Jermaine Lannaman, Freelance Writer

Petrekin - File

FORMER NATIONAL youth striker Kamar Petrekin is reportedly close to signing a deal with Boys' Town ahead of the start of the 2008-2009 National Premier League season, which will get under way on August 30, and not August 24 as originally proposed.

The former national Under-17 and Under-20 forward, who is currently out of contract with Harbour View, has been training with Boys' Town since the start of preseason training and, according to Boys' Town coach Andrew Price, the team is keen to sign the 24-year-old.

"Kamar has been training with club and so far he is fitting in well," said Price. "He is basically out of contract with Harbour View and, as such, we are looking to add depth to our already capable team of strikers. As you know, he is good at scoring goals and, with forwards Denzil Watson, George Vernal and Oneil Morrison in the team, he would be a welcome addition."

Standout

A standout for Bridgeport High in 2001 and 2002 when he led them to the championship and final, respectively, Petrekin has been plying his trade at Harbour View for the last seven seasons.

However, during that period, the pacy striker had been unable to hold down a regular starting spot in the senior squad, playing second fiddle to Kavin Bryan, Fabian Taylor and others for most of last season. It, therefore, came as little surprise to many when his contract expired at the end of last season that he would be seeking another club.

According Harbour View general manager Clyde Jureidini, they are waiting to see what transpires.

"Kamar Petrekin was made available for transfer, but he is still on the books," said Jureidini, who described Petrekin as a good talent with a bright future.

"But if there is interest from another club and he wants to go, he can. If he moves, he moves. But he has been given the option to come back, and we are waiting to see," he confirmed.

It was then put to Jureidini if the loss of Petrekin would hamper the club's chances of regaining the NPL it lost to Portmore United last season.,

He said, "Like anybody else, any loss of talent is a loss. We will just have to try and replace him."

Other prospects

Boys' Town finished a creditable third in the league last season, while Harbour View finished fourth.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Boys' Town are eyeing two other prospects ahead of the start of the season. They are Waterhouse goalkeeper Maurice Evans and August Town's Zico Herrera. Both players are reportedly interested in joining the team and are training with the squad.