Jose Luis Seabra.

Name: Jose Luis Seabra.
DOB: 25-Jan-1974.
Position: Utility.
Club: W Connection (Trinidad, 2000 to present).
Previous Clubs: Botofogo (Brazil), Sporting Club Ceara (Brazil).
T&T Debut: vs Azerbaijan in Jan-2005.
NOTE: Became the first Brazilian-Born to represent Trinidad and Tobago football team. Seabra is said to be one of the best midfield players currently playing in the 2004 T&T Pro-League, a talented utility player who is known to score many great goals on set-plays, free kick, power shots or a corner. In 2004 he was voted “Player of the Year” and club MVP for W Connection, in 2000 and 2001 he was voted most disciplined player. He is called by his team-mates “Zair”.
In 2005 Seabra had been training with the T&T national team awaiting his T&T citizenship so he can help his newly found homeland which he has spent his last five years living with his family to qualify for the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany, unfortunatley, he never got it. He did however play for T&T in the 2005 Digicel Cup under then coach Bertille St Clair, but was unable to play at an official FIFA tournament because he was never granted a T&T citizenship and passport to this date (Feb-2007). In Feb 2007 Seabra scored the game winner in a CONCACAF Champion Cup game against Chivas of Mexico in a 2-1 win. The goal eventually made Fox Soccer Channel (FSC) top 10 goals of the week.

By: Joel Villafana - ttproleague.
03-Mar-2005 - Jose Luis Seabra is a disappointed man, as it now seems unlikely that he will be part of Trinidad and Tobago’s journey to Germany 2006—but the Brazilian born player is still hopeful that one day he still may become a ‘Soca Warrior.’
After months of uncertainty, it was revealed by Minister of Sports Roger Boynes, that under the current law, a non-citizen must wait seven (7) years to be granted citizenship after gaining residency.
Seabra was granted residency in January this year which allowed him to play for T&T in friendly internationals and regional tournaments, but in order to play at the international level F.I.F.A. requires that one must be a citizen to represent their country.
Minister Boynes also said, “if we go to parliament with the matter and grant Seabra citizenship, it would open the floodgates for a number of people who are currently in his situation.”
Seabra was being seen as the solution to the problems that the national team is encountering in midfield.
Coach Bertille St. Clair used the talented midfielder in a number of friendly internationals and also in the recently concluded Digicel Cup—and according to coach St. Clair the Brazillian born midfielder was now beginning to fit in.
The W Connection player expressed frustration over the latest development, he told ‘ttproleague.com’, “playing for Trinidad and Tobago in the World Cup Qualifiers was my dream, I concentrated all my efforts in achieving that goal and on hearing Minister Boynes, I was very disappointed.”
However, ‘Zair’ as he is fondly called is looking on the bright side, he said, “one good thing is that the authorities have not said no, they have just said it would take a little longer—so I am still hopeful something can happen.”
He spoke highly of this country’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup in 2006—saying, “I believe they can qualify, they have players with real ability and they just have to play the football they can play and hope the luck goes their way.”

www.ttproleague.com
25-Jan-2005 - Jose Luis Seabra is a happy man having finally played his first game for Trinidad and Tobago. The W Connection midfielder wore the famous number 10 shirt in T&T’s two match affair with Azerbaijan last weekend.
Seabra told ‘ttproleague.com’ that he enjoyed his first outing very much and admitted he was a bit nervous in the very 1st game on Friday night—and thought he had a much a better game in the 2nd match on Sunday afternoon.
Commenting on the game he said, “I was happy with the role he played and it was very important for me to give a good account of myself and show what I can do.”
The Brazilian born player admitted that he was surprised at being given the famous number 10 shirt—saying while he was honored, the important thing is that he wants to contribute positively to Trinidad and Tobago’s world cup campaign.
The Soca Warriors defeated Azerbaijan 1-0 and 2-0 in their latest 2 match series.
Jose Seabra has been given permanent residence in T&T which allows him to play in friendly internationals and Caribbean Digicel Cup matches, however, the Brazilian is still awaiting permanent citizenship which will enable him to play in World Cup Qualifiers.
Seabra is still hopeful it will all materialize before the February 9th world cup clash with the USA. Zair as he is called said his main goal now is to cement his place in the squad—the National Team next play Haiti on Feb. 1st and 3rd, before tackling the USA on Ash Wednesday.

