Elva.
From the south of Saint Lucia to the French northwest, by way of Calgary and Stuttgart, Caniggia Elva is finally getting some quality playing time.
The young Saint Lucian ace earned a contract with VfB Stuttgart last year after impressing during his time in Canada. In the January transfer window, he was loaned to Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace in the Championnat National, the third tier of French football.
On Sunday, Saint Lucia’s Independence Day, Elva, himself the descendant of French colonials, made his debut for the Racing reserve team. His first official taste of French football came against Soleil Bischheim at the Stade J N Muller.
The first half was scoreless, but in the second stanza, the lithe striker struck. On 61 minutes, Elva connected to give his team the victory, and promptly peeled off to complete double front somersaults in celebration.
RCS is in contention for the reserve title in the Championnat. Their new Saint Lucian addition could make all the difference.
Elva is with RCS until the end of the season in June. Whether he will be called upon by the Saint Lucia Football Association between now and the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers, starting in June against Antigua-Barbuda, is left to be seen.