Is it a fact that local footballers, just as most of the working class, are sidetracked during the Carnival period? It’s understandable, even if it’s undeniably true.
It’s impossible to ignore Trinidad and Tobago Carnival which kicks off months before the actual long weekend, usually somewhere in early February, not only captivates the hearts and souls of locals but also tens of thousands of visitors to the twin-island republic for much more than the colourful parade of the bands. Fetes (an elaborate festival, party or celebration) are a key ingredient of the Carnival fever which is followed by the much anticipated parade of the bands on Monday and Tuesday, and ends with the ultimate cool down at Maracas beach on Ash Wednesday.
Its a delicious platter for the party lovers. But for the average man, as well as an athlete, ‘partying hard’ demands a heavy toll on the body.
There is no doubt that balancing our cultural Carnival rituals with keeping footballers prepared for a snap return to the (Digicel) Pro League Championship has always been a challenge for coaches over the years.
This time around www.ttproleague.com quizzed some of the men strapped with the responsibilities of keeping/or returning players in physical and mental readiness, and their remedies to handle such an interruption—the Caribbean’s biggest party.
Leading the way is Defence Force Head Coach Ross Russell. The soldiers enjoys a 9-match undefeated run and a healthy 6-point advantage at the top of the Championship table with 29 points; but ended an impressive 7-match winning streak after being held to a 1-1 draw against fifth positioned Central FC on February 1 at the Marvin Lee Stadium—the very same night of the Army Fete.
However Defence Force assistant coach Marvin Gordon claims that the Carnival period didn't really affect his team.
“Yes our duties would have affected us along with some extra duties,” he said. “But we still got in a light session up to Sunday night and the guys were out on duties on Monday and Tuesday. We returned to the field today(Wednesday) and had a good response. We have to play on Friday and the guys are all up for the challenge. So it didn’t really affect us that much.
Defence Force will tackle defending champion DIRECTV W Connection from 8pm at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Friday following a 6pm clash between T&TEC FC and North East Stars to kick off the Super Friday double header at the Macoya venue.
“It (the Carnival period) doesn’t really affect us because we trained up until Carnival Sunday,” explained Caledonia AIA Coach/physical trainer Jerry Moe. “We were back out on the training pitch on Wednesday morning and the energy level was good from the players. What we try to do is educate the players a lot about it and show them the bigger picture about being professional and the importance of proper hydration and so on if they were on the streets for Carnival.”
Caledonia coming off a 3-1 come from behind win over Police FC in their last outing, sits second on the standings with 23 points—6 points adrift of Defence Force—and a game in hand, while the Lawmen are seated sixth with just 10 points from 12 League outings.
Caledonia will return to action on Saturday from 5pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium against home team Central FC in their Round Two Match Day Six fixture.
Meantime Police FC Head Coach Richard Hood shared, “It affected our team drastically. We haven’t trained since last week Thursday. We had to work at Soca Monarch and through to Monday and Tuesday. Basically we worked throughout the weekend. So we try to encourage the players to do work on their own in keeping themselves in good physical shape and to avoid over feting and over drinking and that sort of thing.”
A request by Police FC to have their scheduled Round Two match against St. Ann’s Rangers this weekend postponed to a further date due to its players' hectic work schedule over the Carnival period, was granted by the League.
Affected or not affected by the Carnival festivities, the weekend begins at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Friday and shifts to the Ato Boldon Stadium on Saturday as clubs refocus on the League Championship.
Digicel Pro League Championship
Round Two Match Day Six
Friday 15 February 2013
Marvin Lee Stadium
T&TEC FC vs North East Stars—6pm
W Connection vs Defence Force—8pm
Saturday 16 February 2013
Ato Boldon Stadium
Central FC vs Caledonia AIA—5pm