T&T Guardian Newspapers.
23-Jan-2005 - Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra made his long anticipated debut for the T&T Soca Warriors in a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Friday (22nd of January 2005) night.
Seabra, who plays for W Connection in the T&T Professional League, looked nervous in the opening minutes, before some 500 spectators, many of whom came to see him on debut in national colours.
Seabra, who will be 31 on Tuesday, had an input in the goal, scored by striker Scott Sealy in the 41st minute, who was first to react to a parried free-kick from Azerbaijan goalkeeper Rauf Mehdiyev.
A free-kick, 35 yards out, saw Seabra lay-off off a pass for Pierre, whose right-footed shot was muffed by keeper Mehdiyev. With the Azerbaijan players left flat-footed, Sealy was quick to pounce on the ball and volleyed it into an open goal.
It was somewhat of a harsh goal for the visitors, whose quick passing and robust tackling at times kept the fit looking T&T players in check.
“I was not satisfied with my performance,” Seabra said afterwards. “I know that I could do better. I knew it was my first game with the guys, but when I get more play time things will improve.”
Meanwhile, national Senior team assistant coach David Nakhid feels that the best of Jose Luis Seabra in national colours is yet to come.
This was the view expressed by the former skipper after he witnessed Trinidad and Tobago’s 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan from the bench on Sunday at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.
Seabra started in national colours for the second consecutive time and looked better than when he made his debut against the same team last Friday.
“He was a bit better than in the first game but I think we still have not seen the best of him. I won’t say he is an automatic pick on the first team but he is definitely a benefit to us. We hope things can be sorted out for him,” Nakhid told TTFF Media.
Seabra too admitted that he felt better in Sunday’s match.
“The first game was not easy for me but being around the guys a bit more has allowed me to know them better. I just went out their today to try and do the simple things well and I thought I got through okay. It has been a dream come true to play these two games for the national team but I am still wishing that I can get the passport before Ash Wednesday,” the Brazilian-born player said.

Issued By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer.
20-Jan-2005 - Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra will be aiming to demonstrate his value to this country’s senior football team when he makes his debut for the “Soca Warriors” in Friday’s friendly international against Azerbaijan at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 6pm.
And while he’s waited long for this day, the Vibe CT 105 W Connection playmaker is hoping to make good what will turn out to be an early birthday present as he turns 31 on Tuesday.
“I don’t think there are words that can describe my emotions now. It’s a feeling I have never had before because I have never played for a national team. I want to thank the Government and everyone else who have helped me so far,” Seabra told TTFF Media as he checked in with the rest of the T&T team at the Royal Palm Hotel, Maraval on Thursday.
Seabra, who will wear the number 10 shirt, knows that all eyes will be on him as coach Bertille St Clair is hoping he can add some sting and stability to the T&T line up. Of course a solid performance will increase his stakes as he awaits word on his application for T&T citizenship which will then allow him to represent this country in World Cup qualification. Having received his official residency last week, Seabra can now play for T&T in the Digicel Cup and friendly international matches.
“It is important for me to perform well because people meet me in the road and say that they are expecting me to do well and now that I have the chance I am hoping I can add value to the team. But I am not worried, I will just play my normal game and it will be a big honour for me to play in the T&T shirt,” Seabra added.
"We are very happy that Seabra has been given permanent residence and it means that he can now play for us in the Digicel Cup. Hopefully he will get his application for citizenship approved so he can play in the World Cup. I want to thank the Ministry for making it possible for him to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the regional level.We now need to take it one step further,” St Clair said.
However, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation has given up hope on getting the Government to grant citizenship to Seabra as there is yet to be any response on the matter less than three weeks before the USA clash. Hopes were up that Seabra would be given his T&T passport which would have allowed him to line up against the Americans but the technical staff of the team has been left waiting and have decided to go ahead in their preparations but will keep Seabra in the squad for the friendlies against Azerbaijan and Haiti, allowing the viewing public the chance to see the player’s worth.
TTFF special adviser Jack Warner, on his arrival back from Brazil on Thursday evening expressed disappointment that Seabra and the TTFF have been left waiting.
“We have given up all hopes and I think it would be a lie if I said that we are all disappointed that the matter has not been dealt with in favour of the country’s football team which is now preparing for World Cup qualification. But the football goes on and we are prepared to get over this obstacle. We will in fact keep the player with us with the aim that he can maybe in some way still help the team in its efforts to get to Germany because I think everyone is aware of his qualities and even our top players may be grateful to have him around. He will be in the squad for the two games and the people will see for themselves. Even the captain of the Brazil 1970 World Cup team Carlos Alberto is saying that Seabra should be given the chance to play for this country,” Warner told TTFF Media.

