Latest News
‘Shukkle Bus’ explains balancing entertainment with sport
October 04, 2024
AFFECTIONATELY called 'Shukkle Bus' in the dancehall space, Junior McGregor made his return to the Jamaica Premier League this season with the Marcel Gayle-coached Waterhouse Football Club.
The deadball specialist who has grown to become one of the country's leading disc jockeys, stated that his return to the league came after a soul-searching episode reminded him that he was still young and had a lot to prove at this level.
"After I left the Premier League, I was still playing football with Meadforest Football Club, so I was still active. I was just thinking that this is the right time to make a comeback because I still love football and the whole excitement, as the conditioning is still there. To step away from football at this age wouldn't make any sense," stated McGregor, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Thursday.
The former Tivoli Gardens Football Club player explained that there was no hesitancy from Waterhouse's head coach, Marcel Gayle, to add his name to the squad list as the club is a fan of what he brings to the pitch.
He says there was no questioning as to how he plans on balancing the tedious combination of sport and entertainment.
"Before I went to Waterhouse I had a meeting with the coach. In Jamaica, football doesn't pay that much, and while it's not all about money, we still have responsibilities. Football is something that I love and it's the closest thing to my heart. I explained that to 'Fuzzy' (Gayle), and he said that he liked what I bring to the game.
"He also said he would give me a chance, and he didn't question me about how I would balance party and football," he explained.
McGregor notes that he's au faux with what it requires to excel at both tasks, and voiced that this return to the Premier League should have happened from the 2023-24 season.
"I just have to remain disciplined with my body. That requires drinking a lot of water and training a lot. This was supposed to have happened from last season, but I decided to play another (league) in a bid to bring Meadforest to the Premier League. But it didn't work out," he stated.
McGregor firmly believes that the talented pool of players assembled by the Waterhouse FC management is good enough to win the Premier League title.
"We have a good crop of players, as there's depth in the squad; more depth than the previous year. If there's an injury, there are talented players who can be used as replacements. The team that I see within Waterhouse this season is a team that I can guarantee will win this competition," McGregor believes.
