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JPL’s leading goalscorer eager to prove he belongs

Published:Sunday | January 28, 2024 | 12:09 AMGregory Bryce - Staff Reporter
Waterhouse FC’s Javane Bryan (centre) tries to bring a ball under control while staving off the attention of Montego Bay United’s Renaldo Wellington during their Wray and Nephew/Jamaica Premier League football match at the Montego Bay Sports Complex i
Ashley Anguin
Waterhouse FC’s Javane Bryan (centre) tries to bring a ball under control while staving off the attention of Montego Bay United’s Renaldo Wellington during their Wray and Nephew/Jamaica Premier League football match at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Montego Bay on Monday.

JAVANE BRYAN is in the middle of his debut season in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League at 27 years old.

Admittedly, he has joined the party late when compared to many others who are now plying their trade in Jamaica’s top-flight football league, but that is exactly why the Waterhouse FC striker has something to prove.

“It took me so long to get here. Now I’m here and making a statement and showing the reason I belong here,” said Bryan, who is now the leading scorer in the league at the end of match week 15.

Bryan exudes confidence and credits his journey to the Wray & Nephew Premier League for the instant success he has been enjoying in front of goal.

“Even though it’s my first time playing in the Premier League, in other leagues that I played in, I used to execute in them just as well, so I bring it forth into the Premier League. I have taken my chances when I have gotten them and made use of them,” said Bryan.

The former Tivoli Gardens High School player had his final season in schoolboy football stymied by an unfortunate injury that wasn’t even his own.

“I went to Tivoli Gardens High School and played Pepsi (U-14) and Colts (U-16). I didn’t get to play outfield in Manning Cup because I had to take the responsibility in goal when the goalkeeper got a red card in the first game.

“So from there on, I was in goalkeeping until he got back into the squad and then I was on the bench. After that I stopped keeping and went back outfield,” he explained.

After leaving high school Bryan returned to his preferred position where he again started to thrive.

“My first senior season was with Rae Town, playing in the Super League where I started playing centre forward, and then I moved on to Vere United and won the Super League with them. From Vere, I went to Falmouth FC and then to Meadforest, before moving to Waterhouse in the premier league this season.”

Bryan is halfway towards his season’s target with just over half of the season played.

“I am looking forward to about 20 goals. I just have to work hard. Every chance I get, I just have to make use of it,” he reasoned.

He opened his goalscoring account in the premier league with a brace against Montego Bay United in the second match of the season and hit double figures when the teams played out a 2-2 draw in the return leg on Monday night when he scored the opening goal of the contest.

Waterhouse sit just outside the playoff positions in seventh place on 20 points. Still, Bryan has total confidence in his team going all the way this season.

“With the group of players I am playing with, I think we have the squad that can do it. I believe in my team, and I believe in myself and the coaching staff and the management staff that this Waterhouse team can win this title.”

After separating himself from Tivoli Gardens striker Justin Dunn, who is still on nine goals, Bryan will be hoping to push on in the race for the Golden Boot which would certainly be a highlight in his premier league debut season.