Parkites sweat over injured De Silva

QUEEN’S PARK coach Shawn Cooper is sweating ahead of Sunday’s TT Super League Cup final, as his captain Sean De Silva is facing a race to be fit in time for the 6pm kick off vs Cunupia FC at the Arima Velodrome.

Cooper and his players are hungry for silverware, but could be without their inspirational leader who is currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury. De Silva, 28, a TT Pro League champion with Central FC, boasts national experience with the senior team and was on the TT U-17 and U-20 teams that qualified for FIFA Youth World Cups.

“We are just keeping our fingers crossed,” said Cooper. “Not only is he our captain, but he is one of out top scorers. It would be nice for him to come back in time to lift the trophy.”

The Parkites have been playing without their captain for a few matches, but were still able to defeat Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 3-0 last Sunday in the semi-finals, with striker Devon Modeste doing most of the heavy lifting and scoring two goals.

“The cup final is another chance to get a piece of silverware for the field,” said Cooper, whose team finished second in the league behind FC Santa Rosa.

The boys are all hyped in gaining the same, so we are leaving no stones unturned in trying to secure that title.” Cooper said.

Cooper also noted that Cunupia FC will not be at full strength as their top striker, Kevon “Showtime” Woodley, has been suspended, owing to a red card against FC Santa Rosa in the semi-finals.

What are the chances of De Silva being cleared to play?

“De Silva is one of our main outlets, and things have been touch-and-go for him. We have been working with him and doing rehab sessions, but the doctor will let us know if he will be okay to play this weekend.” The Parkites, who finished the Super League one point behind FC Santa Rosa, have met Cunupia FC twice this season. On both occasions, the Parkites won 2-1 but had to come from a goal down.

On Sunday, Cooper hopes his players maintain the same composure they had in their two earlier clashes with Cunupia.

“They are no pushovers, so we will be coming with our A game,” Cooper said.