Nicoli Davion Malyk Brathwaite (born 24 December 2000) is a Barbadian footballer who plays as a midfielder for ACS Progresul Ezeriș of Romania's Liga III, and the Barbados national team.

Club career

Originally a cricketer, Brathwaite began playing football for Kickstart FC at the under-11 level and remained with the club through under-17. In 2016 he traveled to England on a one-year deal with Leyton Orient. After the one year, he was offered a professional contract but it did not materialize because of visa issues.[1] He was originally spotted by the club in Barbados during a showcase jointly organized by the Barbados Football Association and Crystal Palace.[2]

He returned to Barbados and applied for a student visa before returning to England for a two-year sports science programme the following year. While studying, he returned to Leyton Orient, practicing with the under-18 and reserve sides. After his visa was denied again, Brathwaite had a stint with the under-18 and under-23 sides of Charlton Athletic of League One. Again visa issues prevented him from signing a professional contract. Following his exit from Charlton Athletic, he went on trial with Southend United. However, his age and ongoing visa issues prevented his signing for a third time.[1][3]

In July 2019 Brathwaite was selected to travel to Argentina for a residency with Club Atlético Lanús of the Primera División.[4] Ultimately, the trial was unsuccessful because of his age.[1] He was the first player to participate in the program which resulted from a memorandum of understanding between the University of the West Indies and the governments of Argentina and Barbados.[3] Upon returning to Barbados, Brathwaite joined Paradise FC of the Barbados Premier League.[1] He remained with the club through the 2022 season.[5]

Brathwaite signed for ACS Progresul Ezeriș of Romania's Liga III in February 2023. He was one of a number of additions to the club as it tried to avoid relegation. Another player signed at the time was Loïck Piquionne, son of former French international Frédéric Piquionne.[6] His deal in Romania was Brathwaite's first professional contract.[7]

International career

Brathwaite made his senior international debut on 29 August 2019 in a friendly against Cuba.[8]

International career statistics

As of match played 9 June 2022.[8]
Barbados national team
Year Apps Goals
2018 1 0
2019 2 0
2020 2 0
2021 0 0
2022 8 0
2023 0 0
Total 13 0

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Behind The Goal Lines: Nicoli Brathwaite". Barbados Football Association. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  2. ^ Gilkes, Renaldo. "Kickstart Rush and Wotton football clubs received British donations". Loop News. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Footballers provided with opportunity". University of the West Indies. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  4. ^ "PROMISING BAJAN FOOTBALLER TRAVELS TO ARGENTINA FOR A PREMIER LEAGUE TRYOUT". The Bajan Reporter. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  5. ^ Gilkes, Renaldo. "Ellerton and Paradise book semifinal spots after extra time thrillers". Loop News. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  6. ^ ""Edjouma de Ezeriș"! Echipa din Liga 3 care face transferuri cu nume: au semnat și Piquionne și Brathwaite" (in Romanian). sport.ro. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Bajan footballer signs to club in Romania". Loop News. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  8. ^ a b "NFT profile". National Football Teams. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
Allikas: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicoli_Brathwaite
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