By: Gregory Trujillo.
11-Jan-2005 - Brazilian footballer Jose Luis Seabra has one foot in the door towards being a T&T citizen. Approval for permanent residence was granted to the 30-year-old player yesterday by the Ministry of National Security.
G-Sport understands this is a preliminary step towards gaining full citizenship. Having been granted permanent residential status, the way is now open for Seabra to get full citizenship in a short time.
“We are working on something,” an official of the ministry said yesterday, when asked how long it would take for Seabra to obtain citizenship in order for him to represent T&T at soccer in the earliest possible time. The official said Seabra will not have to go through the procedure as someone applying for citizenship for the first time.
Seabra applied for permanent residence two months ago.
The Vibe CT 105 W Connection player, who has been living in T&T for the past five years, said yesterday that he has a nine o’clock appointment this morning at the Immigration Department.
When I visit them (Immigration Department) I expect to fill out an application for citizenship,” he said. “I am very happy to get permanent residence,” Seabra added. “I am anxious to move to the next step.” By gaining citizenship, Seabra will be in line to represent T&T in the final round of the World Cup qualification, which begins on February 9 (Ash Wednesday) with a match against the United States at Queen’s Park Oval.
National coach Bertille St Clair has expressed his desire to have the versatile Seabra in the team.
During the past three weeks Seabra has been training with the T&T squad.
Seabra is an attacking left-back, who is also effective in midfield as well as in attack. He is also a great kicker, which makes him a valuable asset in spot and set plays.

Issued By: Shaun Fuentes.
09-Jan-2005 - Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra swung balls from all parts of the penalty box as Trinidad and Tobago’s senior footballers went through their final session but coach Bertille St Clair had no chance but to ask the player to turn up for a seat in the stands on Sunday for this country’s Digicel Caribbean Cup encounter with St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.
Reason for this is that the TTFF was up to Friday evening still awaiting word from local immigration or Ministry officials on the application for T&T citizenship for the Vibe CT 105 W Connection player.
St Clair however still involved the player in the session as skipper Angus Eve and his men did their final touches. “I think he has been welcomed by all in the team and it’s a pity that we still can’t have him playing in a match for us,” Eve told TTFF Media. “But you can see that he’s fitted in well and he’s looking quite sharp too.”

By: Gregory Trujillo - T&T Guardian Reports.
20-Dec-2004 - Brazilian Jose Luis Seabra crowned off a highly successful season when he was voted “Player of the Year” of Vibe CT 105 W Connection, at the club’s Christmas dinner and awards function on Saturday at Gilbert Park Sports Facility in Point Lisas, Couva.
Seabra was presented with his award by coach Reynold Carrington.
The Brazilian is awaiting word from the Ministry of National Security to whom he has applied for citizenship. If successful, he would qualify to represent T&T.
“I am very proud to receive the prize for the top footballer and I hope that this will help my cause to get citizenship,” said Seabra, who worked tirelessly in defence, midfield and attack for his team in the T&T Professional Football League.
Seabra, who skippered the team many times during the season, helped W Connection to win the Pro Bowl and the First Citizens Cup, and to finish runner-up to North East Stars in the league.
St Lucian Titus Elva, who was not present because of an engagement with his country’s national side, copped the award for the leading goalscorer, while David Atiba Charles was chosen the “Most Disciplined Player”.
Andre Pacheco (Under-20), Matthew Bartholomew (U-16) and Shandon Winchester (U-14) were the MVP’s in their respective divisions.
Prizes were also presented to the top cricketers of Wanderers, which is sponsored by W Connection.
Brent Lezama and Sangiz Gooljar were declared joint winners of the MVP award in the Carib Division Two Senior Division for Wanderers, which was the “Team of the Year” of the T&T Cricket Board of Control.

