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Mount Pleasant’s GK Davis stands out in JPL
February 23, 2024
The meteoric rise of Mount Pleasant Football Academy's goalkeeper Shaquan Davis over the last two seasons in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) has made the shots-topper one of, if not the top goalkeeper locally.
In his first season with the St Ann-based Mount Pleasant last term, the former Hydel and Duhaney Park FC goalkeeper was crucial in their first JPL triumph.
However, this season, the 23-year-old Davis has taken his game to another level, and his penalty save in their 1-0 win over Tivoli Gardens on Sunday proved his importance for the Theodore Whitmore-coached Mount Pleasant.
"This season has been a blessing. I am grateful for what has been happening," Davis told STAR Sports.
"I have been called to the national programme, and I am currently the joint best goalkeeper in terms of clean sheets in the league, so I am where I want to be. I honestly can't complain."
On Sunday, with the game evenly poised at 0-0, Tivoli were awarded a penalty, which would have given them all three points.
DENIED DUNN
However, the in-form Davis denied Justin Dunn's effort before Suelae McCalla found the winner in added time.
"The (penalty) call was a bad call from the referee, but at the end of the day, we couldn't drop our heads. We knew it would be a tough match against a good Tivoli.
"When we conceded the penalty, I said I am going to do my best, and in the end, I made the save, and then my defenders helped me out," he noted.
However, he said he expected nothing less of himself based on the work and sacrifice he has put in.
"My performance is something I have been expecting because I have been putting in a lot of work. I have been making sacrifices and pushing myself training after training.
"My objectives this season, I have already met two out of three. I wanted a national call, and I got that, and I am currently keeping my No. 1 position in the goal.
"At the end of the season, I want to be the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets, and I am working towards that," he said.
NATIONAL CALL
He added that his recent call to the national team has been a boost and insight, and he hopes to be in the squad to face Trinidad in a few weeks.
"It has been up and beyond for my confidence. It reminds me that when I do good, a reward will be there. Whether on or off the pitch, it helps me to present myself as a better person.
"Hopefully, I will [be in the squad for Trinidad]. I don't know what is in the coaches' heads, but I would be grateful if I am," he said.
Davis is tied with Cavalier's goalkeeper and close friend Jaedine White, who both hail from Duhaney Park, with eight clean sheets.
"My teammates are all showing appreciation, and the coaches as well; and that confidence they have in me, I really appreciate it. It has boosted the confidence I already have. I will continue to do what I am doing," he added.
