Trinidad and Tobago Pro League club, Caledonia AIA will wrap up their tour of Colombia with a warm-up match today against former Copa Colombia champions, Club Deportivo La Equidad Seguros, who play in the country’s highest division.
Caledonia, the 2012 Caribbean Club champions, are using a camp in Cali, Colombia as preparation for their first game of the 2013/14 CONCACAF Champions League (CCL). They travel to Mexico for their first CCL game – an August 6 meeting with Deportivo Toluca in Mexico City.
On Sunday, Caledonia opened their Colombia tour with a 3-0 victory over Chia Sabana Norte. Among the goals for Caledonia AIA was a new signing, 25-year-old Canadian born Guyanese defender Jamaal Smith. In his first outing for the club, Smith headed home one of the three goals scored.
According to AIA technical director, Jamaal Shabazz, his club is delighted to have the lanky defender on its roster. Shabazz boasted of his work ethic, having coached Smith in the Guyana national football team, where Smith was a member of the FIFA Brazil World Cup qualifiers squad.
“He brings sound tactical awareness and discipline to our defence having played in Europe (Sweden – Syrianska FC), and so far we are all impressed at how well he has blended with the team,” said Shabazz.
Smith said he’s happy to be part of Caledonia, and more so to be coached by Shabazz.
“I feel at home already, the players are very welcoming, and they (Caledonia) are a very professional side. I must say that most of all, I’m elated to be coached by Mr Shabazz again, having learnt so much from him while with the Guyana national team, so I’m ready to just put that shirt on and play.”