Sam, Montano are MVPs; De Leon named greatest SSFL player ever

The following are the individual awards distributed at the Secondary School Football League’s 2015 Prize Distribution 50th Anniversary Awards function on Saturday January 16 at Naparima College:

Photo: San Juan North star Brent Sam (right) keeps the ball away from Fatima playmaker Sebastien Camacho (centre) during a 2015 SSFL contest. (Courtesy Kerlon Orr/Wired868)
Photo: San Juan North star Brent Sam (right) keeps the ball away from Fatima playmaker Sebastien Camacho (centre) during a 2015 SSFL contest.
(Courtesy Kerlon Orr/Wired868)

Player of the Year (Boys): Brent Sam (San Juan North)

Player of the Year (Girls): Ray-ann Montano (Fyzabad Secondary)

Photo: Naparima College striker Isaiah Hudson (left) turns on St Anthony's College defender Nicholas Moyou during the 2015 National Intercol final in Marabella. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Naparima College striker Isaiah Hudson (left) turns on St Anthony’s College defender Nicholas Moyou during the 2015 National Intercol final in Marabella.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Top Five Players (Boys):


Tyrell Emmanuel (Shiva Boys HC), Isaiah Hudson, Shane Sandy, Jared Dass (all Naparima College), Brent Sam (San Juan North)

Top Five Players (Girls):

Tamara Johnson, Ray-ann Montano, Kader Louison (all Fyzabad Secondary), Jacel Forde (Bishop’s Anstey East), Aaliyah Charles (Scarborough Secondary)

Photo: QRC goalkeeper Jardel Poon-Lewis (right) makes a fine save to deny Naparima College striker Shobal Celestine during a 2015 SSFL contest. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: QRC goalkeeper Jardel Poon-Lewis (right) makes a fine save to deny Naparima College striker Shobal Celestine during a 2015 SSFL contest.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

All-Star Team (Boys):

Goalkeepers: Denzil Smith (Shiva Boys HC), Jardel Poon-Lewis (QRC);

Defenders: Joshua Marshall (St Augustine), Taryll Coutou (St Benedict’s), Nicholas Thomas, Anderson Toussaint, Stephon Smith (all Naparima), Keston Julien (Presentation, San F’do), Adrian Constantine (QRC);

Photo: Shiva Boys HC playmaker Tyrel "Pappy" Emmanuel (right) tries to avoid a challenge from St Anthony's College defender Brent Joel during 2015 SSFL action in Westmoorings. (Courtesy Kerlon Orr/Wired868)
Photo: Shiva Boys HC playmaker Tyrel “Pappy” Emmanuel (right) tries to avoid a challenge from St Anthony’s College defender Brent Joel during 2015 SSFL action in Westmoorings.
(Courtesy Kerlon Orr/Wired868)

Midfielders: John-Paul Rochford (QRC), Kareem Riley (Presentation, San F’do), Tyrell Emmanuel (Shiva Boys HC), Isaiah Hudson, Michael Basdeo, Shane Sandy (all Naparima), Jesse Joseph (St Augustine);

Forwards: Demitri Dunkley (QRC), Shamar Ravello (St Benedict’s), Kathon St Hillaire (St Anthony’s), Brent Sam (San Juan North), Jared Dass (Naparima), Kerri McDonald (Speyside)


Photo: St Anthony's College winger Kathon St Hillaire (left) crosses beyond St Mary's College defender Jerome Dempster-Babb during the 2015 North Zone Intercol final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. (Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)
Photo: St Anthony’s College winger Kathon St Hillaire (left) crosses beyond St Mary’s College defender Jerome Dempster-Babb during the 2015 North Zone Intercol final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
(Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)

All-Star Team (Girls)

Goalkeepers: Shamika Rocastle (Fyzabad), Milikah Didier (Bishop’s Anstey East);

Defenders: Tamara Johnson, Jahra Thomas (both Fyzabad), Jacel Forde (Bishop’s Anstey East), Lakita Halls (Scarborough), Malak Marcelle (Diego Martin Central), Ranae Ward (Bishop’s Anstey, POS);

Midfielders: Krystal Preddie, Collette Morgan, Ray-ann Montano (all Fyzabad), Akila Crawford (Diego Martin Central), Jeneal Lawrence (Scarborough), Naomi Guerra (St Augustine);

