It's a new year and one of the wishes on former Appalachian State University standout Kristian Lee-Him's wishlist, is to play for Trinidad and Tobago, a wish he hopes will become a reality in the near future.
Lee-Him told the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) in a little chit-chat session yesterday: “I want to play for T&T one day and have always wanted to, even if I get the chance to train with them it would be wonderful. However, I know I have to continue to work hard and settle in with a club to improve my chances.”
“Here is a little insight about my ambition. In 2011- I was recruited to Appalachian State University (Division 1), after the 2nd game the team experienced a tragedy (our coach died) and the replacement had a very limited knowledge of the game, after the 2 year term, I transferred to University at Buffalo (Divison 1) which I graduated in May 2015 with a degree in Business Administration.”
“Graduating as a student athlete by successfully balancing sports with academics currently is my biggest achievement, of course I am aiming for a bigger achievement really soon.”
“Most of my development was with Sigma FC, it is a very European based academy in Mississauga with the coaches teaching and the squads playing the Dutch way, in-fact, coach Bobby Smyrniotis was a coach and scout for Ajax Amsterdam. Sigma FC was very instrumental in my NCAA recruiting process (preparation and selection of schools). Last summer I played L1O (semi pro division) with Durham United FC, this was a very good insight to the next level.”
The midfielder isn't short on talent and at a tender age won many titles including; the 2010 OSL U-21 League Champions. To name a few, he was a 2008 Ontario Summer Games bronze medallist with Ajax Soccer Club and was the Edinburgh International Tournament - Golden Boot winner in 2007.
He also got high marks in a recent 2015 Ontario League 1 season review from head coach of Durham United FC Sanford Carabin who said: “We picked up Kristian Lee-Him from Sigma FC. Once he got into the squad, he pretty much never left the rotation. Always worked 150% every practice and game, and brought a lot of quality to the attacking mid position. He is actually in Italy right now training ahead of the transfer window opening. Verona Stars is the team he's with. It's an academy that was set up in Italy for players between 18-24 and out of contract. He's looking to take the next step, added Carabin.”
Lee-Him stated: “Attacking midfield is my favourite position and where I excel at mostly. I like players that make runs and being mobile because it showcases one of my strengths, passing.”
“I can add to the attacking options and penetration of teams up the middle for any team I play for. I also enjoy shooting and it is one of the things that most teams do not do enough of, test the keeper, hence the reason I won Golden Boot medals in the past, the chance is there, you just have to take it when it comes.”
In 2010 Lee-Him trained with the Trinidad and Tobago national U-20 and U-23 teams, recently, he got in a few sessions with W Connection while on Christmas vacation in Trinidad last month.
“First off, I must say thank you for all your help and assistance in navigating the process for getting try-outs with the various national youth teams in the past Flex.”
“My management team (TSM which consists of coach Hannibal Najjar, Andy Salandy and Roget Bryan) arranged for me to attend a couple of sessions with W Connection over my recent Christmas vacation. It was very professional (preparation, execution of drills and attitude).”
“The staff is very knowledgeable, the drills were very similar to what I have experience before. The players are fast and move the ball very well, it was a good professional setting and I knew a few of the players from my previous training stints with the national U-20 and 23 teams, so I felt comfortable. Coach Earl Jean was happy with my performance and left the door open for future discussions in the current transfer window.”
The talented midfielder who carries many passports including an Italian one, spent some time in Europe training with a few teams and impressed enough that he could be heading there in the near future.
“I recently completed a 6 week training camps in Italy with Verona Stars in Genoa, included in that was a two week trial in Slovenia. My performance did generate some interest and I will be able to share some more information/news in the next few weeks.”
“Ambition wise, I think all players want to have a career in Europe because the leagues are pretty competitive. I am very realistic and now I have to build my resume so my goal is to start in a lower division/league, learn the profession and sharpen up on my skills and hopefully move on to bigger and better things.”
The Canadian-born is no stranger to Trinidad and Tobago, his dad (Derek) has kept the Trini-tradition in his blood alive and today Kristian can boost that he is proud to be an adopted Trini.
“I am Canadian, born in Toronto, currently living in Pickering. My dad is Trini and mom is Canadian/Italian. I grew up on a soccer pitch, every weekend in the summer going to my dad's games. What makes it nice is, 99% of our family friends are also Trinis so the Trinidad connection is very strong.”
“While soccer is my number one focus, hobby and love. Personality wise, I am very laid back and like to observe things and reason with myself. On the food front, of course doubles and curry chicken ranks as favourites, but truth be told anything a Trini cooks is my favourite, I just love the food, the culture and the people.”
“I have 2 clubs that I follow, the Arsenal and Barcelona, some of my favourite players played for these clubs. I also like Ozil, Ronaldo (Brazilian), Pogba, and of course Messi. I enjoy players who play in the middle, my all-time favourite has to be the Brazilian Ronaldo, he is flawless, I still enjoy watching him finish.”
“I do follow the Soca Warriors Online (socawarriors.net) and I must say it is very informative on the footballing front, I am very happy with the progress it has made over the years, and the forum is entertaining a well.”
“As for T&T, I felt the 2015 U-23 team could have done better in the PanAm/Olympic qualification games (because the squad has talent). The Senior side has been impressive, of course the 4-4 tie with Mexico in the Gold Cup shows T&T quality and that coach Stephen Hart is a proven leader and very knowledgeable. He's made Canada turned a corner from the route 1 soccer to a very watch-able brand when he was here.”
“Trinidad and Tobago always had talent and flair, but what I see now is motivation, hunger and drive. I like seeing Khaleem Hyland in the middle, Kenwyne Jones on-top and the very physical defender Daneil Cyrus especially. Currently, I like Kevin Molino, very electric, smart and makes some very penetrating runs, I will love to be on a pitch with him (I did have a few sessions with him during my U-23 training stint) and I like playing with players like that, of course Dwight Yorke has to be one of my T&T icons.”
Lee-Him further stated that: “Previously, you asked about my Trinidad connection, this is a driving force in my interest to represent Trinidad and Tobago. The support is interesting, if Canada played T&T in Toronto, we will have more Trinis than Canadians in the stadium rooting for the Soca Warriors (that is why all the games are in the West). In addition to the playing style, it is just the little bit of South America flair in the whole set up that makes it very desirable.”
“As you know, I am very persistent, so I will continue to work hard and hopefully make an impression for a call up in the near future, ended Lee-Him.”