Clarke Road focus on youth

Former skipper, Gregory Mahabir, now with PowerGen, Homchand Pooran and Mahadeo Moonasar, both abroad, were the exodus of players Gooljar referred to as he reiterated that intuitive strategisation and instilling a high sense of discipline in the field were key areas the club were focusing on to elevate their eight-placed finish last season.

“With Barath (Adrian) involved in the West Indies team, Gregory and a few others leaving, we will be a bit thin at times and experience may be lacking. However, while it is challenging, we still have a very good, young team complemented by good coaches and management,” he added.

Gooljar pointed out that they expect their fielding to be critical and more effective with the squad’s average age being very young as he pointed out, “We won’t lie down. We’re a young but competitive unit. Maintaining discipline and focus are always essential and once we keep training as hard as possible, a high level of fitness will be core. We have no big names so to speak but it’s about letting our cricket do the talking. We still have some experience in the likes of Mukesh Persad as well.”

Singling out certain facets that they would be targeting to climb the domestic ladder, Gooljar pinpointed that with their bowling and fielding already solid, it is their batting that they need to improve on. The 29-year-old elaborated, “Adapting will be the key now but we have the right blend of foreign blood and youngsters in our team. Players such as Derone Davis and Keiron Joseph are key for us this year. Our current batsmen have to step up with this opportunity, especially with Gregory (Mahabir) gone.” He admitted that their preparations were dampened with the inclement weather and if the team did not strive on each other’s strengths, they would find themselves on the fences.“We need to stick together and keep our heads on. Unity is essential,” he further stated.

On his aspirations for returning to the Trinidad and Tobago senior fold, he stated, “I’m just enjoying my cricket. It’s very competitive and TT has a talented squad so it is hard to crack into that team. I will aspire to play well and keep fit, if it comes it comes...but my priority is Clarke Road.”