‘I think about the bigger picture’: One-on-one with Trinity East’s Deisean Plaza

“[…] I’ll say that I am a go-getter, a hardworking person who tries to be the best at everything.

“My family and, just overall, my mindset [make me stand out]: I want to make something of myself one way or another…”

From humble beginnings at Pinto United, Trinity College East captain and midfielder Deisean Plaza evolved into one of the most talented players in his age group.

He had an eventful 2025. First, he steered QPCC FC to the RBNYFL Under-20 title and third place in the TTPFL Tier II. Then, he closed to the year by helping Trinity East avoid relegation from the SSFL Premier Division.

Plaza took some time off to speak one-on-one with Wired868:

How old are you?

I am 18 years old. I was born on May 29^th, 2007.

Where do you live?

I reside on Pinto Road, Arima.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

I’ll say that I am a go-getter, a hardworking person who tries to be the best at everything.

Is there anything about you that people do not know?

Yes, the sport that I had taken seriously at first was cricket.

What makes you stand out? Describe yourself as a player?

My family and, just overall, my mindset: I want to make something of myself one way or another. My communication skills, leadership ability, spatial awareness, and understanding of each position, role and function in a system.

How has playing for your school shaped you as a player?

I’ll say that it has taught me that what I do also affect others, and it’s transformed me into a greater leader and role model.

How do you balance schoolwork and football?

By not prioritising one over the other, and using a schedule.

Has being an athlete helped you stay disciplined with your schoolwork?

It forced me to find a balance and make time for both football and school, and it helped me stay consistent.

What is the atmosphere like on your school’s football team?

It was rocky at the start, but over time it turned into a family, and there is a good player-coach relationship.

During your football journey, which coaches made a big impact on you?

I’ll say all my coaches made an impact on me, but specifically coach Dexter Hoyte, Dwayne Davis, Kieve Vanloo, Stephen Williams, Coach Hyave (Kerron Hyave Hercules) from Beatnix, Keith Jeffrey, and Wayne Sheppard.

My first coach was Dexter Hoyte from the club Pinto United and I’d say he had the biggest impact. He pushed me past what I thought were my limits and helped bring me onto the national stage.

What first inspired you to start playing football?
My bigger brothers inspired me. We’re very competitive, and since they started playing before me and were better, I couldn’t allow that.

How old were you when you realised football was more than just a hobby?
Around 12 years old when I was transitioning from primary to secondary school.

Who do you look up to football-wise, and why?
Currently, I’d say Vitinha (Vítor Machado Ferreira). I look up to Vitinha, who plays for PSG (Paris Saint-Germain), because of the way he controls the flow of the game.

I don’t have a favourite football team; I just admire watching good football.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play anywhere in the midfield because I enjoy being on the ball and controlling the game. I’d say I’m a playmaker and a ball carrier.

What part of your game are you currently working on improving?
Controlling my emotions on the pitch.

How do you stay motivated on days when training feels tough?
I think about the bigger picture and remind myself that football is my opportunity to make something of myself. I also think about the people who look up to me.

How do you handle pressure in important moments?
I talk to myself and remind myself that it’s nothing I haven’t prepared for.

What has been the biggest challenge in your football journey?
Putting on weight and muscle.

Have you ever dealt with self-doubt or criticism? How did you overcome it?
Yes. I overcome it by proving myself wrong. Whenever I doubt myself, I end up doing something great, and then I realise it wasn’t a big deal.

What skill took you the longest to master?
Keep-ups, for sure.

What has been your most memorable match so far?
When I played for San Juan Jabloteh in a Concacaf tournament in Costa Rica, which was in August 2019, against a club from Jamaica. It stands out because I felt it was one of my best performances and because it showed me I could compete at the highest level.

What has been the toughest team you’ve ever played against?
I played against the Defence Force Tier I team coached by Densil Theobald, while playing for the QPCC Tier II team.

What’s the best goal you’ve scored?
Either my goal from about the half line against Signal Hill Secondary last season, or the volley on the turn against Malick Secondary.

• QPCC midfielder Deisean Plaza beats Pro Series goalkeeper Shemuel Cassimy from a free kick during the RBNYFL Trinidad U-20 final at the Republic Bank Sports Complex in Barataria on 17 May 2025.

What’s the most important lesson football has taught you?
That I can’t do it by myself.

How do you bounce back after a loss or a bad performance?
I self-reflect and talk to my mother about it.

How do you prepare mentally before a big game?
I listen to music and make sure I take a nap before the game.

What are some challenges you faced this season?

I broke my finger at the final training session before the start of the season and was told I needed surgery, causing me to miss games. It was mentally challenging to watch from the sideline because I couldn’t really contribute from there. I had to wear a brace when I returned to playing, and I still have to wear it.

What was your target for this season?

My main target is to make the Secondary School Football League (SSFL) team of the season at the end of the year.

What do you enjoy about the SSFL competition?

I enjoy meeting friends and club teammates as well as the difference in atmosphere at a home game compared to an away game, especially when we play south teams.

If anything, what would you like to see improve in the SSFL competition?

I would like to see coverage and refereeing improve throughout the league.

What advice would you give to a young person like yourself who wants to pursue professional football as a career?

Stay consistent and commit from early.