JELANI PETERS was a shock inclusion for the Trinidad and Tobago football team, for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Zone Final Round Qualifiers against Costa Rica (at home this Friday) and Honduras (away on November 15).
But, in an interview conducted on Friday night, the easy-going 22-year-old W Connection defender acknowledged that he was pleased that his hard work has been rewarded by TT coach Stephen Hart.
“I had an idea I was going to be selected but, the call, I was surprised,” admitted Peters. “It was just hard work. It was a good feeling.” Asked when exactly he found out about his selection, he replied, “(on Wednesday 26) I got the call from the (Trinidad and Tobago Football Association) office. They told me I was selected for the team. I didn’t know it was the 23-man squad.
“I thought it was for the Gold Cup playoffs. And when I saw it was the World Cup squad, I was (happy). All the hard work paid off,” he added.
Looking back at his time at Connection thus far, he noted, “I finished off the season with them last year because I joined in January, during the transfer window. I started the (2016-2017) season, I played the four CONCACAF games. I’m glad for the experience too.” During Friday’s media conference at the TTFA office, Hart stated that Peters can be effective as both a central defender and left-back.
“I started off as a left back,” said Peters. “It’s only last year for Rangers (that coach) Angus (Eve) put me to play stopper. From (then) I keep playing stopper.” Concerning his personal preference, Peters stated, “I believe its equal. I believe its balanced. I can play both stopper and left-back, with the same ability, (but) I prefer the stopper.” Ironically, he revealed, “I didn’t play youth football for Trinidad.
Actually I used to play cricket and my brother Jesse was always pushing me to come and take ‘a little sweat’. That was about age 10. After I got involved in football, and from that I keep playing.” The Diego Martin resident, a former student of Diego Martin Boys RC and Tranquility Secondary School, is one of the few TT footballers currently who never had a taste of Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Intercol competition.
But, following his days with Tranquility, “I used to play Under- 18 for Rangers and then I went (to San Juan) Jabloteh to play Reserve (League). I took a rest for about a year and then I came back (to) Rangers’ reserve team. That’s when I signed my first professional contract with Rangers in 2013.
I played nearly three seasons with Rangers and then I came across to Connection in March.” About his long-term aspirations, Peters said, “my dream is to go outside and play in Europe. But if I get the break in the MLS, I’ll take it.
Europe is my main focus.” How did his parents (Franklyn and Vanessa) take the news of his TT selection? “They were not surprised at all,” he replied. “They know I’m dedicated to football. I was working hard. I’m committed to the sport. They rejoiced, they were happy.”