Honour Roll:

U-14 Division

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Jareem Findley

MOST DISCIPLINED PLAYER: Mackenson David

MOST GOALS: Shandon Winchester

MVP: Shandon Winchester

U-16 Division:

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Abisa Hutson

MOST DISCIPLINED PLAYER: Keston Smith

MOST GOALS: Matthew Bartholomew

MVP: Matthew Bartholomew

U-20 Division:

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Kennedy Hinkson

MOST DISCIPLINED PLAYER: Devon Bristol

MOST GOALS: Gorian Highley

MVP: Andre Pacheco

Senior Division:

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Nicholson Thomas

MOST DISCIPLINED PLAYER: David Atiba Charles

MOST GOALS: Titus Elva

MVP: Jose Luis Seabra.

Issued By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer.
16-Dec-2004 - Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra joined the rest of the Trinidad and Tobago team for his first training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Thursday morning.
Currently, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation is awaiting feedback from Government officials on the status regarding an application for Trinidad and Tobago citizenship for Seabra which will entitle him to a T&T passport and eligibility to represent the “Soca Warriors” in World Cup qualifying matches.
Despite the ongoing wait, Seabra was invited to join the training and was active throughout the two-hour session conducted by coach Bertille St Clair.
The 30-year-old midfield playmaker was welcomed by St Clair and fitted in with the other T&T members, most of them already acquainted with him through action in the Professional League while he has also lined up for Vibe CT 105 W Connection in training matches against the National Team.
“I felt really good to be here with the rest of the team,” Seabra told TTFF Media. “It was what I had expected it to be like, the guys were very professional and eager to do well and the session was a good one. It was a pleasure for me to finally get the chance to train with the team because I’ve waited for this day for a while now. Honestly I feel like a ‘Trini’ because you can now see me in the dressing room with the rest of them.”
Fondly called “Zair” by his teammates including those at the session on Thursday, Seabra, formerly of Brazilian club Botofogo, said he remains anxious about knowing whether he will in fact be granted citizenship and allowed to play for T&T.
“Everyday I pray for this and so too my family and friends, so hopefully sometime soon I will be able to put on the T&T shirt in an international football game,” he exclaimed.
St Clair was also impressed with the player’s attitude.
“I hope everyone in this country can realize just how much the gentleman wants to play for us and realize that it is important that we have people with this sort of passion and commitment involved in anything we are aspiring to achieve. Hopefully the powers that be can act in favour of making it possible for him to play for the country and make it happen as early as possible because the next match is not far away,” St Clair said.

‘I want to live the T&T dream says Brazilian Jose Luis Seabra.

