Stars target, James, moves to Guatemala; Mekeil nears MLS switch

Editor Thursday 4 February 2016 Global Football, Local Football, Volley 6 Comments

Japs North East Stars transfer target, Dwane James, was announced yesterday as an Antigua GFC player, as the Guatemalan champions confirmed that the 27 year old utility player will join their roster next season.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago international utility player, Dwane James. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/CONCACAF) — Photo: Trinidad and Tobago international utility player, Dwane James.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CONCACAF)

James’ move is a blow to Stars coach Ross Russell who hoped to have the former 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup player to shore up his midfield, which has already lost Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings and Duane Muckette and could soon see Neveal Hackshaw depart on loan.

James, a Pro League journeyman who last represented Barrackpore United in the CNG National Super League (NSL) Championship Division competition, replaces “Soca Warriors” defender Mekeil Williams on the Antigua roster.

Williams, who helped Antigua qualify for the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League tournament, is expected to sign for United States Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Colorado Rapids.

Rapids, who are coached by former United States international Pablo Mastroeni, finished bottom of the Western Conference last season.

If Williams secures his MLS move, he will join several international teammates who are already earning their living in the United States such as Kevin Molino (Orlando City), Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes).

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago defender Mekeil Williams (centre) prepares to attack a corner kick against Haiti during the 2016 Copa America play off contest at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium, Panama City. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868) — Photo: Trinidad and Tobago defender Mekeil Williams (centre) prepares to attack a corner kick against Haiti during the 2016 Copa America play off contest at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium, Panama City.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)

Warriors midfielder Kevan George left Columbus Crew at the end of last season but is expected to remain in the MLS and is currently training with DC United. Talented midfielder Nick De Leon, who qualifies to represent Trinidad and Tobago through his father and local legend Leroy De Leon, represents DC United.

In other local football news, DIRECTV W Connection has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the High Performance Center of the UWI’s Cave Hill campus in Barbados.

The agreement should see a joint implementation of development programs for players, administrators and coaches and a partnership that could benefit the UWI Blackbirds Football Club, which participates in the Barbadian Premier League.