Vincy Heat Coach calls for peace after player is attacked

Mere hours after being formally installed as head coach of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s Football team, Ezra Hendrickson has called on his fellow Vincentians, particularly the youth population, to stay away from violence and criminal activities.

Hendrickson’s plea came as one member of the Vincy Heat outfit, Kobe Maingot, was stabbed in the area of his chin last Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Maingot, who like Hendrickson hails from Layou, was reportedly attacked at the Keartons Playing Field, that day.

Lauding Maingot for his output hours prior to the unsavoury incident, Hendrickson wrote in a Facebook post the following day, August 21, 2024: “Ironically, yesterday (Tuesday) was his best day in training so far”.

This is the second such violent incident against a Vincy Heat player in recent months.

On April 24, this year, Zenroy Lee, who was also in the Vincy Heat training squad, was shot and killed in his community of Murray’s Village.

In light of these incidents Hendrickson commented, “We have too many talented young people to sit around and watch them violently attack each other… Stopping violence among our youths is crucial for fostering safe and thriving communities…. Our villages, schools and families must collaborate to provide positive outlets such as sports, arts, and mentorship programmes which can steer youth away from violence and crime”.

He therefore called on all stakeholders to play their part in stemming the tide of such negative conduct.

“We have to create environments where young people feel valued, heard and supported…. By investing in our youth and promoting a culture of respect and understanding, we can create a future where peace prevails.”

Maingot plays for Layou FC in Tier One of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation’s National Club Championships.

He made his debut for Vincy Heat on May 26, 2024, in Carriacou, versus Grenada.

Maingot hailed his elevation to national status by scoring a second half goal, as Vincy Heat beat Grenada, 3-0.

Vincy Heat will jet off to Bonaire in the upcoming days to face the host in the Concacaf Nations League on September 5, 2024, and Montserrat, three days later, also in Bonaire.

They will do so without the talents of Maingot, who is recovering from the inflicted injury.