One on one with W Connection’s Hashim Arcia

Number 14 for W Connection, Hashim Arcia, was a tough number for Wired868 to contact, but with great persistence and bad weather, we were able to pull through.

Photo: W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia (centre) tries to manouevre between two Central FC players in a previous Pro League contest. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia (centre) tries to manouevre between two Central FC players in a previous Pro League contest.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Stooping down next to the laptop, he cleverly spilled out answers to our questions.

Arcia played with the Trinidad and Tobago National football team for three games against Cuba, Suriname and St Vincent and the Grenadines during the 2012 Caribbean Cup qualifying rounds. The W Connection ambassador beamed while he spoke about his memory of representing his national team as well as helping W Connection to victory in the 2013/14 Pro League season.

Arcia expressed his hopes of representing his country again although he said that he wishes the “Soca Warriors” nothing but the best with or without him. He was positive too about his upbringing in Laventille.

“My experience growing up in Laventille was exceptional,” Arcia told Wired868. “I say that because of my family is one of the most respected family in Trou-Macaque. My mother is the person responsible for a lot of positive activities in Laventille, so I had the discipline from a young age.

“My mother always encouraged me to go after my dreams and yes it helped me to choose this career path.”

Read on as Wired868 reveals more about Hashim Arcia in our one-on-one with the W Connection playmaker:

Photo: DIRECTV W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia (left) collects the 2013 Charity Shield MVP award from Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene. (Courtesy Wired868)
Photo: DIRECTV W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia (left) collects the 2013 Charity Shield MVP award from Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene.
(Courtesy Wired868)

What is your date of birth?

08 October 1988

What school did you attend?

Success Laventille Composite School

How do you describe yourself?


I think I’m fun loving and easy to get along with.

One thing most people don’t know about you?

I love to read, especially Moby Dick!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like basketball, and liming with friends and family.

Photo: DIRECTV W Connection attackers Neil Benjamin Jr (left), Hashim Arcia (centre) and Joevin Jones celebrate during the Toyota Classic final. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)
Photo: DIRECTV W Connection attackers Neil Benjamin Jr (left), Hashim Arcia (centre) and Joevin Jones celebrate during the Toyota Classic final.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)

Cabbage or kit kat?

Kit Kat

What’s your phone preference?

Samsung of course.

Favorite meal?

Macaroni pie all day everyday!            

How did you start playing football?

I started with the St Ann’s Rangers around 8 or 10 years old.

What was your earliest football memory?

Playing a final against Trendsetter Hawks at the age of 11. I scored a goal and we also won the game.

Photo: W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia (right) attempts to flick the ball beyond a wall of Guaya United defenders during the Toyota Classic semifinals. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia (right) attempts to flick the ball beyond a wall of Guaya United defenders during the Toyota Classic semifinals.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Who was your most important coach/coaches and why?

Most important coach is Stuart Charles because he is the only coach that teaches the game. He taught me the game.

What makes you stand out as player?

I play with humility and I’m a team player.

Who is your favorite player?

Lionel Messi

What is your favorite team?

Real Madrid

Why is Real Madrid your favorite team?

Because of past players I used to look up to Like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.

Photo: Point Fortin Civic midfielder Nickcolson Thomas (left) challenges W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia for the ball. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Point Fortin Civic midfielder Nickcolson Thomas (left) challenges W Connection attacker Hashim Arcia for the ball.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

How often do you train?

I train almost every day. Training is sometimes hard but it varies daily.

What is your target for the new season?

To try and score more goals and help the team to win trophies.

Do you see yourself as a role model and if yes in what way do you think you can be a role model to the future generation?

Yes I do because a lot of kids in my community come up to me to (help) get them into the football programme. I believe by passing on what I have learnt as a player and as a man would be great for the future generation.  

What are your views on having football as your career in Trinidad and Tobago?

It’s difficult but as long as you know what you’re about you’ll be ok.

What is your ambition in the game? How far do you hope to go?

My ambition is to achieve everything I could in Trinidad and then make the national team again and try to go further to get a contract outside of Trinidad and Tobago. 

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About Lisa-Marie Brown

Lisa-Marie Brown is an author of a few published poems and short stories who has a passion for writing. Brown is presently pursuing her degree in Mass Communication at COSTAATT, and is a Wired868 intern.

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17 comments

  1. And they say nothing good come from Laventille. Big up TMPY. Well done Hashim

  2. Don’t keep us waiting too long for that Mango.

  3. Yeah I know that you will be interested to hear the names ent but you will see them when I am ready to put out the challenge to Hart and if he wins well plenty thousands of monies will be going to him and his coaching staff.

  4. The players who are only in theory are always better. Because they never get to make mistakes if they don’t get on the field. Lol.
    But I’m interested to hear those players Mango.

  5. I can pick a team right now with players like himself and others I won’t mention the names both because it will be a surprise as to the talent that we have local and foreign and beat up the present National team very convincingly.

  6. Mango he only satrted playing professionally 3 to four years and he has made unbelievable strides and learned the game so well….I admire a player who knows the game tactically. …we are doing all possible to get him out….and most of all the humility in the guy!

  7. The players now do not have the same opportunities as were available a decade ago Earl Mango Pierre. Players like Carlos Edwards, Collin Samuel, Hector Sam and even Dennis Lawrence barely had a dozen caps when they go to move to Britain.
    Our low FIFA ranking and changes in available work permits makes that much more difficult now.

  8. The best do not always go out. You ain’t see that I remain at home.

  9. So how come he isn’t playing for a real professional team in Foreign just asking.?

  10. Hashim is a quality player…very good tactically , creative and scores. ….he is a big game player… very fit player….think trinidad is missing out on what he brings to the game. …very deceptive qualities…a player you always need in your team. …keep god close to you hashim!!!!

  11. His game has stepped up this season for sure

  12. He is a very tricky, clever player. I always enjoy watching him play.

  13. Keep putting god first and it would all fall in place, well done my son. Thanks
    God bless I love you

  14. He was very impressive vs Central FC.

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