Mattocks joins a bevy of Reggae Boyz in Africa .... - As he signs for Sudanese club Al Merreikh

The Jamaican player exodus to Africa continues as national striker Darren Mattocks becomes the latest player set to ply his trade on the continent.

The 30-year-old Mattocks will join Sudanese club Al Merreikh for the new season. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the club confirmed the signing on their Twitter page yesterday. Mattocks's transfer ends his eight-year stint in the United States, having played for four clubs during that span.

Mattocks has been a free agent since February 2020 after being released from his last club, FC Cincinnati. He made 21 appearances in 2019 for the club, scoring three goals, but that was not enough to earn a new deal.

The Bridgeport High School alumnus was selected with the second overall pick in the 2012 MLS Superdraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps and proceeded to make 93 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals during his four years in Canada. He was then traded to rivals Portland Timbers in 2016, where he spent two years before being traded again to DC United in 2018. He scored 10 goals in 25 appearances during his time at the club, but it was not enough to avoid another trade to expansion franchise FC Cincinnati in 2019.

Mattocks joins national teammate Alvas Powell in the Sudanese League, as the latter signed for Al Hilal on January 25. Additionally, both players will be participating in the Confederation for African Football (CAF) champions league, which begins on February 12. Mattocks could be available to participate in the club's first game of the competition against Egyptian champions Al Ahly. The number of national players in Africa has now increased to four, with Romario Williams and Damion Lowe playing on the continent in the Egyptian Premier League.