Beckford, Benbow follow Duckie to Mt Pleasant
Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) newcomers Mount Pleasant Football Academy have bolstered their squad for the upcoming season with the acquisition of Kemar ‘Bushy’ Beckford and Cardel Benbow from last season’s beaten finalists Waterhouse.
Donovan White, president of Waterhouse, has confirmed reports that both players have exited the Drewsland-based club. However, he declined to comment on reports that Beckford’s transfer fee is $1 million.
“Yes, I can say that both players have transferred to Mount Pleasant,” White told STAR Sports. When pressed about the transfer fee he said: “I am not at liberty to discuss the transfer fee.”
Meanwhile, coach of Mount Pleasant, Donovan Duckie, refused to comment on the transfers when contacted. “I have no comment,” Duckie stated.
The 27-year-old Beckford spent the last two seasons at Waterhouse and previously represented Rivoli United for several years. He is an attacking midfielder, who scored 10 goals while leading Waterhouse to the 2017-18 final, where they lost to Portmore United.
YOUTH LEVEL
Benbow, a former St George’s College Manning Cup star, represented Portmore United in the 2013-14 and 2016-17 seasons. He also played for Tampa Marauders and Harrisburg City Islanders in the United Soccer League.
The wily 23-year-old represented Jamaica at the youth level and also has two caps for the senior team. His first appearance for the Reggae Boyz was on March 25 against Antigua.
Both players rejoin coach Duckie, who guided Waterhouse to second place last season.
Other transfers in the first window include Dicoy Williams who has moved from Portmore United to Arnett Gardens; Tyler Dacres from Edgewater to Cavalier SC; Ryan Wellington from Harbour View to Portmore United; Naquaini Brown from St Bess to Portmore United and Romaine Brackenridge from Tivoli Gardens to Portmore United. The window is set to close on August 31.