SOME OF THE footballers participating in the British Airways Barbados Football Legends Tournament took to the golf course at Apes Hill yesterday.
They enjoyed a game of golf and drove around in their small groups taking in the sun.
“We’re not accustomed to this climate but we are definitely enjoying it so far,” said Robbie Fowler, who is best known for his days at Liverpool.
As the enthusiastic players drove around the golf course, they were not hesitant to answer a number of questions.
In looking ahead to the Football Festivalat Kensington Oval today and tomorrow, most of the players said they wanted to enjoy themselves but had one minor concern.
“We’ve never played in this climate, so hopefully driving around and playing golf in the sun should get us acclimatized well enough for this weekend,” one player said.
Roberto Di Matteo, a former Chelsea midfielder and manager said he enjoyed his latter role.
“I love my job because it’s something I’m passionate about. It gives me a chance to express my philosophy to the team and players,” he said.
“There are challenges – dealing with everything around football, be it the age of the players, the media, which can be very influential when it comes to group dynamics.
“The fans and the limelight can also be a challenge that a manager and player must face if they want to succeed in the football arena.”
Another player who will be in action over the next two days is former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor.
He said that he still loved football and was still very much involved in the sport.
“I am doing a media degree and I am currently working with LFCTV and LFC Radio. Hopefully, I will get into SkySports as well in the future,” he said.
“I love watching football, whether it’s the Premier League or conference and to get to talk about. It is fantastic so I am looking forward to the future.”
Fowler said that management would be his next move.
“You can’t play forever, so management would be most definitely my next step,” he said.
Action in the British Airways Barbados Football Legends Tournament starts at 7 p.m. each day. (SH/CC)