Mitchell basks in historic season

The victory gave Central FC an unassailable 47 points from 18 games, with W Connection finishing second with 46 points and Jabloteh third with 29.

The 27-year-old Mitchell, who joined the team from National Super League outfit 1976 FC Phoenix in 2013, said in a telephone interview yesterday, “I want to say thanks (to God).

“It’s a great feeling, a great achievement,” said Mitchell. “As a player, as a captain, it’s always good to lead your team to victory.

“Most of all the history, the only team to win the Pro League three times (in succession),” he added.

“The guys, everybody just excited right about now.” Mitchell replaced fellow midfielder Leston Paul as captain early in the 2016-2017 season and has grown into the position.

“It came as a (shocker) for me because there was no indication, it just happened,” admitted Mitchell.

“The coach (Dale Saunders) called me and say he watched me as a leader and somebody who could carry the team. And I (told) him ‘well no problem, I don’t mind taking up the responsibilities’. I have a great relationship with the guys and it’s nothing hard to get along with the guys.” Mitchell, who was born in Princes Town, moved to Scarborough at age 10 and spent 13 years in the sister isle living with his mother before returning to Trinidad when he joined Central FC.

Ex-national midfielder Rundell Winchester, a Tobagonian, returned to the team from a spell abroad while veteran defender Julius James joined Central FC as a free agent in January. “To be honest, this was a challenging (season),” said Mitchell.

“We had to cope with the changing of players. We had the same aim, the same mission, to go out there and win. But it was tough because knowing we had a chance to create history, it was hard work but it paid off.” Another player who spent a considerable part of the season with Central FC was former national captain Kenwyne Jones. The 32-year-old striker left on January 1 after his loan deal from MLS (Major League Soccer) team Atlanta United expired.

“Kenwyne is a great guy on and off the pitch,” said Mitchell. “First time getting to be closer to him and getting that kind of relationship with him. He’s a great leader, he tries to motivate you and tries to use his experience to help people improve on their game. To me, he was a big part of our success.” With regards to his personal ambitions, Mitchell admitted, “at this point in my career, I’ve reached where you can say the peak where things are just going good for you.

“I want to use this opportunity to market myself (overseas), if at any point in time this year that I can go out there and make a name for myself.” Second-placed W Connection were snapping at the heels of Central FC up to Sunday’s round but Mitchell explained the Central FC were untroubled.

“We always knew that it was in our hands because we (were) always at the top,” said Mitchell. “We always knew that it was up to us to slip it up. We always had it, it was just to get the results.”