After surviving relegation last year, ‘Petit Valley Diego Martin’ Football Club prepares for the 2019 Season with another push to further improve with a few staff additions. On the technical side, the Club now has the short term inclusion of former Pro League and Caribbean title winning coach, Dale Saunders; along with assistance from TTDF soldier, Kenric Cupidore.
Dale Saunders successfully coached former Pro League giants Joe Public and Central FC, where he helped both Clubs win numerous domestic and regional Club titles. As Head Coach, his disciplinary approach and attack minded style of play should create entertaining football for Diego Martin communities to support.
When asked his reason for assisting, Saunders replied that he grew up and still lives in west Trinidad and wanted to see serious Club football in Diego Martin, where home grown talent could get playing opportunities, even at the national youth and senior teams.
‘Earlier this year, I had a favourable meeting with the Club’s management and despite their economic limitations, I shared their vision for the right structure and to operate transparently and sustainably to develop the Club, players and west communities,’ stated the affable Saunders.
Former coach Dale Tavares, built a good platform with a solid second round resurgence last year and this year the Club has already made good progress with founder Ronald Daniel, Derek Edwards and assistant youth coach, Gilbert Bateau, successfully steering the U17 team to 2nd place in the Republic Bank Elite U17 League and Knockout Tournament and the U20 team to the North Zone U20 League title, where the team played undefeated.
These good strides is something I want to build on with the senior team as it prepares for next Saturday’s opening match of the Ascension Invitational Tournament. We may be a bit behind time and financially battling, but the first steps are most important and both players and staff are committed. We are giving the best we possibly can and hope the communities of the West could be proud of what we are doing.