On Saturday 11th September, 2010, on the cusp of history, TTFF Media had the opportunity to sit with the proud family of Trinidad and Tobago Under 17 Women’s team forward Diarra Simmons and sister Nykosi in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port of Spain.
Mother – Lindy-Ann Simmons; Sister – Nykosi Simmons; Grandmother – Courtlee James;
Aunt – Umilta Donald; Grandaughter of Aunt – Shur-kainah Wilkinson; Cousin – Damisha Moses
TTFF Media: What does the participation of your daughters in this World Cup Competition mean to you?
Mother: It’s a double blessing. An amazing feeling. I’m very proud of the team. Her friends, neighbours, classmates and team-mates from Pickering Power in Canada are only too proud of her. Everyone is happy.
TTFF Media: How did Diarra come to be on this historical team? How did you find us?
Mother: Diarra plays on the provincial team in Toronto, and Marius (Rovd, Goalkeeper Coach) spotted her. Subsequently, Coach Pellerud invited Diarra and Nykosi to try out for the National Team.
TTFF Media: As a family of the first female footballer to score a goal at a debut match at a World Cup Competition, how do encourage the girls to stay grounded?
Mother: I always remind them that it’s a team sport and every individual is necessary for the success of the team. Diarra’s success is the team’s success, it is Trinidad and Tobago’s success, she could not have done it without the help of a supportive team.
Grandmother: We also never forget God in all we do and remind them in everything to put God first, for without Him, we are and can do nothing.
Mother: Every morning I remind them to thank God, because not everybody wakes up the next morning. I also encourage them to keep their heads up. They are now role models and whatever they do, ensure they set a positive example and always be proud of themselves and make the right choices.
TTFF Media: How did you feel when you saw that your daughter scored the first goal?
Mother: It was an indescribable moment, words just cannot sufficiently explain. We were all jumping up and down, perhaps the only persons who didn’t know we were family were those seated far away. That moment was priceless.
TTFF Media: What were your thoughts following the defeat on Wednesday?
Mother: This is also part of life and there are valuable lessons we can learn from our losses. The girls did a formidable job and as I always tell them as long as you give it your all, as long as you give 100% effort, be proud and be happy.
TTFF Media: Does she have any special surprises waiting for her back home?
Mother: She always wanted a dog. The living arrangements are a little different in Canada as they are here so it is not always possible to have a pet, but regardless, a surprise will be waiting for her.
TTFF Media: What's next for Diarra after the World Cup?
Mother: School continues for her. She attends Maryward Catholic High School and her teammates at Pickering have also qualified for the Ontario National Football Tournament in October and are waiting for her to come back and help them win.
TTFF Media: Is there anything you’d like to say to the Technical staff and the Trinidad and Tobago public?
Mother: Thank you, thank you and thank you again. You know, her father is from Barataria and I am from Tobago so we represent the both islands and from the bottom of our hearts we are grateful for the opportunity given to the girls to play for Trinidad and Tobago.