THE "Saints" have been at times brilliant and sometimes disappointing. Against both St Anthony's and QRC, they had more then 70 per cent possession of the ball, more opportunities to score in the first half, went in at half time leading 3-0, only to see the opposition comeback in the second half to nearly steal the points.
Are they unfit? I asked coach Hayden Martin. He is sure fitness is not the problem. "They are young and comparatively inexperienced and sometimes, complacency sets in when they have controlled much of the game." He says they have discussed this and are aware of the danger it poses to the team effort.
The team is well-knit, looking strong in all departments. Goalkeeper, Johann Marin is an 18-year -old Upper 6th form student, in environmental studies, mathematics and eography.
He is a reliable, solid goalkeeper with safe hands, good positional play and the boss of his defence in the penalty area. Marin played cricket at Under 15 national level but decided to concentrate on football. He has been encouraged by his parents, his father having played at good club level.
In front of him, there are reliable and very able defenders. The solid tackling and distribution of Marcus Cabralis, two Kevins, Norman and Ottley and Jeremy Del Pino, an adventurous and attacking wing back, making a name for himself especially for his overlapping runs that nearly always catch the opposing defence on the wrong foot.
Del Pino is also a 6th Form student in business, economics and accounts. The captain and central midfielder is Nicholas Lee, also an Upper Sixth business student. His father is a keen sportsman and an ex-Fatima player who has encouraged his efforts in whatever he undertakes.
Lee is a cool prompter of many of the attacks. His tackling is almost surgical in its accuracy and success and while he looks deceptively mild, he is as passionate and aggressive as any of the other players, including the Abraham twins , powerful players both with good shots from a football background and Roberto Marquez, son and grandson of former Saints players.
They supply the strike pair of James Adogwa, a strong enthusiastic player and Scot Sealy, the marked man whenever Saints are on the attack. Sealy is also an Upper sixth student and pursuing business, economics and geography. He is from a business family so his career is almost mapped out already.
He aspires to be like Rivaldo and admires his leadership and determination. He works hard at his game and brings to it some of the discipline that being a national under 15 swimmer had ingrained in him. He loves to listen to music and thanks his supportive parents for whatever progress he has made.