SITTING in the pavilion at the Ojoe Road Recreation Ground in Sangre Grande on Thursday, Defence Force footballer Reon Moore, one of the most promising local-based players, lamented the stagnancy of the game in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Pro League, and all other contact sports leagues locally, remains a casualty of the covid19 pandemic since March 2020. The restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus have hurt the economy and proved detrimental for citizens who choose sport as a career.
In a press conference on October 17, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government is not yet ready to reopen the sporting sector.
But there appears to be some softening of the stance as the national women’s team was allowed to host two friendly matches against Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on October 21 and 25.
Moore and football enthusiasts around the country are hoping the Pro League can kick off once more.
The Sangre Grande native, who shone for TT at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, scoring three goals, including two in the qualifiers, said he is grateful to be a member of the Defence Force as he has seen how some of his peers are struggling in the absence of club football.
[caption id="attachment_921144" align="alignnone" width="683"] Reon Moore - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
“To be honest, life right now for some players is back to hell – poverty.
“They have no source of income, no football going on, everything at a standstill. You can’t go and get jobs easily, the economy slow. Some players have it real tough,” he said.
Moore said the lack of local football will affect the national team as match fitness is crucial on the international stage.
“In the (Gold Cup) tournament it showed. The lack of football had an impact. I just want the relevant authorities to try to get the football back and up running so the country can get back to where it once was in football.”
Moore said he understands the importance of the health protocols but feels a formula can be devised for football to be played in a safe environment.
“Yeah, I think once we go about the rules and regulations of the covid19 and don’t bend it, the league can be up and running and no one can be affected by the virus.”
Proud to be from Sangre Grande
Moore, whose dream is to play abroad, remains passionate about football in Sangre Grande and feels proud to represent the northeast region.
“It means the world to me. Since Anthony Wolfe and Collin Samuel up in the northeast, we haven’t had a player in the national senior team, so it means a lot.”
Asked if he feels like a local celebrity now, Moore said, “People don’t treat me different. It’s just the same love and respect.”
[caption id="attachment_921143" align="alignnone" width="779"] Reon Moore - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
He said there are a lot of players in Sangre Grande who have the talent to be successful, but just not the opportunity.
Talking animatedly as he mentioned a couple of names, Moore is hoping to help them realise their potential.
Looking at the Oj
