Young talent blooming in Mandeville

By Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

Young Reggae Boy recruit Dane 'Coolie' Leung seems to be pondering the possibilities ahead of him if he does well at the upcoming world Under-20 championship in Argentina, during a breakfast in his honour. With him are his former classmate, Otis Harvey (left) and Mandeville Mayor Horace Williams (centre). - Contributed

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

IT IS not unusual for small rural Mandeville communities like New Green to produce talented sportsmen and women. But when they emerge to grab national attention despite small town beginnings, as Dave 'Coolie' Leung has done, it is worthy of note.

Dave, a student of Holmwood Technical High in Christiana, was recently named among the 20-man squad that will represent Jamaica in its first World Under-20 Youth Cup in Argentina.

In acknowledgement of his accomplishment, he was feted at a special breakfast held in his honour at the Golf View Hotel earlier this week, a function organised by his community youth club, New Green.

Officials of the parish and football were there to share in the moment, including Mandeville Mayor Horace Williams, Manchester FA president, Dale Spencer, Dave's coach Barry Watson, and local footballers.

"I am elated," New Green club president Paulette Francis told The Gleaner afterwards.

"We have to be proud considering that people have no ratings for New Green as a community. I am sure it will motivate our players and show them how discipline, hard work and patience can pay off."

Leung, whose father Junior (presently overseas) was a top footballer for Manchester Club Park Rangers in the 1980s, exuded a lot of confidence when he was asked to give a response at the special breakfast.

"You don't have to worry, for I'll be doing my best to make you proud," he said to a hearty morning applause.

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