Leaders Harbour View set sights on Khari

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

HARBOUR VIEW could strengthen their position at the top of the Wray and Nephew National Premier League as the possibility of signing national representative Khari Stephenson looms on the horizon, as activity in the January transfer window continues to unfold.

The burly 6' 2" Stephenson, who last played the central midfield role for Jamaica in the 2005 Gold Cup, parted ways with his United States' MLS team, the Kansas City Wizards last September after having been waived to make room for Finnish national Antti Sumiala. Having returned to the island, he has been in training with the league-leading Stars of the East for several weeks now.

Should the player be unable to find himself an international club by the close of the transfer window in January, he will don the yellow and blue of Harbour View. If things work out, he is expected to be a welcome addition to an already solid squad.

LENDING ASSISTANCE

"He is trying to get into clubs overseas and we are trying to assist him. But if he is not successful and decides to stay in Jamaica, then we will register him," explained Harbour View general manager Clyde Jureidini.

"Once he decides to stay and play football in Jamaica, he will definitely be playing for us and he would be a very welcome addition to the squad," he said.

Stephenson, now 24, was an outstanding player at Williams College and in 2002 he was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Player of the Year.

The Stars of the East will also look forward to the expected return of top marksman Fabian Taylor who has now recovered from ankle surgery and may be fit to play his first game of the season as soon as this Sunday's clash against Boys' Town.