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Dunn works to get Golden Boot, JPL title for Tivoli
March 28, 2024
Tivoli Gardens striker and the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) leading scorer Justin Dunn came into this season with a personal vendetta, after his experience with them last season.
Dunn, who netted a hat-trick in Tivoli's recent 6-3 win over Molynes United, said, last season under coach Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson, he had very little game time, but said that was the motivation for him to prove all his critics wrong this term.
"I have been playing four seasons, and it was never easy. So, to get here, I am proud of myself," he declared.
"I joined Tivoli at age 17, without playing Manning Cup You came on the scene as a 20-year-old, playing against bigger men, and some of the coaches that came to Tivoli did not believe in me. Some coaches believe in experience more than youth, so I had to wait and wait. And I prayed and put in the work, and my moment finally arrived. I must be grateful.
"Why I take this season personally? Because I was starting right through last season, and coach (Phillip) Williams left. Teddy (Johnson) started coaching and I lost my game and wasn't getting much from the coach.
"I used those things as motivation because I aim to prove to everyone that I am a good (player), and that is why I have taken this season personally. To all my critics, I wanted to use my performance and shut up all of them and, so far, I have to say 'a job well done'," Dunn said.
ARDUOUS
He believes the difficulty of players establishing themselves as Tivoli players is arduous, with many losing faith and falling by the wayside because they lacked commitment and personal motivation to push through.
"When I just came to Tivoli, I signed as a striker/midfielder and they put me at left-back because the other players were older than me. But, when people doubt me, it motivates me to prove them wrong. As a 20-year-old making my name in the league, I cannot complain. I must continue working on my craft each day.
"But 2024 is just my year for greatness. Several good players who came through the Tivoli system get demotivated and stop playing. I kept going because I know what is meant for you, will always be for you," he said.
OBJECTIVE
Dunn took his tally to 14 goals after his hat-trick against Molynes, to go three ahead of his nearest challengers, and, although it would be a great personal achievement for the player to win the Golden Boot, he insists that is not his main objective.
"The objective is to get 20 goals and I have 14. I have two games left and six to score, and it's achievable. Once I believe and work hard, God will do His part.
"I want the Golden Boot but I am a team person. It's not just the goal scoring, as I aim to try and win the championship," Dunn said.
He added that he is still not performing at maximum, as he had picked up an injury earlier.
"I was not playing to my full potential. I was worried about it, but I am working on the injury and trying to get my explosiveness. By the play-offs, I should be back to my full potential but, from I start scoring, the consistency will come, and, for the play-offs, coach Jerome (Waite) is going to get me sharper."
