Positioned at the top of the 2013/2014 Digicel Pro League standings and 15 points clear of its closest challengers, DIRECTV W Connection welcomes the luxury of preparing for next season.
The “Savonnetta Boys” utilized the December/January transfer window by signing Surinamese Dimitrie Apai, 19, Cameroonian Kenneth Mendi Nzonteu, 19, and four St Lucians Shanoi Shawn Evans, 19, Levi Francis, 20, Eden Henderson Charles, 20, and Jamil Myron Joseph, 22 with the view of development in time for next season.
“My contacts are far and wide,” said W Connection owner/president David John-Williams. “We look for the best talent that is available. We already have all the good young Trinidad and Tobago players such as (Mickaeel) Jem Gordon, Neil Benjamin, Alvin Jones, Jomol Williams, Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus and so on.”
Meanwhile other league clubs have also snapped up players before last Friday’s 3 pm transfer deadline, but with the main purpose of improving their positions on the standings.
“We are really looking at (our new signings) for next season,” added the Connection boss.
“We have them now so that we can develop them in preparation for next season. They are young players and there are one or two that we will use from time to time, just as we used Dimitarie Apai (as a second half substitute in last Friday’s 2-0 win over North East Stars).”
Commenting further on his club’s new signings John-Williams said, “Nzonteu (who plays midfield) is a good passer of the ball. We are working on his fitness level we expect good things from him.
“(As for the St. Lucians) they have a base that we can work with. There are still areas of their game that we need to work on, just as we did with (St. Lucian) Kurt Frederick and it is clear that he is now the best left-back in the league.
“So we are committed to developing the players technically and tactically. And we respect that they will develop over time, as did (St. Kitts/Nevis internationals) goalkeeper Julani Archibald and Devaughn Elliot.
“We feel that they will all serve us well in the future.”
Connection also utilised the window to welcome back 22-year-old winger/forward Shahdon Winchester before the Trinidad and Tobago international returns to Finland’s FF Jaro, the club he served last season, in March.
Winchester, a product of the Connection youth system and a former T&T youth standout, already rewarded the “Savonnetta Boys” three goals in their last two games as Connection, winners of this season’s Digicel Charity Shield, Toyota Classic and FA Trophy, continues to dominate the league in undefeated style and a 10:2:0 record.
Connection will next tackle second positioned Point Fortin Civic from 3.30 pm at the Mahaica Oval on Saturday in Round Two Match Day Five top of the table clash.
And although the “Savonnetta Boys” have already defeated the southerners twice this season, John-Williams forecasts increased competition in their 12 remaining matches.
“It will be competitive,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy. A lot of other teams have strengthened their rosters to improve their positions in the league standings.
“We have twelve games left in our case and we see it as twelve very competitive matches.
“But in football you must show a level of confidence. In the first half we have done well and put ourselves in a position that we must remain focused, continue to work hard, remain humble and take one game one by one.”