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Twenty-five-year-old Defence Force utility player and Trinidad and Tobago international defender Curtis “Boyo” Gonzales is busier than ever in 2014.
His team has just finished duty in the Caribbean Club Championship, is trying to retain the Pro League title and has the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield and Digicel Pro Bowl competitions to come. Gonzales also hopes to be in Argentina when the “Soca Warriors” face the Lionel Messi-led World Cup contenders in June and there is the Caribbean Cup tournament later this year as well.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
But, every minute that he is not on the field, Gonzales is making time for his son, Curtis Gonzales Jr.
“I spend my free time with my four-month-old son,” Gonzales told Wired868. “It is hectic but my family helps me a lot.”
There is a huge sense of loss for Gonzales too as he admitted that the sudden death of teammate, Kevon Carter, hit him and the squad hard. The 30-year-old Carter, who was also a Trinidad and Tobago international, died from a heart attack suffered during training on 28 February 2014.
Gonzales described his late colleague as a friend, counsellor and someone he looked up to a brother.
“There is a special place in my heart where Kevon Carter will be remembered,” said Gonzales, who vowed to live a healthier lifestyle in memory of his friend.
On the field, Gonzales is blazing a legacy for himself. He was seven-years-old when coach Allen Green taught him the basics and, 18 years later, he already represented his country at the Egypt 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the 2012 Caribbean Cup finals and the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Here is some more about Gonzales:
(Courtesy Allan V. Crane/ Wired868)
Name: Curtis Gonzales
Date of birth: 1 January 1989
Position: Utility player
Hometown: Santa Cruz
Former schools: Santa Cruz RC, Barataria Junior/ San Juan Secondary
Favourite player: Lionel Messi
Favourite team: Barcelona
What makes you stand out as a player?
One of my greatest strengths as a footballer is that I’m able to play in any position on the field. In addition, I’m able to read the game and pass the ball sensibly.
What pushes you to succeed?
When I was thirteen years, my goal was to become a successful professional footballer. It’s this goal from my teenage years that still pushes me.
(Courtesy Wired868)
Who was your most important coach/coaches and why?
My most important coaches are (Defence Force coaches) Marvin Gordon and Ross Russell because they have influenced me the most in my football career.
What is something most people do not know about you?
I’m a quiet individual off the football field.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I would describe myself as a humble individual who know what he is about and loves football.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy staying at home spending time with my son (Curtis Gonzales Jr) in my free time.
What were your best and worst moments in football so far?
My best moment happened when I represented my country as a defender at the FIFA U-20 world Cup in Egypt 2009’. My worst moment happen when I received a (controversial) red card in a game for Defence Force against San Juan Jabloteh (last month) in the Pro League.
What is your target for 2014?
My target for 2014 is to help my team win the Trinidad and Tobago Pro league and live a healthier life style in memory of Kevon Carter.
Editor’s Note: Curtis Gonzales and the Defence Force will be in action against Point Fortin Civic from 8 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday April 4 in the quarterfinal round of the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield competition.
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Ewan Headley is a Wired868 intern and a journalism student at COSTAATT.
Good work Sir Headley