Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 women football team defender Camille Borneo is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (acl) which she suffered during a tour of Brazil with the national squad last August.
The injury forced Borneo, then the team captain, to miss last September’s FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup here. But she is eager to get back on the playing field as soon as possible, following surgery to her right leg in December.
In an article in the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) monthly newsletter, Borneo, a Fifth Form student of El Dorado East Secondary, revealed her desire to move forward from her career setback.
“Life is about moving forward,” she said. “I cannot dwell on the past. I was disappointed over the development but I cannot allow it to confine me or define who I am.
Borneo continued, “I may not have been there physically, on the field, but I was there in spirit.
“I am extremely proud over the way the team performed at the World Cup and I’m confident we will continue to do well and develop.”
The central defender admitted that she used her setback as a stepping stone to becoming a better person.
“I have learnt many things over the past six months, but most importantly I have learnt that life is about balance,” she commented.
“I love my sport, I have always wanted to be a footballer but when all of it was almost taken away from me, I understood that there must be a balance.
“I have learnt to be more patient and I accept that nothing happens before its time,” Borneo added. “My family, my friends and my teammates have all assisted in my recovery process.”
Looking towards the future, she said, “Football will always be my passion and that will always be my focus. I am looking forward to completing my rehabilitation and returning to (the) squad.
“I would like to thank the TTFF and the Ministry of Sport for supporting me through this time,” she ended.