‘Dada’ Daley relishing RSPL spotlight

Keammar ‘Dada’ Daley’s goal against Cavalier in the second leg of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) semi-final provided a major boost for the former youth prodigy, who has been in and out of football over the last three seasons, mainly due to injuries.

Daley, who came through the ranks and represented Jamaica at all levels internationally, has had many struggles since he returned from English club Preston North End in 2013. But at Waterhouse and in head coach Marcel Gayle, he has found a club and a coach who believes in his talent and ability, and the player was elated he was able to score and secure his team’s spot in the final.

“The greatest thing is that we are in the final, and we have been working very hard to be in the final,” Daley told The Gleaner.

Waterhouse will face Portmore United in the final on April 29 at the National Stadium, where they will be looking to avenge last season’s penalty shoot-out loss.

The Drewsland-based team got by Cavalier 2-0 in the opening leg before a 1-0 win in the return leg on Monday.

‘Dada’, as he is popularly called, scored the game’s only goal in Monday’s second leg. But for a player who made his name as a reputable goalscorer, scoring such a vital goal makes up for not hitting the net more regularly in the last few years.

“It’s a wonderful feeling (scoring in the semi-final). It has been a long time since I scored and I haven’t scored a lot this season, so to come and score when it matters most is a much greater feeling. This is the goal that puts us in the final and I am very grateful,” Daley stated.

PERFORMANCE PRAISED

The Waterhouse coaching staff and many pundits have complimented the 31-year-old on his role and influence on the team this season, and Daley says they have the belief and confidence of getting the better of Portmore in the final this time around.

“We are confident we can win this year, although every team believe they can, but why not believe in ourselves?”

Assistant coach Daniel Bent thought Daley’s performance this season was deserving of such an important semi-final goal.

“The goal that ‘Dada’ scored was deserving, he has played well throughout the season and he really deserves it, and now we make the step to the final and we are very much ready for it,” Bent said.