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Women's National Under-20 Team midfielder Naoemi Guerra (right) tries to close down Canada player Emma Regan during 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship action in Honduras. (Copyright MexSport/CONCACAF)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Under-20 Team midfielder Naoemi Guerra (right) tries to close down Canada player Emma Regan during 2015 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship action in Honduras.
(Copyright MexSport/CONCACAF)

Forwards: Aaliyah Charles (Scarborough), Renrique Primus, Kader Louison (both Fyzabad), Jalene Sobers (Bishop’s Anstey East), Kaydeen Jack (Diego Martin Central)

 

50th Anniversary Awards

Player of the 50 Years: Leroy De Leon (St Benedict’s)

Photo: Point Fortin Civic coach and former Trinidad and Tobago and St Benedict's College star Leroy De Leon. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Point Fortin Civic coach and former Trinidad and Tobago and St Benedict’s College star Leroy De Leon.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Goalkeepers of the 50 Years: Lincoln Phillips, Brian Bain (both QRC), Trevor Leiba, Shaka Hislop (both CIC), Clayton Ince (El Dorado East), Ross Russell (East Mucurapo), Marvin Phillip (Princes Town), Jan-Michael Williams (St Anthony’s)

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop calms everyone down during the nation's 2006 World Cup opening group match against Sweden. (Copyright AFP 2014/Roberto Schmidt)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop calms everyone down during the nation’s 2006 World Cup opening group match against Sweden.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Roberto Schmidt)

Best Players of the 1960s: Leroy De Leon, Warren Archibald, Steve David, Bobby Sookram, Wilfred Cave, Jan Steadman (all St Benedict’s), Dr Alvin Henderson, Ian Bain (both CIC), Everald Cummings, Roger Duprey (both Fatima), Ellis Sadaphal, Ralph Clarke (both QRC)

Photo: Former Trinidad and Tobago stand-out player and coach Everald "Gally" Cummings (right) is recognised by former President Maxwell Richards at the TTFF's Centennial function.
Photo: Former Trinidad and Tobago stand-out player and coach Everald “Gally” Cummings (right) is recognised by former President Maxwell Richards at the TTFF’s Centennial function.

Best Players of the 1970s: Richard Chinapoo, Vernon Skinner (both Trinity), Wayne Lewis, Ron La Forest (both Belmont BS), Garnet Craig (Fatima), Leroy Spann, Peter Mitchell (both San F’do Tech), Ian Clauzel (East Mucurapo), Luciano Woodley (CIC), Clayton Morris (John D Tech)

Photo: UTT coach and former "Strike Squad" captain and John D Tech star Clayton Morris (right) clears the ball during the 2014 Wired868 Football Festival. Looking on is goalkeeper James Saunders. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: UTT coach and former “Strike Squad” captain and John D Tech star Clayton Morris (right) clears the ball during the 2014 Wired868 Football Festival.
Looking on is goalkeeper James Saunders.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Best Players of the 1980s: Russell Latapy (Tranquility/San F’do Tech), Marvin Faustin (San F’do Tech), Garth Pollonais (St Augustine), Dwight Yorke (Signal Hill), Timothy Haynes (Arima North), David Nakhid, Neil Williams (both CIC), Angus Eve, Clint Marcelle, Hutson Charles (all East Mucurapo), Leonson Lewis (Naparima)

Photo: Ex-Trinidad and Tobago captain Dwight Yorke (right) greets England captain David Beckham during the Germany 2006 World Cup. (Copyright AFP 2015)
Photo: Ex-Trinidad and Tobago captain Dwight Yorke (right) greets England captain David Beckham during the Germany 2006 World Cup.
(Copyright AFP 2015)

Best Players of the 1990s: Arnold Dwarika, Shawn David, Gary Glasgow, Kerwin Jemmott (all Malick), Mickey Trotman (Arima North), Carlos Edwards (St Anthony’s), Anthony Sherwood (Presentation, San F’do), Wesley Webb, Ivan Sampson (St Benedict’s), Jerren Nixon (St Augustine), Shawn Boney, Stern John (both El Dorado East), Marvin Oliver (San Juan North), Cornell Glen (East Mucurapo)

