Former goalkeeper for TnT’s U23 National team and player for Caledonia AIA Fire club, Zane Coker has recently signed with Beach Soccer Club Bienne Hatchers. The 25 year old hailing from Cascade, Trinidad, gave SCORCH 20 minutes of his time for an in-depth interview to offer his many insights and advice.
SCORCH: Firstly, congratulations on recently signing for BSC Bienne Hatchets. Can you tell us a bit about the process to signing for your new club and your first thoughts upon completing the deal?
Zane: Thank you very much. Firstly, where there is a will there is a way, and success only comes when preparation meets opportunity. The journey so far has been a tough one with a number of injuries. However, I’ve recovered well thanks to Jason Pilgrim and TheSportMedicTT crew for all the work they put in the rehab process, and this is only the beginning.
The only feeling after completing the deal was a sense of relief. Relief that “Yes, the hard work from myself as well as my agent (Narada Wilson) at TBL Sport Mangement has paid off.”
SCORCH: You’ve played grass football before…how did you get involved in the beach football/soccer scene?
Zane: It’s always a funny story. Basically I was playing in the TT Pro league with St. Anns Rangers back in 2012 and randomly went to Maracas beach. I was approached by Kyle Lequay (president of BSATT) and a couple of the players, and was told that they wanted to start a national team. At first I was a bit skeptical, but I accepted and the rest was history.
SCORCH: At first you were a bit skeptical, why?
Zane: Basically I was on a professional contract and looking at grass football as my main endeavour. So as beach soccer wasn’t a popular sport in Trinidad, I didn’t really pay much attention to it until I tried it.
SCORCH: With the amount of beaches we have and us being an island you would think beach soccer would be more popular right?
Zane: On the question as to if the sport should be more popular in Trinidad… it’s never too late to start something. Beach soccer is the fastest growing sport in the world, and with our culture of enjoying a good “beach lime”, music, fun and football there’s no limit as to where beach football can reach with the help of the relevant sources including corporate TnT and the government.
SCORCH: Beach soccer/football compared to grass football, very similar or very different?
Zane: Beach soccer is very different. It’s sort of the T20 of football. Completely different rules and a very technical and tactical sport. Especially where skill and fitness is concerned.
SCORCH: Where can people watch your matches…is their an online link?
Zane: The Swiss beach soccer league doesn’t have a live-stream, but people can keep up to date with the league via the Swiss beach soccer league page on facebook as well as BSC Bienne Hatchets facebook page as well. For those interested I invite you all to like the Hatchets page and follow the progress.
SCORCH: First impressions of Switzerland?
Zane: Switzerland is a really nice place and they’ve accepted me well here. But then again where can’t a “Trini” fit in? That being said, the weather for the past week is somewhat the same as Trinidad during its Summer. Approximately 32 degrees daily but the days are longer.
SCORCH: Besides family, loved ones and friends, what’s the biggest thing you miss from Trinidad?
Zane: Apart from friends and family and the general company of them all, there’s really nothing I’m missing in Trinidad at the moment. With the election in the air it’s a bit frustrating hearing the political pekong on a daily basis.
SCORCH: Favourite footballer growing up?
Zane: Growing up I had a lot of favourite footballers so it’s hard to single out any 1 of the many both locally and internationally. So from the likes of Latapy, Yorke and more recently Densill Theobald to Rivaldo, Zidane, Ronaldinho and Buffon. They have all played a secondary role in me loving the sport.
SCORCH: Any pre-match rituals or phobias?
Zane: I don’t have any pre-game rituals or phobias, but I always give thanks and praise to God before and after every match whether through triumph or defeat.
SCORCH: If you weren’t a footballer what would you be?
Zane: I’ve always been within Cokers Engineering Ltd. (Family business) from ever since, so being part of that establishment is always a pleasure.
SCORCH: What do you think is the biggest pitfall for any rising young TnT footballers out there and any advice you have for them in regards to that pitfall?
Zane: I think the major pitfall for young althetes is not having humility. Being humble no matter what even after becoming successful is something that people admire and being a good role model is definitely a major achievement by itself. Staying humble and working hard towards a goal is most important and young athletes should keep that mind.
SCORCH: Biggest celebretity crush?
Zane: Don’t really have a big crush on celebrities because apart from the limelight it boils down to character. So I’ve always admired Destra for the hard work she puts in even though she’s often overlooked. As well as “Edaj” Jade Campbell. Really cool and down to earth person.
SCORCH: Biggest turn off in a woman?
Zane: Biggest turn off in a woman is definitely smoking…
SCORCH: Where do you see yourself in 10 years an your plans sfter football?
Zane: Most times we make plans and expect God to sign on the dotted line but in my case I’ve signed on the line and will go with his plans for me. Once i can be a positive role model and someone that the future generations can look up to I’m fine by that. There’s no limit to success so in 10 years, time will tell.
My plans for after football will definitely be giving back. Whether it be in coaching or in knowledge and experience or even playing a major role in the family business there’s a lot to fall back on and I’m grateful for such opportunities.
SCORCH: Thanks for your time Zane and best of luck in your upcoming season.
