California based Central F.C.’s newest signing, Yohance Marshall, is set to make his first ever Pro League appearance on Friday when the Sharks take on Caledonia AIA at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The versatile 27 year old, despite earning 5 international appearances for T&T, has spent his entire professional career overseas.
Marshall earned his first contract in the USA when he joined L.A. Galaxy in 2009, but had already gained a reputation as a solid defender with the T&T U-17, U-20 and U-21 national teams.
After 3 seasons in the USA, Marshall decided to explore life in the Far East, joining Chainat F.C. in Thailand and then Nay Pwi Taw of the Myanmar National League where he was voted into the League’s 2013 All-Star team.
But, for the Diego Martin boy, after looking at options both home and abroad with his representative Narada Wilson of The Brazil Link, Central F.C.'s project seemed the most enticing for the former St Anthony’s College standout.
“It doesn’t matter where you travel in the world, you always miss your home” said Marshall. “I always wanted to test myself in the Pro League, and the thought of good Trini cooking clinched the deal for me!”
“Yohance is a player whom I have admired for sometime” said Central CEO, Brent Sancho.
“He’s a very reliable defender, he has a cool head and is a great example to young players.” Marshall played 21 games last season for Nay Pwi Tar and was never shown a card by officials. “He also has a knack of popping up and scoring important goals” added Sancho.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Pro League” said Marshall, “Particularly as I will be teaming up again with my old St Anthony’s team mate, Jan-Michael Williams.”
Sancho added “When you play overseas, especially in the far flung regions such as the Far East, you tend to disappear off the radar of the National Team coach. Now Yohance has a great chance of reclaiming his place on the National Team, and I’m sure Stephen Hart will be delighted to be presented with a new option for his defence.”
Meanwhile, Central F.C. continues their youth team preparations with training and trials for their U14 & teams on Saturday 11th January at 9 am, at New Settlement Ground, Chaguanas.
Players are required to walk with a white jersey and black or blue shorts. The U-18 & Reserves will be training and holding tryouts at the same venue on Thursday 9th January at 5 pm.
Central F.C. vs Caledonia AIA kicks off at 8pm on Friday 10th January at Hasely Crawford Stadium.