Cephas settles well in Macedonia
Published:Wednesday | April 12, 2023 | 1:38 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
To access this article in full please login or register today
FORMER ARNETT Gardens ace winger Renaldo Cephas has taken the North Macedonia Prva Liga by storm, scoring 11 goals to spearhead his team’s title charge this season. Cephas’ club, Shkupi Skopje, are second in the league with the speedy Jamaican...
FORMER ARNETT Gardens ace winger Renaldo Cephas has taken the North Macedonia Prva Liga by storm, scoring 11 goals to spearhead his team’s title charge this season.
Cephas’ club, Shkupi Skopje, are second in the league with the speedy Jamaican winger contributing 10 goals in the league thus far, leading the team in scoring and sitting second, three goals off the leading scorer, in the golden-boot race.
Cephas scored once in UFEA Chamions League qualifying, netting an 89th-minute equaliser to earn his team a vital 2-2 away second-round first-leg draw against Dinamo Zagreb, which they went on to win 3-2 on aggregate.
Shkupi has 45 points, five less than leaders Struga, and with six rounds of games remaining in the league, Cephas, who has scored four in his last five matches, said his main aim right now is to help them become champions of the Macedonian league.
“Right now we’re five points behind the leaders with only six matches to go. So in my mind, every game will be like a final,” said Cephas.
The player, who is also yet to be capped by the national team despite outstanding performances since the 2021 season, is still eyeing that first call-up.
BE PATIENT
“It’s my dream to represent Jamaica in the near future. I know I have to just work hard, be patient, and wait for them to notice my work here in Europe.
“We (Jamaica) have a lot of good players playing at some big clubs in Europe, but I believe in myself, and if and when they call me, I’m ready to make a difference for my country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the player’s agent, Kevin Cowan, noted that what has impressed him most about the 27-year-old, who has been attracting enquiries from Greece, Turkey, and France, is that he is not carried away with his early success and is fully aware that there is more to accomplish.
“He understands that he still has a lot of work to do. He understands he has to remain focused and keep helping his team win tough matches down the stretch so that they can either win the league or secure a spot in the qualifying round of European competition next season.”
“We’re starting to get increased inquiries from clubs from Greece, Turkey, and France about a possible transfer this summer.
“I’m hopeful it will be a sizable fee because that would be beneficial to Arnett Gardens as they’re involved in the next transfer, and that would help them reinvest in their club.”