Former Grenada captain fine tunes coaching career

by Michael Bascombe
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 11, 2011 - Former national footballer Anthony Modeste has been making a name for himself as a local coach.

Since his retirement from international football, Modeste has been credited for improving the standings of his alma mater, GBSS in the Premier League of the Grenada Football Association. GBSS moved from bottom to last to third position with Modeste as player-coach.

Modeste, who is employed with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, is also solidifying himself as a much sought after coach by ensuring that football minnows Westmorland Secondary School is added to his successful stints.

Under his leadership Westmorland Secondary School scored a major upset in the Republic Bank RightStart Tournament last Friday when they defeated Boca Secondary School 3-1 in a Senior Division encounter at the Roy St. John Playing Field in Tanteen.

Westmorland also held Wesley College to a 1-1 draw in the Junior Division in their latest game on Monday.

School Principal, Victor Ashby in congratulating the team expressed hope for the long-term growth and development of football in the school.

“This is the beginning of many more sporting accomplishments in the future,” he said. ‘We have gone so far as to participate in the Girls’ Division with interest building every day from all circles including the parents.”

Modeste retired from international football on June 13, 2011, playing against Guatemala at the Red Bulls Arena in New Jersey in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

He was a player-coach while leading Grenada in the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Cup, helping it to a runner-up finish and a Gold Cup berth. His experience during that time has him considering a future in coaching.

“(Retirement) was not a difficult decision because I really have a knack for coaching,” he told reporters following a short ceremony at the stadium which was attending by Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.

“I’m sure he’ll be in and around the team going forward and, mark my words, you’re going to see a future Grenada coach there,” said national coach, Mike Adams.

Modeste's career with the national team spanned 20 years, 12 of them as team captain, and included over 100 international caps.