Tue | Dec 24, 2024

‘I am the happiest man right now’

Arnett Gardens’ Kaheim Dixon completes move to Charlton Athletic

Published:Saturday | August 24, 2024 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
National forward Kaheim Dixon signs  contract with English League One football club Charlton  Athletic. The former Arnett Gardens player could be in action today in England  when his new club hosts Bolton at 9 a.m. Jamaica time.
National forward Kaheim Dixon signs contract with English League One football club Charlton Athletic. The former Arnett Gardens player could be in action today in England when his new club hosts Bolton at 9 a.m. Jamaica time.
Former Arnett Gardens forward Kaheim Dixon points to the name of  his new club after he signed a contract with English League One club Charlton Athletic yesterday.
Former Arnett Gardens forward Kaheim Dixon points to the name of his new club after he signed a contract with English League One club Charlton Athletic yesterday.
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Following his successful transfer from Arnett Gardens to English League One club Charlton Athletic, national forward Kaheim Dixon said yesterday that he is now the happiest man alive.

The 19-year-old put pen to paper yesterday after a lengthy work permit process and Dixon, who has eight international caps and one goal, said he had left everything in the hands of God.

“I can’t even express my feelings right now. All I know is that I am the happiest man right now. Moving from Clarendon College to Arnett Gardens to the national team and now to an English League One club, you know how great I am feeling,” he said.

“I was never concerned about the work permit. I always believed my transition would be great. I always work hard and I always believe that God, in time, would put everything in place. I did believe that and He did. So I have to give praise to Him.

“So I wasn’t concerned. I prayed and I know it is my time to shine and that he would do it for me.”

The young starlet said training with players from different countries with different styles has been enlightening and that adapting to the pace of the game is the number one priority on his list. He also looks forward to making his debut.

DIFFERENT STYLES

“It is a joy training with different groups of players with different styles of play and a higher intensity. You know you have got to catch on as quickly as possible and adapt and that is what I am working on.

“I suspect it (debut) will be very soon, once the coach decides that it’s Kaheim’s time. I can’t say it will be tomorrow or when but once the coach says it’s Kaheim’s time, I will be ready.”

Charlton have taken maximum six points from their two matches in the English League One thus far and are fourth in the table on goal difference, and Dixon said his sole objective is to help the club to the Championships (the second tier of English Football).

“The only objective I have is to help my club qualify for the Championship this season. That is the only goal I have right now.”

He also had a big thank you for all those who helped him along his journey, and encouraged young footballers to never stop believing in themselves.

“I want to thanks to each and every Jamaican who pushed me along the way. I have seen comments and messages (social media) and I really appreciate it and I am very grateful. So a big thanks.

“Also want to big up Clarendon College, Arnett Gardens and Boys’ Town Football Club. These were the teams that pushed me a lot from in my youth coming up. So I have to give big credit to them. They always believed that I could do it and I also believed I could do it.

“I also want to advise the younger ones that they must keep believing in themselves. Trench Town people are now looking up to me as an inspiration to the younger kids and I want them to keep believing there is hope. So never stop believing.

“But now is the time to show that we Jamaicans have talent and that it is not just me,” Dixon said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com