National team defender Seon Power would probably get the nod for “Most Valuable Player” award if his teammates were asked to cast their votes for the top T&T player during the just concluded Caribbean Cup Finals in Antigua.
It is something skipper Jan-Michael Williams, another outstanding T&T performer, would probably want to consider the customary practice among clubs and some other national teams worldwide, particularly as the Caribbean Football Union did not announce an “MVP” or select an All-Star team unlike previous years.
Power was outstanding at the heart of the T&T defence for the entire Cup campaign dating back to the opening 4-1 win over French Guiana in St Kitts/Nevis in October. He also scored the opener in T&T’s 3-0 win over Suriname last month. In Antigua he won several fans, some of them calling out for the “dreadlocks defender” as he made his way to the team bus following wins over Dominican Republic and Martinique.
His performances have not gone unnoticed as Thailand Premier League club Chainat FC have sent a ticket for the former Joe Public player to attend a trial before month end.
“It’s an opportunity for me to try and secure a contract outside. The league there is growing and is getting more popular in Asia,” Power said on Monday.
The 28-year-old player, with 40 international appearances, reached his second Caribbean Cup final last Sunday, also playing in T&T’s 2-1 loss to Haiti in 2007.
“It was a heartbreaker for me on Sunday. I didn’t even feel like having a night out with the boys on the night even though I know we gave it our best shot and still had something to celebrate as we had qualified for the Gold Cup. The second time around was very disappointing and I still hope I can lift the Cup one day,” Power added.
“I’ve worked really hard on my game. I’ve listened to teammates and coaches and also tried to improve my game by looking at past teammates who played in my position. I’ve just tried to be the best I can be. Now I’ll continue to keep on working hard and give it my all next year when we go to the Gold Cup,” said the former St Augustine Senior Comprehensive student.