By Aabigayle McIntosh
“It’s very difficult to watch football when you know you can’t play it,” the sentiments of National Footballer Trevaughn “Peter Redz” Harriette expressing his desire to return to the field of play.
The only thing keeping him from returning to the game is a career-threatening knee injury he sustained while on national duty with the Antigua and Barbuda Benna Boys in 2018.
Reflecting on the injury, he told state media recently that one of the players took a throw-in and threw the ball to him.
In attempting to catch it, he ran forward and jumped into the air and during that movement, another player pushed him from behind.
“That took my balance off while being in the air and I landed awkwardly and my knee popped to the side, when I landed, I heard the pop,” Harriette said.
He has conducted two surgeries so far, and the final is a replacement of the meniscus which is critical as it will prevent him from becoming disabled or wheelchair-bound.
Each knee has two menisci, which are rubbery, C-shaped cushions that act as shock absorbers within the knee joint. These menisci play a crucial role in maintaining knee stability and distributing forces during movement.
“The third surgery is critical because without the meniscus I may face lifetime treatment or be wheelchair-bound”.
He currently needs a little over EC$159,000 for his final surgery in Spain. That cost will cover airfare accommodation and four months of rehabilitation in Spain.
He is seeking the assistance of everyone who can donate to an account at ACB Caribbean account number 108989991 or contact him at 1268-783-1247. He said the surgery has to be done as soon as possible.
Harriette has scored five goals in 22 appearances for the Benna Boys.
Why the government don’t assist him. He got injured while representing Antigua Barbuda so they should step in.