For ‘Kenny’ & ‘Shorty’, age is just a number

The London Olympics would have been the icing on the cake for two of the oldest players in the Qualifiers. Both represented Canada at the Sydney and Beijing Games, but the 1-1 draw against France on Friday was a heartbreak, which saw Rob Short almost collapse in tears. While the shocked 39-year-old had to be helped off by teammates, his roommate and friend, Ken Pereira, put on a brave face.

The London Olympics would have been the icing on the cake for two of the oldest players in the Qualifiers. Both represented Canada at the Sydney and Beijing Games, but the 1-1 draw against France on Friday was a heartbreak, which saw Rob Short almost collapse in tears. While the shocked 39-year-old had to be helped off by teammates, his

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roommate and friend, Ken Pereira, put on a brave face.

“I haven't thought about the future," said the 38-year-old captain. “Unlike ‘Shorty’, I'm not much of a planner. But at the fag end of my career, I'll have to give it a thought.”

Called ‘Kenny’ by friends, the midfielder doesn't think the 2016 Rio Olympics would be his cup of tea. “At 42 and 43, if we are able to play competitively, it would be amazing.”

Though not ready to call it a day soon, both will continue to play in the Netherlands. Not only has intense practice allowed them to stay fit at this age, it has improved their skills. “I’ve been playing in the Dutch league for five years now, and practice allows me to be as fit as the youngsters,” said Pereira.

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