Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
Fabian Dawkins (right) dribbles the ball across Tivoli's Victor Thompson in a Wray and Nephew National Premier League match earlier this season. - FILE
THE GOALSCORING form of national player Fabian Dawkins in the year 2005 could reap even more rewards for him this year.
Twenty-four-year-old Dawkins, the current goalscoring leader in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League with 13 goals in 15 games, is due to depart the island on January 15 for trial with Swedish First Division club Kalmaar.
"Actually there is something in the pipeline for me to go to Sweden sometime in the next couple of weeks and I am working on that right now," Dawkins told The Gleaner. He later confirmed the travel date as January 15.
The trial which should run for between two and three weeks was arranged by agent Patrick McCabe who also represents Jamaicans Shavar Thomas, Damani Ralph and Jermaine Hue among others.
"My agent Patrick McCabe got in touch with a club in Sweden by the name of Kalmaar and they were interested," explained Dawkins.
After creating a stir in the United States, scoring 15 goals in 26 games, the second highest, for the Atlanta Silverbacks in the United States Soccer League, a step below the U.S. Major League Soccer, Dawkins returned home to breathe life into Village.
His exploits at the Silverbacks also earned him a trial with MLS team DC United but both clubs could not agree on a transfer fee. Village were winless and scoreless after their opening three games before Dawkins' return. They are now third in the standings.
For Dawkins, who grew up in August Town, St. Andrew and attended Jamaica College, the Swedish opportunity is hard work paying off.
"I am really happy for this opportunity as I have been working hard for the past year and I believe that it is the work that I have been doing that is paying off. Kalmaar, I understand, is a good team which finished third or fourth in their division."
WINNING OPPORTUNITY
Dawkins also reasoned that such an opportunity is a winning one for all the parties involved. The Atlanta Silverbacks which owns his rights and to which he was to return in March as well as Village United could benefit financially if he succeeds.
"This is a situation where we could all benefit. If I go out there and the club likes me they will benefit from it in much the same way Village will. If and when I sign, both clubs should benefit financially.
"I on the other hand will benefit whether or not I sign because just the experience alone will be good for me," said the player who added that while Village will miss his goalscoring other players "will step up to the task".
