Elliott success stirs St. Kitts & Nevis football future

CONCACAF News:

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts & Nevis – In many ways, Devaughn Elliott stands as a symbol of St. Kitts & Nevis’ growth – and potential — as a football nation.

After beginning his career at home, the midfielder joined Trinidad & Tobago’s W Connection in 2013, and then moved to El Salvador’s Pasaquina two years later.

Now, he competes for Mexican second-tier side Murcielagos, whose roster contains Trinidad & Tobago standouts midfielder Jomal Williams and Shadon Winchester – both formerly of W Connection as well.

On November 19, Elliott reminded the fans back home of his burgeoning talent, when he scored in a 1-1 draw with visiting Estonia in an international friendly. The result took the Sugar Boyz’s 2016 record to 5W-2D-2L, a point of pride for Elliott.

“For the last two years, we have been professional in every aspect of our football and from the President (Anthony Johnson) straight down to the players,” said the 25-year-old, who netted in a 1-0 win at Andorra last year.

“Everyone has played a wonderful role in our rise as a footballing nation. It has shown in the rankings as well. It is disappointment we are out of contention to qualify for the Gold Cup, but there are plenty of positives moving forward and avoiding defeat against teams like Estonia and others show that we are a team to watch out for in the Caribbean.”

Elliott is the first Kittitian to play professionally in Mexico, joining Murcielagos ahead of the 2016 Clausura and making 19 total league appearances. He admits that it has taken time to adjust to play in Mexico.

“Compared to my time in Trinidad and El Salvador, in Mexico the game is much faster,” Elliott commented. “It is also more technical, so you have to be on your toes always, but it has been a good league for my development and I am happy it has paid off for both club and country.”

With St. Kitts & Nevis qualifying for the 2016 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, Elliott believes the nation’s footballing future is bright.

“We currently have a good core of players in their 20’s and mid 20’s,” he finished. “Once we continue introducing new players like Tahir Hanley and others, we can give the 2019 Gold Cup a go. We are making strides, so everything in time.”