Brent Sancho CEO of DirecTV North East Stars Brent Sancho says his team will be the obvious underdog when it comes up against bmobile San Juan Jabloteh in the final of the TTFF FA Trophy on February 4.
Both teams will clash for the coveted prize after getting past their respective opponents in Wednesday’s semifinals. Jabloteh beat Caledonia AIA on penalty kicks while North East downed Defence Force 2-0.
Sancho, a member of the 2006 T&T World Cup team, said: “We’re ecstatic to be in the final of the most prestigious local club tournament, especially after being away from football for a year where we were focused on rebuilding and restructuring our club internally.
It’s a massive achievement and kudos to everyone involved from the administration to coaching staff, the players and fans and the club owner.”
Sancho said his team strived off the support of the fans in the community. “We are really a strong community-based club now and we believe in the people that we represent and they have shown belief in us.
We have an owner who has been willing to expand and take chances and that is what is needed to try and take the club forward,” Sancho added.
About facing Jabloteh in the final, the former Gillingham player said: “The fans can expect the same kind of football that got us to the final but we will be underdogs.
Jabloteh has a much bigger track record and they will be the definite favourites. They are also in form now so we must ensure we’re at our best on the day.”
Meanwhile, Jabloteh head coach Terry Fenwick is confident of his team’s chances but warned his players against complacency.
“We won’t take them for granted because we cannot afford to. An FA Cup final is a massive affair and it’s a big part of any football season.
We’ve worked very hard and I’m very proud of the boys for their display going into the final. Hopefully we’ll continue to get it right but I’m expecting another griping contest come the final,” Fenwick said.