apartments if he is evicted.
Warner, speaking to the Guardian from Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday where he is attending to FIFA business, said he is ready to assist the player.
Three weeks ago the National Housing Authority (NHA) issued Dwarika with a letter requesting that he settles an arrangement entered in 1999 for his home at El Dorado Heights, El Dorado.
He was given 21 days or face eviction as early as next week since the deadline ended last Wednesday. Dwarika was asked to settle the full cost of the house, valued at $185,000 by next week.
Warner, the owner of Joe Public Club of which Dwarika is a player, said, "I have thought about the Dwarika issue long and hard and I have finally decided that I shall offer Dwarika one of my apartments to live at a reduced rent until I can find a place for him and his family."
Warner who is heading for Jamaica tomorrow morning, for a Host Broadcasters' meeting, said, "I sincerely hope that the people of Tunapuna in particular, and T&T in general, have learnt some useful lessons from this level of vindictiveness".
Former Housing Minister Sadiq Baksh said yesterday, "Everything was done within the Statutory of the NHA who has the authority, and the gift for Dwarika was agreed to by the Government. I'm willing to meet with Dwarika to settle this matter of PNM victimisation."
He added, "Nothing surprises me about the PNM's victimisation. They are just taking away from the people". Dwarika, 28, the 1999 TTFF "Player of the Year", was presented with a new three-bedroom apartment as a gift for his success on the football field in January 2000 at a Joe Public function at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. Present at that function then were Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and other Government officials.
Former PM Basdeo Panday, citing what he called the PNM's senseless victimisation, spoke about Dwarika possible eviction and similar fate to other tenants who are occupying apartments at Savannah Villas in Aranguez, during a news conference at the UNC office on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, last Wednesday.
Panday said, "Dwarika's flat was one of ten given to persons who have made a contribution to this country." Dwarika, a father and husband said, "I have a letter from the NHA which states the apartment is mine. In fact, the document was the only way that T&TEC would have given me lights and I have put in lights, painted and done other work on the house."
When contacted, Housing Minister Danny Montano said on Friday that there was no Cabinet minutes to show that the gift was approved.

Arnold Dwarika returns from Blackpool.

By: Shaun Fuentes. 
28-Feb-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Arnold Dwarika will return home either on Sunday or Monday following his one -week trial at English Second Division club Blackpool.
Having scored in Blackpool's 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, Dwarika has decided to return home despite getting good remarks from Blackpool manager Steve McMahon. However, it was felt by the club that Dwarika's fitness level was not up to par and they understood that this was as a result of him being in preeason back in Trinidad.
"Arnold's fitness level is low because preseason has only been on for about two weeks. But the guys at Blackpool have been in training since August. The thing about Steve McMahon is that he's a great believer in work ethics and he felt he didn't see it in Arnold even though he had no doubt about the player's skill and talent and was obviously pleased about his goal. It's very unfair to judge him on one game and we could have stayed and player probably one more game but Arnold felt he wanted to return home and work on his fitness before returning to England," explained Mike Berry from England.
McMahon did speak to TTFF Media on Thursday and while he did talk about Dwarika's obvious talent and capabilities, he added that he preferred to say more about the player's status on Friday. "He is obviously talented and well recommended and someone we could look into," said McMahon.
T&T Technical Director Rene Simoes said earlier this week that he feared for Dwarika's chances because of his current fitness level because of the current preseason here and said on Thursday that it was more reason to think about shifting the local season from May to July for the 2003-2004 period and beyond, similar to that of the European calendar
Dwarika is expected to attend a League match on Saturday involving either Stern John or the Wrexham trio.

Arnold Dwarika stars against Blackburn.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
27-Feb-2002 - Arnold Dwarika attracted all the attention today as he scored a second half beauty to help Blackpool to a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers in a closed door game.
The Joe Public man played the full 90 minutes and performed creditably according to Mike Berry.
"Things went reall well with him and he left everyone at the club impressed. He scored an absolutely wonderful goal with a left footed strike from the left which flew into the left top corner in the second half. He did well consider that he's not in a full season the moment," said Berry.
Dwarika started in midfield and the went into a striking position in the second half before netting midway through the closing period.
His goal came after he beat two players before firing on the edge of the box. Soon after he almost scored what would have been the winner but his effort went inches over bar.
Berry mentioned that Dwarika will return to Trinidad on Tuesday before returning to England, possibly for a visit at another club.

Arnold Dwarika gears for action.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
26-Feb-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago striker Arnold Dwarika will fly out for England on Saturday to begin a seven-day trial with English Second Division club Blackpool.
The current Joe Public marksman, had the trial arranged through the efforts of Peter Miller, and according to reports, officials are anxious to have him arrive and have indicated that he will go into training straight away with the club's first team.
Mike Berry is also now representing Arnold Dwarika during his current trial at Blackpool. Arrangements also involved Pro Sports Caribbean and Peter Miller, who is representing the Joe Public club in this matter.
"Arnold's doing great at the moment. He's been with the first team since Monday and he's off with them to see a League match away to Cambridge United later today. He's been very welcomed here so far," said Berry.
He added that Dwarika will go into action in a closed door match against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday at 7pm T&T time. "This trial game will more or less determine whether he gets a contract. He trains again on Thursday and then travels with the team on Saturday to see their game against Queen's Park Rangers," said Berry.
Berry also mentioned that he and Dwarika will sit with the chairman of the Blackpool club on Sunday for discussions and if things don't go well, then another trial at a different club should be arranged for next week.
"When he arrived, we took him out for lunch with Dennis (Lawrence) Carlos (Edwards), Clayton (Ince) and Hector) just so that he could feel comfortable on the first day and things have gone well since," said Berry.
Commenting on the progress of Sam, Edwards and Lawrence, Berry stated "The Wrexham trio are doing very well. Dennis is in absolute top form at the moment and Hector is on fire. Carlos came on on Saturday and is definitely giving the manager a headache for selection because of his pace on the field. Hector turned down the chance to play for his country against Brazil because he has three relegation matches coming up so it would have been very difficult, but now that the international is off for the moment, I'm sure he'll come for the other one. At the moment I'm pleased with the progress of these talented players in England," ended Berry.