In an effort to hone his talents and compete at the highest regional level, Golden Jaguar International goalkeeper Akel Clarke, has inked a lucrative contract with Jamaican Red Stripe Premier League outfit Mount Pleasant Football Academy.
This was disclosed during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport. According to Clarke, who departed local shores yesterday for Jamaica, the acquisition of the contract provides the opportunity to compete at a very high level, which will benefit him and the national programme ahead of the impending World Cup Qualifiers and Gold Cup Playoffs in 2021.
He said, “This contract means a lot because since the [2019] Gold Cup I have been back home and wasn’t playing any football. This contract means much to me as I get to go back into competitive football before the World Cup Qualifiers and Gold Cup Playoffs. I think with the playing time and with the league being very competitive, Jamaica is a very competitive league, it will benefit me a great deal and by extension, the national team. It is a six month contract, with an option to extend. I am leaving tomorrow (today), but the contract started on November 1st.”
Clarke further disclosed, “The transfer has not been completed yet but the contract has already been secured and signed. I am waiting until January 1st to secure the move officially. I have been released from my local club Western Tigers to make the move, which means I am going to start training with the team. I have signed my contract and will officially be eligible to play on January 1st.”
Mount Pleasant Football Academy is a Jamaican professional club based in the parish of Saint Ann. The club currently plies its trade in the Red Stripe Premier League, the nation’s premier football tournament. The club gained promotion for the first time to the Red Stripe Premier League via the playoffs on July 1st 2018 after finishing second during the four team table.
The former Western Tigers and Fruta Conquerors standout, divulged that the attainment of the contract was facilitated and aided by former Golden Jaguars tactician Michael Johnson, who recommended his services to the Jamaican club. As such, Clarke declared that he is grateful for the opportunity provided by the former head coach.
He elaborated, “The past Guyana coach, Michael Johnson reached out to Eon DeVeira, the current national goalkeeper coach about a goalkeeper for a professional team. He recommended me to the team and reached out to DeVeira. This occurred three weeks ago. I am grateful to Johnson for providing the opportunity, even though he left the national team program, he is still interested in putting Guyana’s football on the map.”
Clarke has been capped 14 times for the senior national programme, following appearances at several junior levels. He made his debut in 2011 against Barbados.
Asked about the importance of overseas contracts for locally based players, Clarke opined that the importance of local players competing overseas cannot be understated, as it provides a platform and avenue to garner experience in highly competitive environs which aids in personal development and national team selection.
He explained, “I think this is a very important contract based on what is happening now around the Caribbean. There is no football, and Jamaica is already in the process of restarting their league. I think if more players from Guyana get out and play international football, they will have more experience and playing time. At the moment, it is a big deal for local players to be playing overseas, as it gives them a better chance to make the national team.”
