Lee, Benny, Pappy, Riley, Yohannes… Wired868 selects its 2016 SSFL All Stars


The 2016 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) season draws to a close this evening as Presentation College (San Fernando) and Naparima College square off from 4.15pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva for the last available national title—the Big Four trophy!

Shiva Boys Hindu College have already secured the prestigious Premier Division trophy while San North Secondary marched off with the dazzling National Intercol crown.

So we know who the top schools are. But what about the best players?

Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College attacker Junior "Barry" Asson (right) takes on St Mary's College defender Nathan Hart during SSFL Premier Division action at Lachoo Road on 19 October 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College attacker Junior “Barry” Asson (right) takes on St Mary’s College defender Nathan Hart during SSFL Premier Division action at Lachoo Road on 19 October 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Wired868 asked reporters Roneil Walcott and Amiel Mohammed to provide us with the 2016 SSFL All Star Team:

Roneil’s XI

Goalkeeper: Desean Bowen (Trinity College Moka)

Confidence? Check! Agility? Check! Reflexes? Check! Did I say confidence? The Trinity custodian is as comfortable with his feet as he is with his gloves, and his presence and assured handling at the back were a major part of Trinity’s Intercol run.

Defender: Mylz Barrington (Presentation College San F’do)

Few SSFL wing backs can boast of keeping Shiva Boys winger Quinn Rodney in check for the majority of a match; and Barrington did just that. He is a shrewd one-on-one defender and his comfort while in possession makes him an asset going forward as well.

Photo: Presentation College (San Fernando) full back Mylz Barrington (right) keeps the ball from Shiva Boys Hindu College winger Quinn Rodney during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Presentation College (San Fernando) full back Mylz Barrington (right) keeps the ball from Shiva Boys Hindu College winger Quinn Rodney during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Defender: Yohannes Richardson (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

Richardson did not make the cut for National Under-20 coach Brian Williams’ provisional squad for CONCACAF qualifying round, but that is no reflection of the form he showed with the 2016 Premier Division winners. Richardson has made a seamless transition from central midfield to the heart of Shiva’s defence, and his rugged nature and ability to read the game makes him a difficult opponent to get pass.

Defender: Derron John (St Anthony’s College)


The diminutive John is the nephew of 2006 World Cup player Aurtis Whitley and he shares his uncle’s feisty competitive traits. John’s physique may not intimidate attackers but he let them know they are in a battle with his tough tackling. The defender also possesses a thunderous left foot, which he uses to great effect from set pieces—just ask Naparima goalkeeper Levi Fernandez.

Photo: Presentation College winger Jordan Riley (centre) dribbles past Shiva Boys Hindu College player Shaquille Williams (right) during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Presentation College winger Jordan Riley (centre) dribbles past Shiva Boys Hindu College player Shaquille Williams (right) during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Midfielder: Jordan Riley (Presentation College San F’do)

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Presentation College winger Jordan Riley is as unassuming as they come but can leave opposing defenders feeling very silly in an instant. His pace, coupled with his clean dribbling, make him one of the trickiest customers in the SSFL—not to mention a crowd pleaser.

Midfielder: Tyrel Emmanuel (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

There is no disputing the talent within coach Hayden Ryan’s Shiva Boys team, and Emmanuel is arguably the most talented of the current load. Whether by fate or not, Shiva Boys had Emmanuel’s services for the most of the season and the skilful playmaker helped his school to the highest points total in SSFL history. The jury is still out on whether Pappy will be able to transfer his schoolboy prowess to the international stage.

But, for now, Shiva fans are happy to see him score screamers from half line in their colours.

Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College maestro Tyrel "Pappy" Emmanuel (right) tries to shake off Presentation College (San Fernando) midfielder Terrell Williams during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College maestro Tyrel “Pappy” Emmanuel (right) tries to shake off Presentation College (San Fernando) midfielder Terrell Williams during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Midfielder: Che Benny (St Anthony’s College)

Benny missed the start of the SSFL season due to his involvement with the National Under-17 team in CFU qualifying. And after introducing himself to the Trinidad and Tobago public with some sparkling performances in an otherwise dull tourney for the hosts, the playmaker returned to the “Westmoorings Tigers” to add some spice to their already talented team.

