Caledonia AIA of Morvant Laventille are relishing the moments of former European based star footballer Russell Latapy who’s presence in their squad has helped them with the extra push to the top of the Digicel Pro League standings.
Latapy, the current Trinidad and Tobago National Men’s Senior Team and former Falkirk has not only registered two goals in three matches for the Morvant Laventille based club but also inspired victories in those three matches to help them to top spot on the standings—the latest being a 3-2 victory against Bmobile Joe Public.
Caledonia AIA Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz believes that the 40 year old National hero’s representation in the club does much more kick the ball for his team.
“Latapy’s participation with Caledonia is a huge boost to the League,” said the Caledonia coach. “And we feel honoured that God has chosen us as a medium for him to raise the awareness of the League. Some are pleased...some are vexed...while others wished it was them,” continued Shabazz.
Caledonia are now atop the Digicel Pro League standings with 28 points after 13 games. They are two points ahead of two-time defending champions San Juan Jabloteh and three ahead of Joe Public.
Caledonia defeated Joe Public at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Tuesday night thanks to goals by Kareem Joseph in the 9th minute and second half scorers Charles Pollard (80th) and substitute Kerry Daniel (85th).
The scores were tied 1-1 at the half with Joe Public’s Kerry Baptiste levelling the scores in the 31st minute and at the final whistle, Keyeno Thomas injury time item saw the match end 3-2 in favour of the Jamaal Shabazz coached side.
“I think it was a hard fought match played with great desire by both teams,” explained a delighted Shabazz. “It went the same see-saw way as our first meeting this season which ended 3-2 in favour of Joe Public. Matches against Joe Public are always entertaining and tough. The huge crowd played a major role in making the match an entertaining one. This is the type of atmosphere that teams in the League are aspiring to achieve.”
It is believed that Latapy’s presence in the Caledonia squad had alot to do with huge crowd turnouts at the Morvant Laventille based club’s matches.
Although delighted over his team’s current position, the 2008 Courts Pro Bowl and FA Trophy winning coach ended by saying, “The second Round has only now started and we anticipate some tough days ahead.”
Caledonia next match will be against sixth positioned Defence Force in Round Two Match Day Four at the very same Macoya venue as the Morvant Laventille boys not only look forward to a huge support, but also maximum points to pull away from the pack.