Woodbrook-based Digicel Pro League club, Ma Pau has signalled its intentions of being among the challengers for major titles by signing three players for the 2010 season already.
Following a creditable fifth place finish in the league last season, under Michael Mc Comie and Angus Eve, the Casino Boys have managed to lure Seon Power, Devon Jamerson and Elton John on two-year contracts. The surprise signing of Power from league champions, bmobile Joe Public as well as the Clico San Juan Jabloteh duo of Jamerson and John was confirmed by assistant coach Eve yesterday.
Power, 26, played a key role in bmobile Joe Public’s capturing of the league crown and four other major titles during the just concluded season while Jamerson and John helped Jabloteh to the league runners-up spot.
He was also one of 13 Joe Public players due to be out of contract by December 31 or January 15 next year but who were offered new deals by the club. Despite helping the Eastern Lions to a historic five titles, however, including the league crown which secured a Caribbean Football Union Club Championship spot and possibly Concacaf Champions League play, Power has decided leave the Lion’s Den.
The 23-year-old John was also set to be out of contract at the end of the year and was offered a new deal by re-installed Jabloteh coach, Englishman Terry Fenwick. However, he has also decided against staying with the financially strapped club. Jamerson, 21, had an option to remain with Jabloteh for another season but has decided against it and made the move to the Woodbrook club.
Eve, a former national player and coach at Jabloteh, also expressed some optimism that the signing of the trio was just the start of a busy transfer window for the club. “We are still negotiating with a few more players and it’s hope that within the next couple of days or so we will be announcing some more big name signings who we think can add some positive energy and quality into the team.
The three guys we have signed so far are young players but in terms of the Pro League that are all very experienced and this will surely benefit Ma Pau. Looking ahead to the club’s third season in the Pro League, Eve said the Casino Boys as Ma Pau are known have already began to plan. “We intend to resume training on February 1.
Coach Mc Comie is currently away putting things in place for the pre-season tour to Panama or Colombia. “We are also having discussions about bringing on board some new technical staff members mainly former national team physiotherapist, David Cumberbatch.”