When one thinks of knockout titles, one thinks of W Connection. And in just the second knockout tournament of the 2011-12 TT Pro League calendar, W Connection added a second Toyota Classic trophy to its cabinet.
A cabinet showcased on the ground floor at the offices of club president/owner David John-Williams which he displays proudly.
One League Championship (2005), five First Citizens Cups (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008), three Pro Bowls (2002, 2004 & 2007), two Toyota Classic trophies (2005 & 2011-12) and Big Six titles (2004 & 2007), and one Goal Shield title (2009) during the history of the TT Pro League, W Connection tops the likes of other powerhouses San Juan Jabloteh, Defence Force and Caledonia AIA.
“It’s a special feeling,” said John-Williams after his team pulled off a 5-4 penalty win against T&TEC FC in the Toyota Classic Final last Friday at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.
“Its title number 27 for the club, but it feels like title number one.
I’m especially happy for the players knowing we decided to go with a young squad. We didn’t want to put too much pressure on them but the competitive spirit in the W Connection family is there and the players show this tonight and we are tremendously happy for them.
It was a good Final. A tough game and the youngsters showed good character. Jan Michael was also good making a big save and the young players held their nerves on the penalties.”
This season Connection boasts a very young squad with the likes of Jomal Williams, Shahdon Winchester, Jerrel Britto, Akeem Benjamin, Mekeil Williams, Andre Quashie, Joevin Jones, Jelani Grosvenor, Kellon Alexander, Neil Benjamin, Kenaz Williams, Keon Quow, Murilo Da Costa, Kemuel Rivers, Matthew Bartholomew, Gerrard Williams, Hashim Arcia, Keron Cummings and even 15 year old Matthew Woo Ling on its roster.
While goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams, wingback Kern Cupid and central defender Elijah Joseph are the veterans of the squad.
Longstanding head coach Stuart Charles Fevrier shared similar emotions of John-Williams’ following Friday’s victory.
Fevrier told ttproleague.com, “It’s a different feeling, because this year we took a conscious decision as a club that we would go with younger players. As a club and planning for the future we realize we have to do more in developing the youngsters to play locally and then move on internationally.
Tonight I’m very happy… very satisfied. More satisfied than happy. I’m satisfied that it was done with the new generation of the club – the younger players.
It says something about our club and our programme. I’m happy for the players in particular because some of them never won a trophy before and experience this kind of feeling. And I can say that this success will be some encouragement to them.”
Fevrier said that he was also satisfied to bring silverware to the club following last season’s empty run. He congratulated the staff, owners and directors adding that the success was a credit to the club’s programme.