Defence Force winger Reon Moore is hungry for more success after making an impressive start at his new club since making the move from North East Stars for this season. The 21-year-old, known for his tricky style of play, has scored four goals so far after setting a target of 10 for his debut campaign. His exploits have seen Defence Force up to fifth in the 10-team Pro League standings and into the semi-finals of the First Citizens Cup which kicks off next week.
Moore has shown the ability to step up when it matters and has found favour in the Marvin Gordon-coached Army/Coast Guard team since opening his account on July 29.
Defence Force, missing three of their best players (Andre Marchan, Curtis Gonzales and Hashim Arcia), who were in Ecuador with the national team, had an interesting match-up against an also-depleted W Connection at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Moore showed his class with two goals to lead his team to a 4-1 rout of the former league champions.
Speaking to Newsday recently, Moore cited that game as the one where he announced his presence in the league.
“That was the moment that I made my impact with the team, and since then I never come off the starting team. I bring an extra attacking force to the team from the left side. I got some instructions from the coach to play direct, not to defend, just direct football, and I went out and execute it.”
Moore said football has always been in his blood and paid tribute to deceased former North East Stars coach Lloyd Solomon for giving him the opportunity to play at the highest level locally.
“From playing with Sangre Grande Government in Primary School, I went to Philbert Charles’ Coaching School, then Sangre Grande Secondary and North East Stars, and since then it’s smooth sailing. Lloyd Solomon, the late ‘Chipper,’ that’s the man who really give me my break and put his belief in me, and I didn’t disappoint them. And since then I’m making him proud. He’s passed and gone, but I’m still making him proud.”
Moore said the support of family is important to him and he always feels extra motivated when they come to his games.
As a Pro League player, in his community of Pine Settlement in Sangre Grande, he said, he understands he is viewed as something of a role model to other youths and mentors a few of them who also have aspirations of playing football at the highest level.
Where does Moore see himself in the near future?
“My next step to make it on the national team and represent my country. I think I can bring some good attacking flair. With my performances in the Pro League, no doubt I will be a part of the team in the future,” he said.
National coach Dennis Lawrence has attended several Defence Force games in which Moore has featured, but he said that did not make him jittery.
“No, I was not nervous but anxious. It make me want to perform. I have something to play for more than Defence Force now. I’m playing for a pick for my country now. I also want to play abroad sometime,” he said. Asked to criticise himself, Moore said there are still things he can improve on, including staying focused for the entire 90 minutes and continuing to improve on the defensive side of the game.