Central FC are expected to submit their final set of documents to officials of the Digicel Pro League today as they seek to join the league for the 2012/2012 season. Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Brent Sancho, Managing Director, Central FC, revealed that several high profile meetings were held yesterday and by today all things requested by the league should be handed over.
Sancho, a member of the historic Soca Warriors team that qualified for the World Cup in 2006, noted that he is very optimistic that “The Sharks” will get the nod. He is hoping, however, that Pro League officials treat their request with utmost urgency to give them enough time to prepare as the league is tentatively set to open on August 13.
The former national player believes that with just seven clubs comprising the league, it is a good sign for local football that a club wants to be a part of professional football.
“I feel we’ve met all the criteria and expect it (being granted approval) to be a bit of a formality. It would be a good boost to the league because with all the clubs that have been dropping out, it’s good that one wants to join,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the ex-TT defender said that the club has already held talks with a well-known foreign coach to take charge of the team.
“We’ve also ventured into getting a high profile coach. He’s a former Chelsea player and England international and knows a lot of good players that have fell off (the arena),” he continued.
Sancho noted as well that with the current economic climate, his club is placing great emphasis on what goes on off the pitch as well.
“Our aspirations on the pitch is not winning everything this year if we get in. We have a short term, medium term and long term plan. We will concentrate on the business aspect which would give us the impetus to go forward. The club must be financially viable as well,” he said.
The former Dundee player also delved into the plan the club has to strengthen their ties within the community. “We really want to get involved because what drew investors to us in the first place was our plan for the community.
We had some meeting with a particular school where we plan to house our training facility. We want this school to be part of our programme because both parties want to achieve the same thing in Chaguanas,” he continued.
Sancho noted that the Central area is rich with talent and is hoping they can feed “The Sharks” so they can be a force to be reckoned with in the future.