Duty calls: HFX Wanderers captain Andre Rampersad tapped for CONCACAF Nations League matches, the latest chapter in a memorable year
Trinidad and Tobago national Andre Rampersad is on his way to represent his country in the CONCACAF Nations League.
The Halifax Wanderers captain, who has featured in 16 matches for the club this season, left for his country's national camp ahead of Monday's tilt against York United FC.
Rampersad had previously been called-up in March and also featured in the Gold Cup, scoring a memorable goal against Jamaica.
Speaking to the Wanderers Notebook last week before his call-up was confirmed, Rampersad discussed the thrill of representing his country while balancing his loyalty to the club he's represented since 2019.
"It's been tough," he said when asked about leaving the Wanderers mid-season to play in the Gold Cup. "Obviously, you're with your club and everything is happening and you're probably one of the main pieces of the team, if I can say that. And then when you have to leave, it's so hard because vocally, I think keeping the guys on the right road and being positive all the time, it's a big part of my game. Give credit to the guys, I think they've done well. They've just made it tougher for me coming back because I have to make the team."
This year has seen head coach Patrice Gheisar try and unlock Rampersad's offensive potential, playing him further up the pitch. The 28-year old midfielder had his moments, registering an assist in his 100th appearance for the Wanderers playing as a No. 8.
In addition to playing a different position, the beginning of the season also saw a complete re-structuring of the roster, a fact that Rampersad doesn't take lightly.
"There comes a time when people have to move on and changes need to be made. Seeing all the changes and where we're at right now, it's good to see because it shows we're taking positive steps. When you look at the table and how we've done against tough opposition — like Forge hasn't beaten us this year — I like the way we're heading," he said.
Following a number of matches where Rampersad wasn't hitting his potential, the coaching staff decided to move him back to his natural position as a defensive midfielder; his form improved almost instantly and it coincided with some of Halifax's best performances of the season.
"Coach definitely wanted that (offensive side) to be part of the plan for this season. We tried it, it didn't work as well and then we switched back. It was definitely positive that he had wanted me to play more attacking but it's best that I play from a deeper position," he said.
Although the Wanderers currently sit sixth in the table with 32 points, part of a three way-tie with York United and Atlético Ottawa, they are well-positioned to secure one of the five playoff spots as they have played one less match than York and have been one of the hottest clubs in the league.
Rampersad noted it's about approaching each match with the same level of preparation.
"For me, it's about never underestimating any team and trying to execute the plan as best as possible," he said.
In addition to the thrill of the CPL playoff race, Rampersad could hardly contain his smile when asked about scoring at the Gold Cup, a highlight he said he will cherish forever.
"I definitely had messages going back and forth from home with some of my friends and I said 'Yo, I just scored at the Gold Cup. Andre Rampersad just scored at the Gold Cup. Who is that guy?' It was definitely an awesome feeling, not the result we wanted obviously but it put my name out there," he said.
Looking back at the last couple of months — from his first national team call-up to the Wanderers' improvements — Rampersad marveled at how far he'd come.
"This is how life goes. One day you're here and then there's magic and all of a sudden, you're the guy on the big stage representing your country and your club," he said.
Trinidad and Tobago's squad will square off against Curaçao on September 7 and El Salvador on September 10.
Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC