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago attacker Arnold Dwarika (top) drives home his country's opening goal in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final against Costa Rica. (Copyright AFP 2015)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago attacker Arnold Dwarika (top) drives home his country’s opening goal in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final against Costa Rica.
(Copyright AFP 2015)

Best Players of the 2000s: Ataulla Guerra, Kevin Molino (East Mucurapo), Shahdon Winchester, Jerrol Forbes (both Naparima), Devorn Jorsling (Malick), Kenwyne Jones, Kevon Neaves (both St Anthony’s), Nkosi Blackman (St Benedict’s), Elijah Manners (San Juan North), Jamal Gay (El Dorado East), Elton John (St Augustine)

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago and Orlando City playmaker Kevin Molino (right) hurdles a tackle against Panama during an international friendly in March 2015. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago and Orlando City playmaker Kevin Molino (right) hurdles a tackle against Panama during an international friendly in March 2015.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Best Girls Players from 2000 to 2014:

Goalkeepers: Linfah Jones (Debe), Candice Edwards (Signal Hill), Kimika Forbes (Scarborough);

Outfield players: Ke’die Johnson, Avanell Isaac, Analise Cummings, Naomi Guerra (all St Augustine), Kayla Taylor, Mariah Shade, Stephanie Beam (all Debe), Karyn Forbes, Kennya Cordner (both Signal Hill), Nadia James, Alania Burgin, Anastasia Prescott (all Malick), Maylee Attin-Johnson (Diego Martin Central), Ayanna Russell, Patrice Campbell (both El Dorado East), Dernell Mascall (Moruga), Cecile Hinds, Patrice Superville (both Pleasantville), Ahkeela Mollon (UCB)

Photo: Petrotrin Oilers striker Kayla Taylor (right) runs at Wave defender Teneisha Cobham during 2015 WPL action in Palo Seco. (Courtesy Sinead Peters/Wired868)
Photo: Petrotrin Oilers striker Kayla Taylor (right) runs at Wave defender Teneisha Cobham during 2015 WPL action in Palo Seco.
(Courtesy Sinead Peters/Wired868)

Best Coaches of the 50 Years:

Bertille St Clair (Signal Hill)—14 titles

Nigel Grosvenor (St Anthony’s)—12 titles

Muhammad Isa (San F’do Tech)—9 titles

Kenneth Franco (Malick)—9 titles

Kenny Thomas (St Augustine)—6 titles

Leonard Kirton (QRC)—5 titles

Michael Grayson (St Augustine)—5 titles

Photo: Coach Bertille St Clair (second from right) has a word with (from right) Shaka Hislop, Stern John, Michael Maurice, David Nakhid, Leslie Fitzpatrick and Clayton Ince during his stint with the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior team. (Copyright AFP 2015)
Photo: Coach Bertille St Clair (second from right) has a word with (from right) Shaka Hislop, Stern John, Michael Maurice, David Nakhid, Leslie Fitzpatrick and Clayton Ince during his stint with the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior team.
(Copyright AFP 2015)

Best Girls Coaches of 30 Years:

Stephen Smart (Malick)—15 titles

Arnold Murphy (Debe)—12 titles

Desiree Sergeant (St Augustine)—6 titles

Photo: St Augustine Secondary footballers celebrate with the BGTT 2014 Girls' National Intercol trophy. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: St Augustine Secondary footballers celebrate with the BGTT 2014 Girls’ National Intercol trophy.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Officers Long Service Awards:

Roy Jagroopsingh (president and vice-president)—12 years (posthumous)

Ormond Gabriel (general secretary/treasurer)—20 years (posthumous)

Ewing Davis (president)—17 years (longest serving president)

Azaad Khan (general secretary/treasurer)—23 years

Anthony Creed (president/vice-president)—19 years

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) vice-president and ex-SSFL president Ewing Davis does match commissioner duties during 2015/16 CNG National Super League Premiership Division action at the Matura Recreation Ground. (Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) vice-president and ex-SSFL president Ewing Davis does match commissioner duties during 2015/16 CNG National Super League Premiership Division action at the Matura Recreation Ground.
(Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)

Editor’s Note: Click HERE for the SSFL’s champion boys and girls teams of 2015; and for the past 50 years!

