Brent Rahim, known for his appearances for the National Team during the 2002 and 2006 World Cup qualifying campaigns has decided to hang his boots up and enter a new career path.
The player, once attached to English Premiership side West Ham United is now based in England , not like the rest of his overseas-based former teammates but as a student pursuing a masters degree in Sport Management and the Business of Football at the University of London (Birkbeck).
Rahim moved to London in September and following the completion of the course, he will then take up the FA Level Two coaching course and the UEFA coaching license.
The 30-year-old was one of the two stand by players selected by Leo Beenhakker for the 2006 World Cup Finals. But being so close yet so far forced him to rethink his career.
“This has been a difficult decision for me as I love the game and can still contribute to the national team on the field, but there is young talent out there and this is a time for them to prove there worth,” said Rahim who spent his time at West Ham alongside Paoli Di Canio, David James, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick.
“Furthermore I enjoy a challenge so pursuing my football education is the direction for the moment. As a result in September 2009 when I have completed my studies if I can contribute on or off the field in any possible way I will always be available for my country.”
Dating back to 2007,Rahim became an employee with Home Construction Limited.
“I was given a great opportunity by Mr Micheal Anthony Fifi to work with HCL and develop sport both within the company and in the community. Thus after one year and gaining some much needed management experience I decided that football management was the right direction to go. I believe that my practical knowledge of being exposed to clubs like New Castle United, West Ham United and Levski Sophia FC have given me the tools to go into my next stage of development.”
The work and achievement of FIFA Vice President Jack Warner has also influenced Rahim, formerly of St Anthony’s College and University of Connecticut.
“I am a great admirer of Mr. Warner for his accomplishments with FIFA and all he has done and continuing to do not only for our football but also for the global exposure of Trinidad and Tobago. I think that it is time for others to take the mantle of fulfilling the vision of taking our football to another level and not just sit back banking on the efforts of one man,” Rahim concluded.