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By Neto Baptiste
An 18-member football squad will represent the St Mary’s South constituency during an eight-day trip to neighbouring St Kitts, where they will play a number of friendly encounters on what organizers hope will be a bonding and unifying experience for all involved.
Leading the selections is senior national player, Tyrique Tonge. He is joined by Emerson Henry (Captain), Marley Martin (Assistant Captain), Andre Martin, Dequan Lewis, Alex Joseph, Quinton Roy, Kadeem Burton, Obediah Browne, Devlyn Williams, Denneson Stevens, Zeke Smith, Aquez Singh, Romario Christian, Kayon London, Raheem Horseford, Joel Martin and Shaquan Telemaque.
Head coach Koufee DeSilver credited the players for their dedication throughout the lengthy preparation time, which started since March.
“I want to commend the players that come out everyday. I appreciate them just coming out in the afternoons, and just seeing these guys out there, it’s just love and the respect that they give to me. The overall experience for me has been just love and discipline. They are very disciplined because you will see them on the street and how they dress but it’s different from when they come out there to practice and I just take that as a respect and I show them the same love,” he said.
Member of Parliament for the St Mary’s South Constituency Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, who spearheads the initiative, said it has been an emotional and gratifying ride.
“To see this from the thought stage to actually where it is now, it brings a sense of jubilation, a sense of joy and there is emotion with it also and it’s something good for the community. It is something good for the youngsters and the kind of exposure they will get because many of them never took a flight before, so it’s a big deal and I make no bones about that. Let me just say kudos to everyone who contributed; many of whom would prefer to remain anonymous and I am very grateful and thankful because by no means and by no stretch of the imagination was it a cheap venture,” the MP said.
Simon noted the change in attitude among players who are normally rivals in the domestic football programme, given that the team consists of players from three teams within the constituency.
“It’s something remarkable because there is bitter rivalry amongst one another when they play each other, so to bring them all together in one team is nothing short of a miracle. I can see the gelling so right now it’s no longer you play for Urlings, I play for Bolans or I play for SAP; it’s family,” he said.
The team will play three competitive matches in St Kitts while also taking part in a number of social activities. They depart on Tuesday.
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