It’s difficult to tell whether Benny’s best attribute is his vision or dead ball precision but he uses both assets to outfox the opposition. Just don’t foul a St Anthony’s player 25 yards away from goal.

Midfielder: Quinn Rodney (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

Along with his Shiva Boys schoolmate Tyrel “Pappy” Emmanuel, the speedy Rodney was overlooked for National Under-20 selection by coach Brian Williams after skipping a training camp in Guyana. However, that setback only meant Rodney had more time to terrorise SSFL fullbacks. Apart from leaving defenders in his wake, Rodney added five goals to help his school lift its maiden SSFL top flight trophy.

Photo: Presentation College (San Fernando) attacker Nion Lammy (centre) charges at the Shiva Boys Hindu College defence during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Presentation College (San Fernando) attacker Nion Lammy (centre) charges at the Shiva Boys Hindu College defence during the South Zone Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Forward: Nion Lammy (Presentation College San F’do)

Lammy is another player who missed the start of the season due to involvement with the National Under-17 team. However, the powerfully-built youngster wasted very little time upon his return, as he plundered seven goals in the Premier Division. And if Presentation College are to lift the Big Four title, Lammy would be sure to play a pivotal part.

His pace, physicality and tenacity are his best attributes, but he possesses a powerful left-foot shot too.

Forward: Isaiah Lee (Naparima College)

There seems to be a new strategy at Naparima College as of late. Put a guy named ‘Isaiah’ to lead the attack and let him rack up the goals. Last season, 16 year-old Isaiah Hudson scored goals at will to help ‘Naps’ to a national double.

There will be no double for Naparima this season but that was not Lee’s fault. The former St Augustine student scored 13 of Naparima’s 27 Premier Division goals and his sharpness and efficiency in the box was outstanding.

Photo: Naparima College forward Isaiah Lee (left) takes his aim while Presentation College (San Fernando) midfielder Kori Cupid looks on during SSFL Premier Division action at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 28 September 2016. Lee scored one and set up another as Naparima won 2-0. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Naparima College forward Isaiah Lee (left) takes his aim while Presentation College (San Fernando) midfielder Kori Cupid looks on during SSFL Premier Division action at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 28 September 2016.
Lee scored one and set up another as Naparima won 2-0.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Forward: Junior Asson (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

When one looks at the Shiva Boys team, you see flair and individual skill. But one of the main cogs in their wheel is the industrious and willing worker, Junior Asson. Not only is Asson a hard worker off the ball but his touches in front of goal are pretty good too.

The Shiva Boys forward bagged 11 goals in the Premier Division season, including an absolute thunderbolt on the final day against Fatima College.

Twelfth Man: Renaldo Boyce (San Juan North Secondary)

He calls himself “Mr Magic” and, thankfully, he has backed up that boast on occasion. Strong, skilful and direct, Boyce’s beaver trick in the National Intercol semifinals—which led San Juan North to a 4-1 win over Trinity College (Moka)—is one for the history books and he played a vital role in their overall National Intercol triumph.

Photo: San Juan North striker Renaldo Boyce (right) lobs the ball over Trinity College Moka goalkeeper Desean Bowen during National Intercol semifinals action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain on 30 November 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: San Juan North striker Renaldo Boyce (right) lobs the ball over Trinity College Moka goalkeeper Desean Bowen during National Intercol semifinals action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain on 30 November 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Amiel’s XI

Goalkeeper: Denzil Smith (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

The “Spiderman” of the SSFL. Smith boasts keen reflexes and a hunger to go beyond his limits for his team. He is Shiva Boys. “Mr Dependable” between the sticks.

Defender: Kyle Thomas (San Juan North Secondary)

Thomas is a do or die centre back; rugged and takes no prisoners. San Juan did not score many goals leading into their title triumph but Thomas was the man at the back who kept the opposition quiet and ensured that the “Boys from Bourg Mulatresse” were always in the game. When he is on the charge, it is better to get out of the way.

Photo: San Juan Secondary stand-in captain Kyle Thomas (left) prepares to clear the ball from a Presentation College (San Fernando) player during the 2016 National Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on 2 December 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: San Juan Secondary stand-in captain Kyle Thomas (left) prepares to clear the ball from a Presentation College (San Fernando) player during the 2016 National Intercol final at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on 2 December 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Defender: Yohannes Richardson (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

The rock on which Shiva Boys HC’s success is built. The imposing defender, who can also operate in defensive midfield, is strong in a tackle and intelligent with his use of the ball.

