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Devonti striding in football like father Devon
December 15, 2023
Former Rivoli and Humble Lion forward Devon Hodges made his name as one of the country's most lethal goalscorers during his heyday.
Hodges, who also had a brief spell with the Reggae Boyz, was the Jamaica Premier League's top scorer in 2008-09 (25 goals) and 2009-10 (18 goals), and has the record for the most goals in a single top-flight game, after bagging 10 goals in a 15-0 win over Invaders of Trelawny in the 2004-05 season.
Hodges' son, Devonti, who plays for back-to-back daCosta Cup and Olivier Shield champions Clarendon College, has also been making a name for himself in the sport, albeit at the opposite end of the pitch as a central defender.
Devonti, one of the mainstays of Clarendon for the last two seasons, said his father has been a crucial part of his development. When asked why he hasn't followed in his father's footsteps as a striker, he pointed out that he has been a defender from the beginning and that it is how he has developed his game.
"He (father) is important because he trains me on my off days. I have to work hard. He pushes me. Even when I vomit, I cannot stop, and it's paying off.
"It hasn't come through fully yet, but it's coming, and good things come to those who wait," he told STAR Sports after retaining the Oliver Shield with a 4-0 win over Mona on Wednesday.
"It is just what I am good at. I have been developing in this position from the age-group level, and it just comes naturally to me now, so I can't just switch that to try and score goals. I have to defend because that is what I know to do best, and good defence wins championships."
Devonti was one of the standout defenders this schoolboy season. His reading of the game, ability on the ball and long-range passing were second to none. Nevertheless, he believes there is room for improvement.
"My performance was fair. It was nothing too much because it was simple - nothing outrageous," he commented.
He was also proud of the way Clarendon College defended their titles.
"We just kept our heads high. From last year, we said we cannot come back and fail. We have to keep our standard, which is very high because last year in the Olivier Shield, we won 3-0, and now we won 4-0.
"Last year's Dacosta Cup, we won 3-0. This year, we won 6-2. So it was an uplifting performance from Clarendon College. As everyone can see, we are the best on the island. The Olivier Shield says it," Devonti said.
He added that he has no intention of taking a break, and looks to make his Jamaica Premier League (JPL) seasonal debut for Dunbeholden this weekend.
"Right now, it's the Premier League. I was with Dunbeholden last season and I haven't changed clubs. Maybe in the next few days, because there are no days off. Only a lazy man takes rest," he concluded.
