As a footballer he considers discipline as the most important tool in the game. Anthony Wolfe has represented his country in the 2006 world cup and played alongside England’s best. He still continues to better the game and currently plays for Sporting Clube De Goa.
It’s not very often to see a Caribbean play football; cricket is nothing less than a religion in the West Indies. From the land of sun, sand and music there is this individual who loves to play soccer and by his expressions he is very committed to the game. He is here playing for Sporting Clube de Goa as a midfielder and he is having the time of his life.
30-year-old Anthony Wolfe is a Trinidadian who has represented SCG at the I-League. Wolfe started his career at a club called North East Stars with whom he clinched the league title in the year 2004, scoring 8 goals for them in the process. He then moved to San Juan Jabloteh at the start of the 2006 season and became that season’s joint top goal scorer netting in a total of 16 goals which earned him a place in the club Atlanta Silverbacks in the USL First Division.
He only played 3 games for them, scoring one goal, in his first season. Before joining Sporting Clube de Goa as their marquee player he was juggling for Churchill Brothers Sports Club for the 2013-2014 season. His skills and techniques also had an impact on the performance of Sporting Clube de Goa in the 127th edition of the Durand Cup. In a tete a tete with him his view on football in India was revealed.
The Goan: At what age did you start first playing football and what inspired you to take to this sport?
Anthony Wolfe: I started playing football in the local fields in my home town at the age of five. I loved playing the game and continued to pursue it at a higher level. The support of my family in allowing me to follow my dream was important in achieving my goal and has helped me become what I am today.
TG: What is your view on the scenario of football in India?
AW: Playing and seeing football here in Goa for the past two years I believe football is still at the development stage in India. As long as the corporate houses come forward to back the teams and good grassroots development is carried out there is no reason why India cannot prosper. Top class foreign players can also teach the local players how to be more professional in their approach towards the game.
The Goan: What is your opinion about the U-17 World Cup scheduled to happen in India?
AW: I believe India hosting the U-17 World Cup in 2017 is a fantastic thing not only for the youngsters who follow the game, but also for the country at large. The young players will be inspired by the magic of the tournament. India will also receive great exposure as the host and can showcase itself and the talent it possesses to the World.
TG: According to you what is your weakness in the sport football?
AW: When I started my career, my biggest weakness was my attitude. As footballers we are treated special and this hype can make us believe we are on top of the world and we do not need to listen to our Coaches. I can gladly say with age I have matured and do not consider it as a weakness of mine any more. I have learnt from this drawback of mine and have changed my attitude after which I have grown a lot more in the game.
TG: What is your view on the importance of fitness and diet in the game?
AW: Fitness is the number one key to being an elite athlete in any sport. In a team game, if you do not maintain your body then the Coach will struggle to keep you in the team even if your skill level is higher than your fellow team mates. A good diet is very important, especially the night before a game. I like to eat beetroot and pasta, along with water to stay hydrated. I also indulge in a few scoops of ice-cream while watching TV as the sugar fires me up for the match.
TG: Tell us something about your journey in the game football. Where and with whom all have you juggled for?
AW: I have played for North East Stars, San Juan Jabloteh, Atlanta Silverbacks (USA) and Ma Pau. I was previously juggling for the Indian side Churchill Brothers for one year and have currently signed Sporting Clube de Goa as their marquee player. I have also represented my country and travelled to the FIFA 2006 World Cup which was held in Germany.I have played alongside former English Premier League stars such as Dwight Yorke (Manchester United), Shaka Hislop (Newcastle United) and T&T all-time leading goal scorer Stern John which is a matter of pride for me.
TG: What are the goals you set have for this season 2014-15 with Sporting Clube de Goa?
AW: For the 2014-15 season with my newly signed club Sporting Clube de GoaI am delighted to have signed for one of the most exciting teams in Indian professional Football. I would like to score fourteen goals in the I-League and a total of 20 in all other competitions. I would also like to help my team win the Federation Cup.
TG: What is it that you try in a game of football striving to win or avoiding to fail?
AW: True Champions never think about failure, so I too would say I always go on the field to win. As long as I am playing I see that I put my best foot forward and try to support my team mates so that we can come away with the victory. We cannot win every game, but I believe on those days God had a different plan for us.
TG: What do you consider to be your strength and plus point in the game football?
AW: His strengths in the game are his speed, mobility and finishing. He was considered a surprise inclusion in the Trinidad and Tobago national team for the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany. He was selected due to his good goal scoring record in the Trinidad league. He has made 23 representations for his country and the first being on January 29, 2003 against Finland.
TG: What are your other hobbies and other activities you indulge in?
AW: I love playing football and have been playing this game for over 25 years of my life. Besides that I also play cricket and basketball. During my free time I also go swimming.
TG: A memorable moment in your footballing career till date?
AW: The most memorable moment of my football career was travelling to the FIFA World Cup to Germany in the year 2006 with my country. The same year I also finished as the top goal scorer in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League to scoop the Golden Boot which was truly a memorable moment for me which I would like to treasure.
TG: You were a part of the Trinidad and Tobago squad that qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. How does that feel like?
AW: Going to the World Cup is a dream come true for any footballer. It is an experience that I will never forget. Trinidad historically became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup with a population of around 1.3 million people, which is even smaller than the beautiful Indian state of Goa.
TG: Besides football was there any other sport you enjoyed playing?
AW: When I was young, I was pretty nifty with a cricket bat and represented various teams, but there came a time when I had to decide to devote full attention to football. I loved to play both games, but in the end I chose football. Brian Lara is a massive star in my country. I am also a huge fan of the Indian legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. They have both broken so many records which are truly inspiring for any sportsmen.
TG: How was your experience being a part of your national team?
AW: It definitely was a good learning experience. During my time with the national team I worked under legendary Dutch Coach Leo Beenhakker, who has won titles with Real Madrid, Ajax and Feynoord. I have learnt so much from Beenhakker. He along with many local coaches has contributed a lot to football in Trinidad