By: Gregory Trujillo - T&T Guardian Reports.
15-Dec-2004 - Jose Luis Seabra is crazy about playing football for T&T. The 30-year-old Brazilian playmaker, affectionately called “Zair”, is now eagerly awaiting word from immigration on whether or not he will be granted permanent residence which would entitle him to play for the country in the final round World Cup qualifiers, starting on February 9 against the United States.
“I am crazy about playing for T&T. I really want to play. It will be like a dream come through,” said Seabra at his new home in Couva on the weekend.
“I have to face reality. There is no way I could play for Brazil. There are too many good players where I come from.
“Every player would like to play in the World Cup and that’s my dream. Because I cannot play for Brazil, my next option is to play for T&T where I live now.”
Born January 25, 1974, Seabra has been in T&T for the past five years representing Vibe CT 105 W Connection.
“Zair” has been living here along with his wife Regina Leia and four-year-old daughter Nathalia, who came here when she was two months old.
To prove his ability and how much he loves the country, Seabra is the only one from a cast of nine Brazilians who were brought to T&T five years ago by David John-Williams, owner of W Connection, and has remained a “Trini To The Bone”.
Two of his colleagues, midfielder Gefferson Goulart and right wing-back Ronaldo Viana are now on loan to FC Zelenick in Yugoslavia.
“Zair” is undoubtedly the most versatile players to grace the football field in the Pro League. He is a utility player who patrols the entire left side of the field where he is equally effective as a defenceman, as he is a midfielder and an attacker, making him one of a kind.
“I am trying to get citizenship because I believe I could help T&T get to the World Cup,” said a confident Seabra. “I will try my best to help T&T qualify. I know the country has a great chance of qualifying and I want to be part of the team.”
“I live in Trinidad. I have chosen to live in this country for the rest of my life so I want a chance to be on the national team.” Seabra explained that he went to the Immigration Department and collected all the documents he needed two months ago.
“I returned all the necessary documents, including a certificate of good character from Brazil, one month ago. I am just waiting for them to call me back now.
“I have a strong feeling that I will get through because I have all the documents they need,” he added. The Brazilian was born in San Paulo, the home of many great players including Pele, Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
When asked why he has stayed in Trinidad this long, Seabra said: “ I love Trinidad, the friendly people and the climate. I love the food. But without pepper. My daughter Nathalia is different. She is growing up like the average Trini child and keeps asking for the pepper chicken.”
Presently, Seabra is among six Brazilians contracted to W Connection. The others are Luciano Viera, Paulo Roberto dos Santos and Under-16 players Felinto Badin, Roni Toledo, Serjio Arcangelo and Ewerton.
Before coming to T&T, the crafty Brazilian played for Nuroeste, Botofogo and Ceara.
“I wanted the experience of playing football outside Brazil,” said Seabra when questioned about his decision to come to T&T.
“When John-Williams and coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier came to Brazil saw me play in 1999, and asked if I wanted to come, I jumped at the offer. We sat down and talked about salaries and I decided to come. I made the right decision.”
Seabra, who now speaks fluent English as a result of attending classes arranged by John-Williams for all the Brazilians, said he enjoys playing in the midfield because he is involved more in the game.
“I see myself as a playmaker and someone who could come from behind and score goals.”
Seabra, who has worn the captain’s armband at WCFC several times in the recently concluded season, was voted most disciplined player in 2000 and 2001.

By: Joel Villafana.
27-Nov-2004 - W Connection’s Brazilian import Jose Luis Seabra is now expressing interest in playing for Trinidad and Tobago and helping this country qualify for the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany.
Jose Luis Seabra was spotted by W Connection’s owner David John Williams and Technical Director Stuart Charles Fervier back in 2000 and they immediately made arrangements for him to come to Trinidad to play in the local Professional Football League.
Seabra told ttproleague.com that he was happy for the opportunity to experience football outside of Brazil and grabbed the invitation with both arms—since then Jose Luis Seabra has helped W Connection to 2 Pro League Titles—and has been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the league over the last 5 years.
Now 30 years old, Luis Seabra has decided that he wants to settle in Trinidad—“I love Trinidad and Tobago, my wife and daughter also love the country and we have decided to make here our home. I have enjoyed playing football in the professional league and I will now like to give something back by playing for the national team,” said Seabra.
“I am currently trying to put my paperwork in place regarding my citizenship so that it may be in time to contribute to the World Cup 2006 drive,” Seabra added.
The W Connection midfielder said, “it would be a dream come true for me to play for T&T, I have spoken to Head Coach Bertille St. Clair and he indicated to me he is willing to have me in the mix.” Seabra stated he had no regrets leaving Brazil 5 years ago and is now looking forward to setting up a Football Academy in Trinidad after his playing days.
“Seabra is a very good player..good touch with good vision. He is also a lefty which is always an asset on any team. It would be great if he could play for T&T. This kind of thing happens all over the world, even in the big countries. The US gave citizenship to Freddy Adu of Ghana so he could play for them. Seabra spoke to me some weeks ago and he really wants to play for Trinidad and Tobago. I hope things work out so that he will be eligible for us," St Clair told TTFF Media.

