Cornie says farewell to national Football representation

Long standing national footballer Cornelius “Cornie” Huggins has reached the end of the road, as regards national representation.{{more}}

Huggins made his feelings known to SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, following St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2-0 defeat by Belize.

He is bowing out of the international scene, ending 18 years of playing Football for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Huggins played his last match for St. Vincent and the Grenadines last Friday in Belize, which finished 1-1.

But for him, it was a sad moment to leave the international scene, as he wanted to finish his sojourn in front of his home fans.

Huggins was unable to do so, as he had picked up two yellow cards, the last on Friday in Belize, which made him ineligible for last Tuesday’s return match here.

Huggins, who first retired in 2008, after 15 years of national representation, rescinded his decision earlier this year and answered the call to make a last hurrah in the CONCACAF Qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

The 36-year-old was called back by current Technical Director and Head Coach of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football set up Colwyn Rowe to add some experience to the young team.

Huggins performed the role of player /coach, as he was also deputy to Rowe.

Huggins told SEARCHLIGHT: “It is sad to leave because I still think I have some more years in me and can go some more.”

He revealed that he cherished the opportunity to lead the young players and help guide them.

“It is my hope that they (the Executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation) will keep the team together as they will be good for the future”, Huggins stated.

Huggins, since being employed by the SVGFF last year, has had stints as the Coach of the Under-20 and Under-23 men’s teams and Assistant Coach to the most recent senior national women’s team.

With over 100 international caps to his credit, Huggins is looking forward to restarting his professional career, as he seems destined to head back to Malaysia.

In 2008, a ruling by the Malaysian Football authorities put a ban on foreign players participating in their leagues.

The ban has since been lifted, lighting the path for Huggins and others to return.

Huggins spent five seasons with Kedah FC, helping them to a treble of titles in 2007. (RT)