TORONTO, Canada, CMC – Canada-based midfielder Andre Rampersad says his maiden call-up to international duty for Trinidad, and Tobago was a “great feeling.” It marked the fulfillment of a childhood dream to represent his country.
The 28-year-old, who captains Halifax Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League, was named in a 24-man squad for CONCACAF Nations League B matches against the Bahamas on Friday and Nicaragua next Monday.
And Rampersad believes national duty will help improve his overall game further, especially by coming into contact with teammates from other leagues worldwide.
“One of the dreams as a kid playing soccer is representing the country. To finally see all the hard work I’ve put in come into play now is a great feeling for me,” Rampersad told the League website.
“[I’m] excited to represent the red, white, and black. Circumstances made it what it was before, which is why I couldn’t go, but now I’m excited and up for the challenge.
“When you join a national team, most guys play in different leagues. [There are] confident guys you probably don’t know, confident guys that play in higher institutions.
“One is (Kevin) Molino, who plays in MLS, a player I looked up to for a long time. Just being around these guys will raise my level.”
The 32-year-old Molino will, however, miss the two Nation League matches through injury.
Rampersad moved to the Canada Premier League in 2019, signing with Halifax, and was then under the management of former Trinidad and Tobago national head coach Stephen Hart.
He was club captain the following season and has made nearly 90 appearances for the Nova Scotia outfit.
Rampersad was called to train with T&T in 2021, but pandemic travel restrictions prevented the move. He is now looking forward to linking up with head coach Angus Eve.
“[Eve] tried a lot before to get me in. The assistant coach Derek King is there as well, who was my coach back in the day, and then was the assistant with the Halifax Wanderers,” Rampersad explained.
“The conversation we had was just straight up: ‘we want you here, and you can be a big part of what we’re trying to develop and what we’re trying to do.’ They believe in me, to be there and show my potential.”
Rampersad said he had received the strong backing of his club, with sporting director Matt Fegan playing an integral role in the process.
“He said, ‘you know what? This is a great opportunity for you, and we’re going to let you go’,” Rampersad related. “He had a word in that and talked to them for me, and there was the opportunity, so I took it.”
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