How T&T's Brazilian footballers celebrated W/Cup victory - 'We shaked and danced Samba'

By Gregory Trujillo.
10-July-2002 - When Brazil won the World Cup for an unprecedented fifth time last week, nine of its countrymen playing their trade in Trinidad and Tobago had little time to celebrate.
Jose Luiz Seabra and eight other players contracted with Vibe CT 105 W Connection all watched the final against Germany together but had to cut short their celebrations because of an important match the same afternoon in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
"We couldn't celebrate after the win because we had a game against Arima Fire (won 2-0) the same evening.
"After we (Brazil) scored the first goal we took up our flag and had a ball. We shaked and danced for our country."
Seabra explained that when he and his colleagues watched their people celebrating at home they wished they were there.
"We followed the Brazil party on television after winning, knowing fully well we were in Trinidad.
"I particularly felt great about my country winning because we were considered outsiders to France, Argentina, Italy and Spain."
The win, he said, has opened the door for many more talented Brazilian players and coaches to get big contracts worldwide.
Apart from Seabra, the other Brazilians playing for W Connection are Jose Maria Manoel, Luciano Sato, Ronaldo Viana, Renato Pereira, Gefferson Goulart, Danilo, Manoel Jeisa and Ronaldo da Silva.
"After the first round, we all watched the remaining games together at my house," Seabra noted.
He also mentioned that what made the tournament more exciting was that most of the other players of W Connection were against Brazil winning.
"Most of them we backing Argentina and France and in the final they were supporting Germany.
"After we won, we went to the St Lucians' quarters (seven in all with only two backing Brazil) but they closed the door on us. Nobody came outside."
Commenting on the victorious Brazilian side, Seabra said, he liked the unity.
"Everybody was like a friend. Not only a player.
The coach had a good squad. His choice of players was very good.
"Before the World Cup coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had many problems. The team was plagued with injuries and discord. Brazil nearly did not make it through to the finals. The whole country called for Romario. But Scolari insisted that he was was not calling him up.
There was plenty pressure on him and he said he was sticking with his decision."
Seabra claimed that in all the World Cups that he has watched, Brazil has always played the same way.
"Everybody talks about the defence not good. But our strikers have proved their worth. For me the defenders are not the problem. This is a misconseption. I believe Brazil has a good all round team."
Seabra believes the Brazil-England game was the best performance by Brazil.
"Brazil played nice football and the game was very competitive. I also believe that Ronaldo was the best for me in the World Cup, especially what happened to him over the last two years - enduring knee injuries and operations. People had no trust in Ronaldo but he proved them wrong."
Seabra disclosed that what he learnt from the World Cup was that "as a professional you have to play as simple as possible. You have to mark in defence as well as in attack - you have to do both. And that is what the Brazilians did. I will encourage my players at W Connection to do the same."
Seabra grew up in Bauru, San Paulo, the home of the legendary Pele.
Also from his hometown are Edmilson, Kaka, Cafu, Junior and Ricardinho - five players who played an integral part in the Brazilian victory in Korea/Japan.
Seabra said he and stopper Edmilson played together when he began his professional football career.
Asked if he thinks he will ever be called up on a Brazilian team, Seabra said:
"There are too many good players in Brazil for me to make the national team. For you to be selected someone has to see you playing like in the Italian, Spanish and German leagues. You have to get the attention of the media.
"I certainly would not be seen playing in Trinidad. But I am enjoying my career here."
Seabra is a 28-year-old midfielder. He turned professional seven year ago, representing Botofogo in the Second Division.
The last team he played for back home before coming to Trinidad was Seabra, a First Division side.
Seabra lives with his Brazilian wife Regina and daughter Nathalia, aged one year nine months at his quarters in Savonetta - the home base of all the players of the David John-Williams-owned club.
Seabra is in his third year with Connection.
"Trinidad is my home now. I have spent more time here than anywhere else. When I go to Brazil it is on vacation."
"I love your country. The people I am in contact with are very friendly and peaceful. I also love the climate in Trinidad. It is the same all year round whereas in Brazil it gets very, very hot at times."

Related	News:
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