PAUL-ANDRE WALKER, Staff Reporter
Khari Stephenson (right) and national teammate Jermaine Hue. - FILE
AFTER GOOD REVIEWS from management and the Swedish press, Khari Stephenson will play in his second pre-season game for Gsteborgs Atlet & IdrottssSllskap (GAIS) tom-orrow.
In his first, against Malmo, Stephenson was instrumental in setting up opportunities for his teammates in a 2-1 win over first-division team Malmo.
This time around he will play against Helsingburg, the club which Jamaica international Luton Shelton is currently on trial at.
Thus far, Stephenson has been able to make a good impression on his coach and will more than likely make his second start in their 4-2-3-1 formation, where he plays as one of two holding midfielders.
"I was told that I received good words in the paper but I don't know because I can't read the language," Stephenson told STAR Sports in a telephone Interview.
While Stephenson hopes to play against Shelton tomorrow, the match-up won't happen with the striker being rested.
Speaking of the quality of the Swedish First Division, Stephen-son said it is not far from the standards that apply in the MLS.
"They play a highly technical game. It's more technical than in the MLS but it is very similar in other respects. Spaces are closed down quickly and you don't have a lot of time with the ball so you always have to be ready," said Stephenson.
As for financial opportunities that apply in Sweden for Jamaicans, Stephenson has indicated that Sweden is a viable option.
"The pay isn't the best but it is better than what I was getting in MLS (Major League Soccer)," he said.
Now that he seems to have settled a little and has earned a starting role, Stephenson is hoping for a good season to advance his career.
"I want to play in one of the bigger Leagues in Europe. I'm eyeing the Netherlands, France, Spain and England," he said.
"I wouldn't necessarily want to serve out the three-year contract here (Gsteborg)," he added.
Stephenson's team was recently promoted to Division One after topping Division Two but see themselves as good enough to stay in the country's top league, a view Stephenson also holds.
"We have a good team with some good quality players," he said.
"The club is over a hundred years old and it has great history and lots of fans in this country. Crazy fans but crazy in a good way," he said. "Beating Malmo is a good indication of what we can do, they were second in the division last year."
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