Watch out for Sunburst Camptown in 2K9 – Troy Mendonca

Jan 04, 2009 Sports

It was Pele’s time to shine in K&S final

Head coach of Sunburst Camptown Troy Mendonca (right) giving instructions to Nigel Codrington during their K&S semi-final match against Bakewell Topp XX, Camptown won 2-0.

By Franklin Wilson
Head Coach and President of the Sunburst Camptown Football Club, who lost in their bid to win a third Kashif and Shanghai Championship 0-1 to Pele on New Year’s night at the Providence National Stadium, believes that it was Pele’s time to shine.
In an invited comment, Mendonca, who won the tournament as a player (defender) with Milerock and Camptown felt that his team was a bit unlucky and Pele capitalised on one mistake they made and that was the end of the match in terms of goal scoring.
“The game was a very good match up with both teams giving their all and while we did not win the tournament, I am satisfied with the performance of the players and in the end, football triumphed.”
Also a former national player who has just begun his coaching career, Mendonca shared that his players strayed away from the accustomed pattern in attack and should have been much more patient.
“I am particularly pleased with their performance over the past year especially from the stand point of us having to fight to stay in the Premiere League 2007 into 2008. We lost the 2008 Cellink Premier League on goal difference to Alpha United and we also competed in a total of six knock-out tournaments, reached four finals, won one and placed third twice.”
He noted that this is a record that any club should be happy with but noted that there is lots of room for improvement.
“We have a good foundation which we are aiming to further strengthen. As a club we have adapted to modern training methods and trends and have started to set new standards in the way we operate and conduct our business.”
Mendonca expressed general satisfaction with the progress of the club in 2008 and is of the view that Camptown will be the team to watch in 2009.
The Campbellville based club has embarked on building a firm foundation by having teams from the under-11 to the senior level and each team according to Mendonca, will serve as a feeder to the next level.
“It is our intention to be consistent with the forward movement of this club and at the same time assist the players to develop into rounded young men that can make positive contributions towards the upliftment of themselves, community and country. We are all about holistic development.”
“We are very grateful to our main sponsor who partners with us using the Sunburst Brand and all the others who have contributed during the year including the Camptown New York chapter.
“To all of these persons we say thanks and look forward for their continued support in 2009 as we seek to build on the foundation we have already set.”