BY NODLEY WRIGHT, Freelance Writer
Eddie Kingston - CONTRIBUTED
THERE IS A huge points differential in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League between the top two teams, Harbour View and Waterhouse, and the rest but unlike some of the other teams Trelawny's Village United are not prepared to concede a top two position just yet.
As if to signal their intention and to strengthen their team, the new standard bearers in Western Jamaica's football, engaged the services of Liberian international Eddie Kingston.
NEW DIMENSION
The 25-year-old midfielder/forward has been in the island for over two weeks but is yet to make his debut. Even though he has not played in a match as yet, Kingston has summed up the squad and knows what he can add to it. "I am just going to give Village my all. I think I can add a new dimension to the Village attack. My experience will serve them well as there are a number of young players just out of high school and are still in high school," said the veteran of Liberia's narrow miss for the 2002 World Cup.
US COLLEGE
Besides his international experience with the Liberia national team, Kingston earned his stripes in the United States College system and then had a professional stint in Europe.
"I spent two years each at St Johns' University and the University of Illinois before playing professionally in Croatia, Malaysia and in the United Sates.
After his College years Kingston by-passed the US Major League Soccer (MLS) and headed for Croatia where he represented Zagreb in the Croatian First Division for a number of years before moving to South East Asia to represent ATM Armed Forces. His loan arrangement with Village runs until the end of the season. "I will be going back to Malaysia. This is just an opportunity for me to get a taste of Caribbean football and to stay in shape until the start of the Malaysian season," said Kingston who is making his second attempt to represent the club having failed to do so last season after his Malaysian club failed to sign the release form.
"This time around they did so hopefully I will get the opportunity. There is still the matter of the work permit.
That is what I am waiting for to suit up," said Kingston who was introduced to Jeffrey White, part-owner of the club, through a mutual friend in the United States. While he waits for the green light to play, Kingston is busy getting himself ready in training, getting to know his teammates and building a relationship with them. "It is really good.
The only thing is that playing in Jamaica is a lot different to what I am used to. The game is a lot more physical and nothing is wrong with that but it is far less tactical.
People are far more individualistic and try to do a lot more so it is far less teamwork," observed Kingston who also praised them for their technical and athletic abilities.
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