Defender: Nathan Harte (St Mary’s College)

After four matches winless and stuck in the relegation zone, coach Ryan Shim decided to shift Harte from midfield into central defence and the rest—as they say—is history. Harte’s positioning and determination at the heart of the St Mary’s defence led the Saints to be unbeaten in their next eight matches with five wins.

Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College stand-in captain Tyrel "Pappy" Emmanuel (right) takes on St Mary's College defender Nathan Harte during SSFL Premier Division action at Lachoo Road on 19 October 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College stand-in captain Tyrel “Pappy” Emmanuel (right) takes on St Mary’s College defender Nathan Harte during SSFL Premier Division action at Lachoo Road on 19 October 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Midfielder: Tyrel “Pappy” Emmanuel (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

In layman’s terms, “Pappy” translates to midfield maestro. Confident on the ball, silky on the turn and with a penchant for the spectacular—his injury time goal from half line in the South Zone Intercol final comes to mind—Pappy simply oozes class.

Midfielder: Che Benny (St Anthony’s College)

This mercurial playmaker is like a wizard with a wand of a left foot. He can also unapologetically claim to be one of the premier dead ball specialists at any level in the country at the moment. Benny’s delivery from set pieces are a sight to behold, as they arch and dip with astute precision.

Photo: St Anthony's College midfielder Che Benny (centre) is harassed by Fyzabad Secondary players during SSFL Premier Division action on 24 September 2016 at Fyzabad. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: St Anthony’s College midfielder Che Benny (centre) is harassed by Fyzabad Secondary players during SSFL Premier Division action on 24 September 2016 at Fyzabad.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Midfielder: Kareem “Enzo” Riley (Presentation College, San Fernando)

The National Under-20 midfielder loves to shoot and shoot and shoot. But when he isn’t doing that, he is quite effective in being Presentation’s box to box midfield engine.

Winger: Haile Beckles (St Anthony’s College)

The speed demon of Westmoorings, Beckles is a bundle of energy, who always finds himself in the middle of the action. Stronger than his short frame might imply, he possess proper pace coupled with neat trickery and an eye for goal.

Photo: St Anthony's College midfielder Haile Beckles (right) tries to escape from a Naparima College opponent during SSFL Premier Division action at Westmoorings on 15 October 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: St Anthony’s College midfielder Haile Beckles (right) tries to escape from a Naparima College opponent during SSFL Premier Division action at Westmoorings on 15 October 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Winger: Quinn Rodney (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

An electric winger who boasts a bag of tricks and a directness that makes defenders quake in their boots. His incisive runs and explosive acceleration can instantly transform defence into attack.

Forward: Isaiah Lee (Naparima College)

Lee led the charge at the top of the scoring charts with 13 goals in 14 games in his first SSFL season with the southern football giants. A tireless worker off the ball and a deadly finisher on it, the lanky Lee possess all the tools of a leading marksman. Left foot, right foot, in the air or even holding up the ball; Lee is your man.

Photo: Naparima College forward Isaiah Lee (centre) holds off Presentation College (San Fernando) left back Darnell Hospedales (right) during SSFL Premier Division action at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 28 September 2016. Lee scored one and set up another as Naparima won 2-0. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Naparima College forward Isaiah Lee (centre) holds off Presentation College (San Fernando) left back Darnell Hospedales (right) during SSFL Premier Division action at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 28 September 2016.
Lee scored one and set up another as Naparima won 2-0.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Forward: Junior “Barry” Asson (Shiva Boys Hindu College)

Asson is a crafty operator whose close control and composure in front of goal sets him apart in the SSFL. He regularly bamboozled defences and always seems to have defenders on their back foot.  He knows when to run, how to run and when it’s best to simply stand still and allow the ball to do the work.

Twelfth Man: Renaldo Boyce (San Juan North Secondary)

Do you need a bulldozing centre forward with an eye for goal? Then Boyce is your man. The strapping poacher breaks through defences and breaks down hearts like he did with his four-goal salvo against Trinity College (Moka) en route to National Intercol glory.

