TRINIDAD AND Tobago defender Seon Power has joined DIRECTV North East Stars as a free agent, following a year-long stint with the now defunct Ma Pau SC.
The 27-year-old, who began his Pro League career with Joe Public in 2007, moved to Ma Pau ahead of the 2010-2011 season but, with Ma Pau folding up as a football entity, North East snapped up the versatile defender, who has 12 international caps.
“I played against North East last season when I was with Ma Pau and I thought they looked good,” said Power. “However, I noticed they tended to leak a few goals. I’m hoping that I can help to plug a few gaps at the back and, if so, I think we’re good enough to win this league.”
Power is also seeking a piece of history, having won the last two Toyota Classic titles — in 2009 with Joe Public and last season with Ma Pau.
“This season I aim to help North East win that trophy,” he said. “I believe I would be the first player to win three consecutive Toyota Classic medals with three different clubs.”
Power joins clubmates Stern John, Akiel Guevara and Anthony Wolfe in the Trinidad and Tobago team for Sunday’s friendly international against India.
“From what I’ve seen at North East, that number will increase,” he said. “We have some excellent players such as Stephen Cruickshank, Kevaughan Connell and Marc Leslie. And (youngsters) like Jeromie Williams and Kaydion Gabriel, who made their mark in the Olympic team, are definitely ones for the future.”
North East’s Director of Football, Kevin Jeffrey, said, “Seon is one of several players we saw last season who we wanted to sign. He has already settled into the team and combines well with Charles Pollard, Glenton Wolfe and Ishmael Daniel.”
“We wanted competition for places within the squad, and there is now quality in all positions,” he added.
“Coach Shurland David is still looking to further strengthen the squad in various departments. This season we’re seriously setting out to win the Pro League title and the First Citizens, and now I hear we have to win the Toyota Classic to keep Seon happy!
“We also want to do what we can to ensure that (TT) coach (Otto) Pfister can choose local players for his squad.”
Jeffrey, an ex-national midfielder, continued, “Its very important for the growth of the Pro League to have players involved in the national team.
“Supporters will come to watch their national players if the team does well. We aim to ensure that Pfister has a good selection of locals to choose from.”
Concerning his fitness, Power noted, “The pre-season training is superb. I am still a little behind the others as they have been training for three or four weeks longer than me, but despite that, I believe I am fitter than I’ve ever been at the start of a season.”
Due to the withdrawal of Joe Public from the Pro League, North East’s first game for the forthcoming season will now be against San Juan Jabloteh at 6 pm on August 27 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.