Bank On Mattocks

I remember like it was yesterday; October 1,2007 was the date that Bridgeport High thrashed Ardenne High 7-1 in the Jamaican School Boy Football Competition (Manning Cup). Representing Ardenne high, we played a terrible game but nonetheless, we were outplayed by a star-struck team for the game was dominated by the lankey Andre Clennon and the skillful Adrian King,  who scored five (5) goals between them. There was one player on the pitch that day, a player I was able to meet for the first, but by no means last time and that was Darren Mattocks.  At that time, at 16- year old, Mattocks was made to play second fiddle to his more senior counterparts.

Darren Mattocks - Then

 But that was just the beginning. Mattocks went on to score 24 goals in his final season playing for Bridgeport, Shinning at Waterhouse in the U-21 and then being promoted to the senior team in the Jamaican National Premier league where he continued to find the back of the net. Mattocks' talent could not be hidden for long and he soon found himself being invited to training camps for the national team at both the junior and senior level.  Mattocks' Journey  took him to Akron University where he scored 39 goals in 47 matches. A second pick  at the MLS Superdraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps was next in line for the speedy attacker from Portmore, Jamaica.
Fast forward to July 11,2012 and I have just watched Darren Mattocks score two beautiful goals against Toronto FC in the American Major League (MLS).  The young striker has now scored six(6) goals in nine games this season, three of which were substitute appearances. Mattocks has shown that he is not a player that is actively involved throughout the games he plays, but he pops up when it is most important.

Darren Mattocks - Now

 Now with a Jamaica national team on their World Cup Qualifying Campaign and lacking creativity, one wonders how long it will be before Darren Mattocks is given an opportunity. Not saying that Mattocks should go ahead and start, but he would definitely be a suitable substitution. With Marlon King dropped from the squad and the absence of a creative midfielder, the occasion is now right for a young, speedy,talented striker who creates his own opportunities and is familiar with South and Central American players.  While the call for Darren Mattocks might seem a bit premature, after a goal less draw with a lackluster Antiguan team, the Reggae Boyz  needs any help they can get. Another valid point is that  Darren Mattocks could be another Caribbean Star, maybe the next Dwight York.  Like all other  countries, Jamaica needs to have faith in the younger players and help them flourish. England  tried with a  very young Walcott, America marketed Freddy Adu, Brazil with Pele, Italy with Balotelli, why not Jamaica with Mattocks?

By Ian Williams