Jerome Robens or the Striker from elsewhere
Unknown to the Haitian public in January, Jerome Robens carved himself a spot in his countrymen’s heart by scoring a goal against Ecuador in a friendly match. If the native of « Source Matelas », a community located in north of Port-au-Prince, has not scored any other goals since that first one , and if some people are of the opinion that he does not have the talent of some other local strikers, the fact remains that the coach is satisfied with him and the player of Tilligul Tiras could wear #10 in a team of "Grenadiers".
How did you get started in football?
My father is a former football player and he was very gifted. As far back as I can remember, there were footballs in our home. As soon as I could take my first steps in my life, he put a soccer ball in front of me and I started playing. I played football right through school until I was 14 years old. At this stage, I joined New York Metro Stars, where I signed my first professional contract at the age of 17. I stayed with this club until I was 19.
Why did you leave the Metro Stars?
I was offered a better contract from the Pittsburgh team. The salary was better and there was a strong athletic support team. I played there for two seasons and, when the coach of the New York Metro Stars left the team to coach Moldova’s Tiligul Tiras, he made me an offer to join him in Tiligul Tiras which I accepted.
Tiligul?
Even if Moldova is a football country, it is primarily a European country so you are more exposed internationally and the professionals of the industry get to see you. So naturally I made the step. Then there is the sporting challenge, because there was the possibility one day of playing in the UEFA Cup or Champions League.
I have played for Tiligul for three years now. During the first season, we played a qualifying match against a Polish team but unfortunately we were out of the race.
Length of contract?
It ends in January 2010. I have another offer on the table which I am considering, but I haven’t made a decision yet.
What does playing in the national team mean to you?
It is a dream come true. Moreover, any professional footballer dreams of wearing the colors of his country. As a child, I cherished the dream and realizing it fills me with joy.
And how do you perceive the Gold Cup for Haiti?
It won’t be easy for us to win the Gold Cup. The first objective is to compete well in this tournament. However, at any given time, anyone can win and what I wish is that the Haitian football team surprises a lot of people.
Robens Jerome
| Name: | Jerome |
| First name: | Jean Robens |
| Nickname: | Ayan |
| Date of birth: | July 23rd 1984 |
| Place of birth: | Source Matelas, Haiti |
| Education level: | College in the US |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Number of Children: | None |
| Father's name: | John Robert Jérôme |
| Mother's Name: | Matthew Jerome Marie Kettel |
| Number of siblings: | A brother and sister |
| Position of birth in the family: | Thrid of three |
| Height: | 5 feet 8 |
| Weight: | 167 pounds |
| Sport: | Football, basketball when I was in school |
| Position: | Front center |
| Successive Clubs: | New York Metro Stars, Pittsburg CF Tiligul Tiras (Moldova) |
| Honors: | League Cup Moldovian |
Interviewed by
Enock Néré
nenock@yahoo.com
