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Mark Ramdeen, a Lower Six Form student at Naparima College, stands at five foot two and splits his focus this term between his school’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premier Division title chase and Trinidad and Tobago’s push for a Poland 2019 Under-20 World Cup place.
The jovial, soft-spoken “Marky”, as his teammates call him, sat down with Wired868 for a One on One:
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Date of birth: 1st June 2000
Hometown: Siparia South
Position: Right Wing or Left Wing
How did you get into football?
I do not come from a football background. I began playing at age 10 in my hometown with my friends; and on seeing how talented I was at such a young age, my brothers Nicholas, Jason, Ryan and Kerry—along with my cousins and friends—talked my parents into [enrolling] me to a club. They gave in and I joined Cox Coaching School.
I played with Palo Seco Secondary School for two years where the Shiva Boys Hindu College coach recognised my talents. Later on, I joined W Connection and this is my fourth year with them. Then I joined ‘Naps’ and this is where I am today. I have one brother who played with St Benedict’s College and Shiva Boys in the past when he used to go to school.
What makes you stand out as a player?
I’ll have to say my dribbling skills. I stand out on my team because of my creativity.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Who was your most important coach and why?
I’ll have to say coach Ken Elie of Trinity(Moka). I met him with the National Under-15 Team [where he was head coach]. From the age of 15, I came into contact with him and he trained us in a professional way, preparing us for the bigger leagues at that early age. He boosted my knowledge about football, which had a big impact on me.
Who is your favourite player?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He is very hardworking and inspiring to me.
What is your favourite team?
Real Madrid.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Personal training in football and ‘sweating’ with friends in my community.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I am very shy and very quiet. Sometimes I’ll be a bit wild with my friends but most times I’m just quiet. I don’t give trouble at school. (He laughs).
(Copyright Sean Morrison/Wired868)
What do you hope to do when you finish school?
I’ll like to play pro [football]. But if not, I’ll like to attend Stony Brook [University in New York] to pursue Sports Management or Physiotherapy. Back in Barranquilla [at the 2018 CAC Games], I met someone who told me about Stony Brook… and how good it is; and I realised what he told me was what I wanted to do. We keep in contact from time to time.
What would be success for you as a player?
Becoming a pro player and being recognised as one of the star players. I want to play international football.
What was your best moment in football so far?
Playing against Colombia in the CAC games in Barranquilla in July of this year. That was the best thing to happen to me thus far in my football career, although we lost 5-1.
And your worst moment?
The first year I came into Naps, I did not start off too well in the team. I had doubts about being the best player on the team, which I wanted to be. Now, I feel like I have sort of achieved that.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
What is your target for the season?
This season I would like to be one of the best attackers, top goal scorer and most creative player [in the Premier Division]. To be more specific, I want to be a complete attacker.
Editor’s Note: Mark Ramdeen and the Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 Team open their Poland 2019 Under-20 World Cup campaign on 1 November against St Vincent and the Grenadines in Florida.
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