Forgotten T&T national women’s striker Natalie des Vignes is homeless.
The talented 33-year-old heroine graced the front pages of international newspapers in 2000, when she scored the equaliser against Costa Rica during the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football World Cup qualifier.
Despite her determination to put T&T on the map, she has nowhere to call home. Her excellence led her to be awarded the 2000 National Women’s League Player of the Year Award for scoring the most goals. Six years later, she won the National Women’s Most Valuable Player Award.
Nicknamed “Vignes” on the field by her teammates, she copped 15 trophies and several certificates in a career that ended three years ago, because of financial constraints. It was a decision the expectant mother, who has two other children, wished she never had to make.
Forced to live in a two-bedroom apartment with seven other relatives on Ramsaran Street in San Fernando, des Vignes is disappointed over the treatment meted out to her. The disgruntled woman is also saddened by not being alloted a home by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), although she applied more than ten years ago.
“I am very, very disappointed. Imagine! I took so many kicks and cuffs for my country and I cannot get a house. Many like me have flown the national flag of T&T proudly and personally.
"Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it. When you go abroad you are considered the underdogs, and normally have to play twice as hard to get recognition for our country. “We are happy to fly the T&T flag, but it must not be forgotten what we did for our country,” des Vignes said.
Reminiscing on her career, the most touching event for her was when she played with Petrotrin Sports Club against Jane Republic. Des Vignes scored three amazing goals to secure victory for her team. “Each time you represent your country, you go with intentions of winning.
Whether it is a trophy, money or a medal, your aim is to win for your country. “No matter what role you play, once you are representing your country you have an important role and should be acknowledged. “I applied for a United States visa to go to my aunt’s funeral, and I was prevented from going.
“Why? Why must I be treated this way? I am a Trinidadian, and I represented my country proudly. All I am asking is a home for the children and I honestly think I earned the respect to be treated better than a dog.”