- ttsportdiary
Jomoul Francois: From La Horquetta to Nepal
T&T Sport Diary caught up with speedy and talented attacker Jomoul Francois, who currently plies his trade in Nepal for Friends FC. Francois, a stand out with then St. Ann’s Rangers and San Juan Jabloteh, shares that his inspiration comes from a promise he made to his late mother and his daughter. “Inspiration comes from within God but what mainly gives me the drive to push even more is the promise I made to my mom before she passed away - that I would try my best in anything I do to make her proud. My family who also supports me 100% and I’m also doing this for my daughter, she also motivates me a lot.” This is Francois’ second overseas stint as he was last contracted by Independiente Fc in El Salvador.
Nepal ranks second in the world in terms of average elevation above sea level, which is 10,715 feet for the nation as a whole. To put this information into context, Trinidad and Tobago averages an elevation of roughly 273 feet above sea level. Playing in high altitude can have tremendous impact on how you play and Francois admits that at first he had trouble breathing and coping during games but has since then adjusted and all is fine now. “It takes time to settle because Mount Everest is closeby and here is very cold so it takes time to settle but it’s a beautiful place…”
While Nepal shares a different culture from T&T, Francois admitted that it did not take him long to adjust as that’s what being a professional is. “Mainly it’s a different culture to us but it didn’t take me long to adjust because this is one of the main part of being a professional.” Having Trinbagonians around him though, has made the transition pretty easy as Ronnell Paul and Nathaniel ‘Spanish’ Garcia are also members of the same franchise.
The twenty-six year old believes that if he can play well in Nepal, it will be easier for other Trinbagonians to secure contracts and earn a living in the South Asian country. “The league is good quality, the players are physically fit, they are also guys who are very skillful. So I’m trying to do my best so I can make room for other players from my country so that they can get the opportunity to play here in Nepal.”
With three senior international caps under his belt, the La Horquetta footballer already knows what it takes to be and what it feels like to be on the national team and he believes that if he scores as many goals as he can, he would soon be back there. “First of all it would be a pleasure to represent my country again, if I do get this opportunity, I would do everything to help my country and my teammates to get the best results.” The season is nearing its end and Friends FC is in the relegation zone, so we eagerly await to see the nippy attacker’s next move.
Here’s some rapid questions for Jomoul:
Favourite food: I loved when my mom cooked for me but my favorite dish is a Sunday lunch…macaroni pie, Fry Rice, Calalloo, Shepherd Pie, Potato Salad And Stew chicken
Favourite artiste: Vybz Kartel
Favourite movie: Blood Diamond
Favourite football memory: When I scored the only goal in a match when I was playing at Jabloteh back in 2018 in The TT Pro League
Favourite Footballer: Messi… best player ever
Favourite Club: I would say PSG Because I’m a Messi fan So anywhere Messi is, I would be supporting the team ..
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?: My focus is to stay physically fit and stayed prayed up And Anything is possible…