Brazilian midfielder Ronaldo Viana is back in the TT Pro League after signing a 10-month deal with San Juan Jabloteh.
Jabloteh Technical Director Terry Fenwick explained that a number of reasons provoked his decision to hunt the former W Connection player—and go against club policies of foreign signings.
“It’s something that I wouldn’t normally do,” Fenwick said. “But I had to go outside to find what I felt Trinidad is lacking and what it doesn’t have.”
“We need role models because we’ve got a number of youngsters at the club who need someone to look up too,” said the Jabloteh coach speaking on the heels of fining team captain Marvin Oliver and wingback Noel Williams for minor league participation.
“Viana works his socks off. He has a good engine and is an excellent addition to the squad and someone the players can look up too,” continued Fenwick.
“We have a very small budget and he’s costing us less than trying to bring back Trent Noel. And when we progress in the Concacaf Champions’ League, Marvin Oliver wouldn’t be able to travel with the team [because of VISA problems]. So we needed somebody that can stamp his authority on the game and Viana is that person.
“His experience in the Pro League and in the Concacaf Champions’ League with W Connection will be a great asset to us.”
The 31 year-old Viana last played with Triandada in the Goias League 1st Division back in Brazil in 2009 after leaving W Connection at the end of the 2008 season. He also has playing experience in UEFA with Zinezniq of Serbia Montenegro and trials with MLS club Chicago Fire (2007) and Korean club Bosan Iparq (2009).
He had two sessions with the San Juan based club since arriving in Trinidad on Friday night and Fenwick explained that he is impressed.
“Viana is looking fit. He is a very sharp individual with a good passing range. It looks like he has been working on his fitness (in Brazil) and we are happy about that. He is obviously a good addition because on the ground we have a very light squad but loaded with talents,” ended Fenwick.
Viana has enormes aspirações.
By: Randy Bando (ttproleague).
Brazilian midfielder Ronaldo Viana is eying the major awards this season after returning to Trinidad and Tobago with Pro League club San Juan Jabloteh.
“I’m really happy to be back in Trinidad,” said the former W Connection midfielder. “I’m also excited to make history with my new club.
“I know the club (Jabloteh) has a lot of ambitions in the League and Concacaf Champions’ League. My main objective is to help the club win the Digicel Pro League, to do extremely well in the Champions’ League, and personally to win the Player of the Year award,” said Viana with his enormes aspirações (huge aspirations).
The 31 year-old Viana completed a spell with Triandada in the Goias League 1st Division in Brazil last season after choosing to return home following the 2008 season with W Connection.
“At that time I had my little daughter (Camilly Victoria Viana) who was only a few months old and I decided to stay in Brazil to be close to my family,” said the Brazilian over his decision not to extend his stay at Connection after December 2008.
“Now it’s a little different, my daughter is a lot bigger and my wife (Ana Flavia) has her family as well as my family around her. So it wasn’t hard for me to return to Trinidad,” explained the experienced midfielder.
Viana joined W Connection in 2000 before moving to Serbia Montenegro with Zinezniq in 2004. He then returned to Connection in 2005 where he spent three more seasons. He had trials with MLS club Chicago Fire (2007), Korean club Bosan Iparq (2008).
“It’s a long time desire of mine to join Jabloteh,” explained the Brazilian speaking on his decision to join the San Juan based club and not return to his former club W Connection.
“But it wasn’t possible at the time. I spent many years at W Connection and had a number of wonderful experiences. But it’s a new challenge for me now, and for me to mix my style of football with a new team. Coach Terry Fenwick had a lot to do with my decision.
He has always been in contact with me and giving me advice on my game, so it’s a pleasure to be with Jabloteh and Fenwick.”