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“I’m a very confident person,” San Juan goalkeeper Shane Mattis told Wired868. “I know that anytime I touch the pitch, you have to come good to score against me.”
Shane Mattis, Jabloteh’s 34-year-old Jamaica-born goalkeeper, has been playing football since he was seven. He spent much of his adult life in Trinidad where he represented North East Stars, St Ann’s Rangers, Ma Pau and Central FC before joining the “San Juan Kings” in January 2014.
The serious expression on his face might make him seem unapproachable. But, when you talk to him, he is one of the most down to earth people you will meet. Mattis is honest, outspoken and happy with himself.
Mattis was the MVP of the 2014 Toyota Classic competition and he has big plans for the future as well.
He shared some of his thoughts with Wired868.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
What is your date of birth?
17th of November, 1980.
What is your home town?
Saint Catherine, Jamaica.
What school did you attend?
Waterford High School.
What is something most people do not know about you?
I’m a funny person (laughs) although I might seem serious. Underneath that seriousness I am a very funny person.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Listen to music, read and watch plenty TV.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
What’s your favourite TV show? What kind of music do you listen to?
My favourite TV shows would be NCIS and Supernatural. I don’t miss those stories!
I’m more into reading magazines and newspapers. I like all kinds of music too but, if I have to pick one, I would say dancehall. My favourite song will be Chronixx’s ‘Like a Whistle.’
What pushes you to succeed?
My seven year old son. His name is Shane A. Mattis. I know that each day I have to get up and provide for him, so he gives me that drive to go do my best out there. He lives with his mom in Trinidad.
How did you start playing football?
I was introduced to football in the church league back home. I attended the Fairview Open Bible Church in Jamaica. I used to be a striker, they didn’t have any goalkeeper so they kind of told me to go in the goal and from then I kind of liked it. I was 14 years at that time.
How would you describe yourself as person?
I’m a caring, very kind person. I’m very straight forward and very easy to get along with. Umm, I think that’s it.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Who was your most important coach and why?
My most important coach… I would have to say Paul Campbell. Paul Campbell was my goalkeeper coach at Portmore United when I just started out. He taught me the basics of being a goalkeeper and he was with me until I reached kind of professional level.
What makes you stand out as player?
Confidence! I’m a very confident person; I know that anytime I touch the pitch, you have to come good to score against me.
Who is your favourite football player?
Umm, wow. I would say Gianluigi Buffon from Italy. He is a great goalkeeper. I love watching him.
What is your favourite team?
Spain, because I grew up watching them. The first World Cup game I saw on TV was Spain versus Bulgaria in 1990.
What is your ambition in the game?
Well, after football I will like to do a little bit of coaching myself. I’ve always wanted to do that so I guess after my football career is finished I will go into coaching.
(Courtesy: Nadira Mathura/Wired868.)
What was your best moment in football so far?
I would have to say getting called up to the (Jamaica) national team. That was my best achievement so far. Just to hear that phone ring and someone telling me that you are on the national team… Yeah, that was a very big achievement for me.
When was this?
It was in 2004. I got called up to the Jamaica Senior National Team. I was in the stands (because) I was the third string (goalkeeper) at that time.
What is your target for the season?
Well my target for the season, obviously is to be the best goalkeeper in the league. As far as the league is going, I doubt that is possible now. But hopefully next year.
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Good guy to highlight and good work Nicole
Big up yuhself Shane Mattis
Oh yea Shawn Jabolteh controlled the game well. As much as I have faith in the Sharks and Fenwick’s return I couldn’t ignore how good Jabolteh have been playing lately and was giving our guys a run for the trophy.
The form jabloteh displayed in that first half…..damn. Some sweet triangle passing……good thing crystal was not feeling good yesterday
Buh A A my JA people not only playing in our professional league eh, there is also a goalkeeper now playing in the league, well knowing how they don’t stick when it comes to being very serious with the sports eh, they will surely get our players to toughen up mentally and physically.
Shane always has a positive body language on the field and he looks like a solid guy.
I have to agree with Mr. Confident when he said “they have to come good to score against him”. The guy was excellent yesterday! He made some crucial saves. It took something special like Guerra’s free kick to beat him as we saw. His teammates let the side down because in my view Jabloteh had my team busy.
Nadira!! Nice piece
Shane is a top guy. A real professional who is good to have around your team. Always ready to smile rather than frown. Keep on keeping, Shane!!