‘Belgium here we come’

National goalkeeper Shaquan Davis is one of three Mount Pleasant players earmarked for transfers to RAEC Mons, the Belgian third-tier club recently acquired by the St Ann outfit.

Mount Pleasant Sporting Director Paul Christie revealed that the 24 year-old Davis, who has three international caps, along with club captain Sue-Lae McCalla and winger Devonte Campbell, have been selected by a technical panel, comprising both RAEC Mons and Mount Pleasant personnel.

Christie pointed out that although the acquisition of the European club is intended to be used as a gateway to get their players into Europe, he noted that with their relationship, players could also move in the opposite direction.

“Our captain Suelae McCalla and Devonte Campbell will be a part of that project at Renaissance Mons, and it is highly likely that our goalkeeper and national goalkeeper, Shaquan Davis, will also fill a void over there,” he disclosed.

Other Mount Pleasant players are expected join them in due time, but Christie said that players will also move in the other direction.

“At Mount Pleasant Football Academy if you are good enough, the opportunity will be presented to you.

“As of right now, it is not a (specific) number that we are sending but it is based on the need in Belgium and the capacity for us at Mount Pleasant to deliver on that need, that is what we will do.

“It’s not that we are sending over five or 10. That is not how it works. We have an advanced scouting process and a systematic approach monitored by Global Institute of Sports. We try to find fits where player profiles are concerned, and then we try to make that transition.

“Whether it is players from Jamaica going to Belgium or players from Belgium coming to Jamaica, it is all about the need and how we fit the need.”

Nevertheless, he said everything has been carefully considered by the technical team in order to strike a balance between moving top players to Belgium and remaining competitive in the local premier league and international competitions.

“It is not a wholesale thing. It is a holistic plan, and our decisions will be dictated by the research and scientific data.

“Yes, you will see players from Mons moving to the Mount Pleasant, and we truly believe that we are in a privileged position that can change football as people know it.

“The Caribbean is trying to catch up in what’s happening in the world, and we are committed to this task. We will not rest until progress is made, not only at Mount Pleasant, but in the region.

“So that when it comes on to the Gold Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, the Caribbean will be represented with distinction,” he continued

He also believes having European-bred players in the Mount Pleasant ranks will elevate the professionalism and make the team more competitive in Concacaf competitions.

“There are countries ahead of us by leaps and bounds, and it is a process to get up to where they are.

“When a Caribbean team goes to Concacaf it is assumed they will just show up. We want the Americans and Mexicans to look at us as competitors and not just making up numbers.

“Having players from Renaissance Mons will help to bridge the gap. There might be communication barriers, but that will be sorted out and everything will take care of itself,” he stated confidently.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.