Former national captain Dexter Francis is making an effort to improve the level of readiness among young footballers in South and is enjoying every moment of it.
The former Strike Squad defender is currently head coach of Shiva Boys Hindu College of Penal which is enjoying a fine run in the South Zone of the Secondary Schools Football League and is a favourite to do well in the upcoming Intercol series.
Currently the Penal school can also boast of having two players on National youth teams in midfielder Joshua Bachan, currently with the T&T National Under-20 team in Venezuela and goalkeeper Kwesi Weston who is a member of the Under-17 team that is preparing for the Concacaf final round of world qualifiers next year.
Francis last appeared for United Petrotrin as a player in 1998 before hanging ups his boots. Since then he has coached Siparia Spurs in the South Zone and worked with the Sportt Company’s summer camps. “It’s what I enjoy doing... coaching the youths.
I particularly enjoy working in the south areas like Penal, Debe and Siparia. There are several talented players in these areas who just need nurturing and exposure and you can see the results with Bachan and Weston and the success that Shiva Boys is quietly enjoying,” Francis said.
Traditionally, areas like Debe and Penal are known for producing talented cricketers but Francis believes football is now enjoying much more popularity among budding players and fans. “I like the support in Penal and surrounding areas.
They really come out and support the Shiva Boys. I have to thank the principal Dexter Sakal for his commitment also and Cecil Jones who brought the team up from the Senior Division a few years ago.
The only thing lacking is proper support in terms of sponsorship. If we can get financial support and better facilities and equipment, then these players can definitely go places because they have the right attitude and approach,” added Francis who also thanked Petrotrin for granting him the necessary time off to coach the Shiva Boys.
Bachan is also hoping to move on to bigger things following his tenure at the Shiva Boys College which opened its doors in September 2000 at the refurbished Ghandi College building on Clarke Road.
“It’s an honour and privilege to have the chance to represent the country and be part of the national team. It’s been a lot of hard work but I’m enjoying it. Right now my eyes are set on staying on the team and going on to qualify for the World Cup in Colombia next year,” ended the Penal-born Bachan.
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