Alvas Powell signs with African club

After seven years in the United States, national defender Alvas Powell will take his talents to the continent of Africa to continue his career.

The 26-year-old Powell has signed with Sudanese club Al-Hilal EC of the Sudanese Premier League for the current season with a one-year option. The move was confirmed by the club yesterday on their official Facebook page.

"Today [Yesterday] Al Hilal has signed the star Jamaican international Alvas Powell. The right-sided player joins as an exceptional addition on a contract until the end of the season, with an optional one-year extension. The club has successful signed Powell, thanks to the efforts of his excellent Honorary Club president Turki al-Sheikh," the club said in their statement. "His excellency sponsored the negotiations and, in concert with the Normalisation Committee, ensures this financial commitment."

Fellow teammates

Powell becomes the third national player to play on the African continent, joining fellow teammates Romario Williams and Damion Lowe, who are both playing for Al Ittihad in the Egyptian Premier League.

His spell in the United States ended last year when he was released from Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami FC, which is owned by David Beckham. Injuries limited his appearances last season, only playing in five games, including their play-off defeat to Nashville SC in November. The former Portmore United full back began life in the MLS in 2014, joining the Portland Timbers on loan. After agreeing to a permanent deal in 2015, he would help to lift the MLS Cup that year and spend three years with the club, before he was traded to FC Cincinnati in 2018. He would only spend one season in Cincinnati, then landing in Miami last year.

In additional to league play, Powell will be helping his club to continental success as Al Hilal will take part in the Confederation for African Football (CAF) Champions League, which begins on February 12. Al Hilal qualified for the group stages of this year's tournament by advancing from their previous preliminary rounds.

- D.W.