Sidelined Defence Force and Trinidad and Tobago winger Kevon Carter said he is motivated to return to the playing field next season following his team’s League Championship win.
Defence Force celebrated the 2010-2011 Digicel Pro League Championship one match before the end following Friday’s goalless draw against San Juan Jabloteh at the Hasely Crawford Stadium which took their tally to an unassailable 38 points.
It is the first time since 1999 that the Soldiers won a League title to add to its previous national titles of 1972-78, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997.
“My team winning the title gives me more motivation to return next season,” said Carter, who was part of his team’s celebrations on Friday.
“That alone is therapy for me in recovering to return next season. I’m really eager to return to the pitch.”
The 27 year-old attacking player has been sidelined since last October after suffering a broken leg in the quarterfinal round of the First Citizens Cup under a challenge from Elijah Belgrave.
Carter is back on his feet and has begun therapy two weeks ago under the care of physiotherapist, Fleet Chief Petty Officer David Cumberbatch.
“I’ve begun therapy with Chief Cumberbatch who is doing a great job in getting me back to strength. So I expect that I’ll be back to full match fitness in three to four months in time for next season,” said Carter.
Carter went on to give details of his rollercoaster ride while his team charged on for the title.
“It was very emotional period for me sitting at side watching the boys win the title.
“I was a bit nervous as well when we dropped some points. Remember, we haven’t won a league title in 11 years, so there were some nervous moments but as Soldiers we remained strong and held ourselves together.
“We have to thank God, because without him nothing will be possible. And in saying that I knew the team would have worked hard to bring this title home for me as well.
“I’m very happy. This bunch has been working very hard in the past years and it’s rewarding now that we have won the title.
Carter went on to add that his team will grow from strength to strength on it’s League Championship and recapture it next season.
Defence Force will play its closing League match on Friday 28 January against St. Ann’s Rangers from 6pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium with leading goalscorer Devorn Jorsling on his way to a second Pro League career Golden Boot. Jorsling currently leads the goalscorers with 15 League goals, five more than North East Stars’ Anthony Wolfe(2nd) and seven clear of W Connection’s Andrei Pacheco(3rd).
2010-2011 Digicel Pro League Championship Final Matchday
Round Two Match Day Nine
Friday 28 January 2011
Larry Gomes Stadium
Defence Force vs St. Ann’s Rangers—6pm
North East Stars vs Joe Public—8pm
Mannie Ramjohn Stadium
W Connection vs Ma Pau SC—6pm
Caledonia AIA vs San Juan Jabloteh—8pm
Tuesday 01 February 2011
Mannie Ramjohn Stadium
FC SouthEnd vs Police—7pm