Photo: Presentation College (San Fernando) playmaker Kareem Riley (left) sizes up Naparima College flanker Justin Sadoo during SSFL Premier Division action at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 28 September 2016. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Presentation College (San Fernando) playmaker Kareem Riley (left) sizes up Naparima College flanker Justin Sadoo during SSFL Premier Division action at Lewis Street, San Fernando on 28 September 2016.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Wired868’s 2016 SSFL All-Star team (3-5-2 formation):

Denzil Smith (Shiva Boys HC); Mylz Barrington (Presentation College, San F’do), Yohannes Richardson (Shiva Boys HC), Derron John (St Anthony’s College); Jordan Riley (Presentation College, San F’do), Tyrel “Pappy” Emmanuel (Shiva Boys HC), Kareem “Enzo” Riley (Presentation College, San F’do), Che Benny (St Anthony’s College), Quinn Rodney (Shiva Boys HC); Isaiah Lee (Naparima College), Junior Asson (Shiva Boys HC).

12th man: Renaldo Boyce (San Juan North).

Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College goalkeeper Denzil Smith makes a low save during the South Zone Intercol final against Presentation College (San Fernando) at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Shiva Boys Hindu College goalkeeper Denzil Smith makes a low save during the South Zone Intercol final against Presentation College (San Fernando) at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on 18 November 2016.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

And for our Wired868 SSFL Player of the Year… Isaiah Lee, Junior Asson, Che Benny, Quinn Rodney, Derron John and Yohannes Richardson got on to the All Star teams of both judges.

But Wired868 cannot look past the grand “Pappy”, Tyrel Emmanuel, who follows in the footsteps of former Naparima College stars Jabari Mitchell (2014) and Isaiah Hudson (2015) as our latest schoolboy MVP!

More from Wired868
TTFA outlaws Toda-World FA and controversial ex-national youth coach, Marcelle

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has officially outlawed former national youth coach Terrence Marcelle and his club, Toda-World Read more

“David vs Goliath!” Eve speaks on Canada’s Copa challenge and his 23-man squad

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve hopes an organised defence will give his team the Read more

T&T and Jamaica finish goalless, Denzil and “Natty” shine

Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica played to a goalless draw at the Larry Gomes Stadium today, in the second and Read more

Fifa proposes 13 April election date for TTFA; candidates start canvassing

The Fifa-appointed Normalisation Committee has tentatively set elections for the president and executive committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Read more

Moore and Jones strike as Eve’s Warriors take big scalp, but USA march on

The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team took their biggest scalp to date under head coach Angus Eve tonight, Read more

Ten-man T&T hang on for 80 minutes, before 3-0 fall to USA in CNL 1/4 final

Trinidad and Tobago conceded three late goals in Austin, Texas last night as they lost 3-0 to the United States Read more

About Editor

Check Also

TTFA outlaws Toda-World FA and controversial ex-national youth coach, Marcelle

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has officially outlawed former national youth coach Terrence …

47 comments

  1. No Tobago player can make this team ?

  2. Why you had to take a dig at Levi Roneil, lol

  3. Are u saying that a team that barely survived demotion has better players than a team that finished 5th on the table? Just as both the traditional media fail to cover signal hill secondary players the new media (social) has failed too. Leaving tobagoians to ask how would a school boy footballer from tobago get a write up in any media form?

    • Akil Frank from Signal Hill got very positive reviews during the season. Nkosei Chance got high praise too.
      But with an all star team, it is a case of how you leave out. All the players ahead of Frank were national players.

  4. I watched man Utd U18 vz Southampton U18 yesterday…my god… that is scary to watch vz Intercol…its frightening …we have to do something very fast

  5. The little Indian dude from naps should be up there ,…his name is Sadoo… He was awesome to come up against and watch him control their midfield was a thing of beauty,i know I officiated in a number of these games he’ should not leave him out at all…. tremendous work rate man.

  6. Organize a game and test the National Team against a combine College Team (this twelve) before wasting much needed money sending them abroad! We may discover a whole new National Team!!!

  7. I sure I see Kyle Elijah Thomas name so I good ? my best defender!

  8. Where is Brandon J. Semper? This is very inaccurate?

  9. Wired 868, I would like to see the selection of an all star team also include the coaches and maybe even the players themselves with one stipulation that being you cannot select a player from your own team. That list might be more accurate. Just my two cents on the selection of ssfl stars

  10. Aye Roneil K Walcott where Compre player Akel Frank?? Lolll

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.