Shandell Samuel calls time on national representation

One of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ most prolific goal scorers, Shandell Samuel, has called time on his national representation and in the national inter-community league competition.

Samuel, who turns 35 on December 14, made that announcement at the final of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s senior men’s inter-community league tournament last week Sunday at the Victoria Park.

Looking for a swan song, Samuel was part of the Layou outfit that was defeated by arch rivals Barrouallie in the final.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Samuel said it was time to pack up and “make way for the youngsters”.

“Look at the bench… look at the number of youngsters,” Samuel reiterated, as he pointed to the substitutes on the Layou team bench.

Samuel, when not overseas plying his trade, represents his hometown Layou, as well as other local football units in area competitions.

Coming out of the primary schools’ competition, Samuel moved on to Saints, which then became System Three and is now known as System Three Academy, under the headship of Ian Sardine.

Samuel went on to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the junior level, and made his senior debut in 2002, against a Danish team here on home soil at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Since then, he has added another 60-odd matches to his tally of national appearances, with his last being during the World Cup qualifiers.

Samuel’s last of his many goals in national colours came when he netted SVG’s second in a 2-3 loss to Trinidad and Tobago at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, March 25, 2016.

One who has been given the honour to lead St Vincent and the Grenadines in regional competitions, Samuel has carried his skills regionally and beyond.

Samuel has made a mark at Mau Pau, San Juan Jabloteh and North East Stars in the Trinidad and Tobago semi-professional league, along with Kedah in Malaysia and Rendezvous in Barbados.

Contending that he has given his community and country good service, Samuel said he was thankful for the support over the years, and will be trying to share his knowledge gained in the sport.