Portmore’s Satchwell for Austrian trial
Published:Saturday | March 4, 2023 | 1:00 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
After only a few months in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), Portmore United attacker Shakeon Satchwell will get his first opportunity overseas when he leaves for a monthlong trial at the end of March.
The former St Andrew Technical star has been invited for trial by an Austrian Bundesliga club, said his representative, Kevin Cowan.
Cowan pointed that he has been working very closely with Portmore United to ensure that the player is as prepared as possible for the physical demands of European football.
“It is important that we are working together and we are in constant dialogue. The ultimate objective is to prepare him, with an emphasis on getting him physically stronger. The weakest part of his game is his lack of physical strength, and that is something we are working to improve as much as possible prior to him leaving,” he said.
He noted that Portmore have a very good structure and have produced many professional and national players.
“So, with their experience, I think they are going to contribute a lot to the process,” Cowan said.
Most players usually get a one or two weeks’ trial, which does not give them adequate time to settle in, Cowan added. But he thinks four weeks will give the player enough time to adjust and show his qualities.
“When these young kids go to Europe, they need time to settle. I think a month will be sufficient time to adapt and figure out what he needs to do to make an impression
“It’s a big opportunity for the player and I am excited. The player just needs to have the right mentality so he can make the best possible impression in the time he has been given,” he said.
He also believes his time spent and the experience gained in the local premier league will serve him well at the trial.
“The fact that he has come into the JPL and done well will better prepare him for the higher demand in Europe,” he said.
Phillip Williams, the Portmore coach who also guided Satchwell through his years as a St Andrew Technical player, said the player has transitioned well into senior football and that he will be prepared for the opportunity.
“He is a mainstay in terms of holding down a starting position, so he must have been doing something good for that to happen in a team such as Portmore.
“We have a personal trainer working with him. We are paying close attention to his overall strength to get him ready to perform at his maximum when he gets this chance.
“He has all the prerequisites in terms of talent, so we are working on his mindset. So he will be ready mentally and physically for the opportunity,” he said.
Satchwell, with 14 goals, led St Andrew Technical to the Manning Cup final where they lost to Jamaica College on penalties. Satchwell scored St Andrew Technical’s goal in the 1-1 full-time draw.