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147 comments

  1. Hello, I am trying to reach my brother Stephen Smart who teaches at Malick Secondary School.I would really appreciate it if someone could give him this message. Could you please give him my Email address .THANK YOU.

  2. I just want to know how this guy not in best players of 2000s Gorean *RATTY* Highley

  3. Intentionally put there because they may not be able to be nominated in the right era or the 90’s did not have enough quality ?

  4. I am scratching my head was Ivan and Sherwood and Webb players of the 80’s and not 90’s

  5. The awards ceremony was a valiant effort at recognizing outstanding performers spanning generations. Irrefutably, it is a subjective selection process so many deserving ones will be omitted. There should also be honourable mentions like Ateba McKnight from Naps who scored the winning goals in the National Intercol Finals consecutively in 2000 and 1999 when Naps won the treble (30 games undefeated). He was very clinical and not many can boast of that accomplishment for school and posterity.

    Moreover, the rationale for Sam being selected will be interesting to know as there should be sound criteria and consistency. To utilize an NBA Analogy, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest basketball players in terms of overall accomplishments and scoring but his Lakers are near last in the league. Should he win MVP based on this greatness or should it come from a player who helps his team win a championship? Thus, Hudson should have won over Sam who is a grown man almost 20 years old playing with 15 and 16 year olds. It is expected he would dominate given his ProLeague experience but he lacked a proper supporting cast. It is still no reason to award him MVP. Knowing Naps, they will encourage Hudson to keep striving for excellence and focus on academics as well which Sam and the others have fallen victim to where schools could not care less on what subjects a player gets! At least one school realizes career ending injuries can happen and players should be equipped with the tools to be upstanding contributors in the workplace whilst being gainfully employed. Not everyone can make it to the EPL, Serie A, La Liga or even our ProLeague!

  6. I was discussing the Sam selection with a coach and reminded him that when Manchester United won the treble, it was David Ginola who got the PFA MVP award. Anyone remember that?
    Shaka Hislop boycotted that function for years after that in disgust. The supposed explanation was that Yorke, Keane and Beckham split votes and that somehow allowed a non-Manchester United player to win.
    I don’t think there could’ve been a bigger injustice than that eh Keith, Carlos, Ian and Brent. Surely no Will Smith at the Oscars pales in comparison to what would have been Yorke’s England Player of the Year award, voted on by his peers.

  7. I waited a while before commenting,firstly any list will never satisfy all persons.
    I think many of you are not seeing what we tried to do and have done and that was for the first time a group of outstanding footballers have been recognized and some tribute paid to them.
    We did it the non Government funded,the volunteer executive,unpaid,the no office no secretariat SSFL did try to honor players who made a contribution to School football.

    Notice I said School football,that was our major criteria.
    Some of you should have been at the function to witness the emotion on the faces of some of these players.

    There were many outstanding players and we sought the input of journalists, writers,footballers and others in the fraternity,so what was presented was not only from the Present SSFL Executive.

    • And that was truly laudable Trevor. There were some mistakes. But the gesture was wonderful.
      As for the selections, all lists would create issues. ALL. So the SSFL body cannot really win on that score.
      You can put David Rudder and the Black Stalin to create a list with the best 10 calypsos of all time and I bet they come to blows. Not so Michael Samuel? Lol.
      Speculation is good where lists go. Once it doesn’t reach to people denigrating some players to build up others.

    • Thank you Lasana, I agree there is no wrong or right, we made a list , it is up to others who would like to pay their respects to do their own lists. The thing is though these were not all who made the football enjoyable but all who played and supported and prepared the players.

  8. In America DeLeon is in the Hall of Fame alongside Pele, Cruyff , Beckenbaur, Carlos Alberto as on one of the great ones of the NASL. He had to be special.

  9. Wetman Sam deserved to win the MVP for the school league …because he helped hia to qin alot of games …an not many players can do that ….So congratulations to Wetman Sam ob this achievement. …

  10. But I can’t help but WONDER if Sam and Hudson were to swap places meaning San Juan won everything and Naps nothing if he woulda been cool with Hudson being named MVP?

  11. In my opinion the striker with all the tools along with Isaiah Hudson, so my temptation has nothing to do with him,but with a guy who Keith Look Loy was debating with concerning latas and the legends of the 60 70s

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