SUPER LEAGUE MVP Yohance Marshall is looking towards a career in coaching whenever he decides to hang up his boots.
The 32-year-old Marshall, who played 15 internationals for the national team from 2010-2017, had a key role this season in helping Queen’s Park finish as the runners-up in both the League and Cup competitions.
Last weekend, Marshall was part of the coaching staff at the Queen’s Park Football Academy during their five-day joint training session with coaches from MLS champs Atlanta United FC.
Asked if he was looking at make the switch to a career on the sidelines, the composed central defender said, “Yes I think I am looking to transition before that time (to retire). I want to at least prepare myself, but not just with Queen’s Park...I think I’ll do it with whoever youths or player that I can impact.
“I’ve seen talent within the League and I (have spoken) to younger players where they can improve certain things. So I don’t think it’s just a matter of Queen’s Park where I can help. If I can help Trinidad football, I’ll be doing myself and doing my country a service.”
The Parkites did not earn any silverware this season but Marshall described the year as a success.
“I was healthy all season,” he said. “The team played well. We just enjoyed playing football.”
Marshall was part of the Pro League for a few years with Central FC and North East Stars, before joining Queen’s Park earlier this year. He believes the standard of football in the two leagues is comparable.
“I don’t think there is any drop-off from the Pro League to the Super League,” he said. “We played a lot of Pro League teams in pre-season and even during the season and we won.
“So, I can say for myself I don’t think there is a big drop-off. The difference is probably the amount of training the coaches might have.”
Marshall takes his social responsibility seriously and has been working with the Can Bou Play Foundation – a venture involving fellow players Sean De Silva, Keston George, Elton John, Akim Armstrong, Julius James, Jared Bennett and Amiel Mohammed.
According to Marshall, “We went all over the country giving of our time and running mentorship and educational programmes, and also running off some clinics.”
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