Recovering Fatima College striker Michael Chaves and Scarborough Secondary forward J’Eleisha Alexander were adjudged 2023 First Citizens Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) boys’ and girls’ players of the year at the league’s award ceremony on April 18.
Chaves, 17, was integral in leading Fatima to the 2023 premiership league title, and Alexander played an equally important role in guiding Scarborough to the Big 5 crown.
[caption id="attachment_1078138" align="alignnone" width="683"] Fatima College striker Michael Chaves collects his trophy after being named the Secondary Schools Football League's 2023 Male Player of the Year, during an awards ceremony, at the Couva/ Point Lisas Chamber auditorium, on April 18, 2024. - Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]
Both were included in the respective top five players of the year and team of the year divisions.
Capturing the league's Golden Boot award was Malick's Oba Samuel.
Chaves, who also plays for QPCC in the TT Premier Football League tier two division, suffered a broken fibula during a match against MIC Mathura United on March 17, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field in Mucurapo.
He was initially scheduled to be sidelined for approximately three months.
But a determined Chaves was present at the Couva Chamber of Commerce on Thursday to receive his team and individual awards.
After making his way to the stage, using crutches, for his Player of the Year accolade and all-star team photo, Chaves said he was elated to cop the league’s top individual prize.
“It’s a great feeling and I couldn’t be any happier. I just want to thank my coaches, family and friends, really, because it would not have been possible without them. I just went out to have fun and enjoy my football. I wanted to enjoy it and I performed.”
He confirmed his recovery was going well, and is scheduled to have surgery in two weeks “to get me back going again.” Hopefully, Chaves added, he’ll be able to walk without aid approximately two-three weeks after the surgery.
When asked what keeps him motivated as a young player in his prime, having been forced to take a back seat because of injury, Chaves said he’s more motivated than ever to return.
“I just want to keep going. I think of all that’s happened in the past, but I look to the future, because I haven’t achieved everything I want to achieve in football, and I’m working towards that dream. I’d like to be a professional footballer, so I want to work towards that every day,” he said.
All SSFL age-group, zonal, championship and premiership, and Coca-Cola Intercol winners were honoured and presented with their respective awards.
Intercol title holders Presentation College, San Fernando were also present to lift the season’s most prestigious crown.
First Citizens general manager Brian Woo urged the young players to continue developing their talent, and believes his organisation’s longstanding commitment to the league continues to reap success.
“Our involvement has allowed us to witness first-hand the growth of many ta
