FORMER WATERHOUSE winger Revaldo Mitchell says he is ready for any challenge as he embarks on his first overseas professional stint with FK Rabotnički Skopje of the North Macedonian Premier League.
With many Jamaican players failing to make the grade in professional leagues overseas in recent years, the 22-year-old, who had seven goals and six assists for the Drewsland club last season, said he is ready for the obstacles that lay ahead.
“My mindset is to be mentally strong and to be ready for the challenges that will come my way,” he told The Gleaner.
“Of course, I’m not just doing this for myself, but also for my family and friends back home.
“I am very delighted and excited about the move. It’s something I have always dreamt of as a kid. I would have liked to move earlier. But I’m even more thankful because at times it felt like it wasn’t going to happen.”
The dynamic and skilful flank man wants to make the adjustment to his new environment as quickly as possible and establish himself as a key player at the club.
“My expectation for the first season is to adapt as quickly as possible and try to establish myself as an important player in the team.
“Long term, I expect to help the team win trophies and qualify for European competitions because that will lead to even bigger opportunities,” he said.
Last season, Mitchell was a key player for Waterhouse in their run to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) quarterfinals, and he is looking to have a similar impact at his new club this season though he has not set personal targets.
“I have (settled in), and I really like it a lot. The level is really high, just as I expected. I am not focused on any personal targets for now. I just want to play at a very high level and help the team win as many games as possible,” he said.
Mitchell’s agent, Kevin Cowan, agreed that the player must do his best and make the most of the opportunity
“His journey to Europe was a long, winding road, but he kept at it, and in the end, he was rewarded for his resilience and perseverance. I can only imagine how rewarding it must feel to know that he proved everyone wrong, but more importantly, that he proved himself right.
“Now he must take whatever lessons he can from his journey and move forward with clarity and conviction. He has a big opportunity in front of him.”