Sky’s the limit for Jamaican talent with the right attitude – Nicholson agent
Published:Thursday | December 23, 2021 | 12:06 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
KEVIN COWAN, the agent of Jamaican footballer Shamar Nicholson, said the big striker who recently transferred to Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow should be an example to young aspiring players who desire to succeed in Europe.
Cowan credits the 24-year-old for his resilience and mental fortitude and advises young Jamaican players to develop this side of their personality if they also want to be a success.
“The reason why he (Nicholson) continuously finds success, starting locally in Jamaica and then to Slovenia, then to Belgium and now his successful transfer to Spartak Moscow in Russia, is his attitude, mindset, and his approach.
“Everybody is asking what is the formula and what should local players do. I say they should have a strong mentality,” Cowan insisted.
“It is good that Shemar is a big strong guy with very good technique, but above all things, the reason why Shamar continues to find success is because of his strong mentality and his willingness to go out and continue to fight,” he continued.
Cowan said it would be wise for young local footballers to follow the example he has set in this regard.
“Hopefully, the local youths can follow Shamar because this guy can really be an example. However, it’s when the youngsters see players going to big clubs then I think it will probably kick in.
“They see Shamar coming from Trench Town going to Slovenia and then to Belgium and then to go into this big-level club. This will probably make them understand that it is real.
“And when it is real that is when you would probably start seeing a different approach from the players. But at the end of the day, it’s up to the players,” he said.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Nicholson started his professional career with local club Boys’ Town as an 18-year-old in 2014 before moving to Slovenian club NK Domzale in 2017, where he scored 18 goals in 47 appearances.
In 2019, he was bought by Belgian club Charleroi, where he has spent two and a half seasons. He scored 17 goals over the course of the first two seasons but with just half of this one complete, already has 13. Those goals have come along with five assists and the interest of Europe.
Cowan said although other clubs wanted the player, Spartak showed the most interest, and that made their decision very easy.
“What ultimately made the decision was the interest. It was the same when he went to Domzali, and it’s the same when he went to Charleroi.
“I know from dealing with clubs that when a player is a club’s number-one target, they have to buy you for a certain amount and pay you a certain amount.
“That gives you a good position in the club. Even if you are struggling, they will give you the benefit of the doubt.
“So the interest they showed in Shamar was crystal clear. I had no doubt in my mind, and Shamar had no doubt in his mind,” he said.
“The sporting director went over the project with us. They presented the project and the player and I felt that this is a very good project for the player’s next step.
“It is a high-profile club, a very big club but not too big for his next step. So ultimately, it was an easy decision,” he added.
Nicholson is expected to join his new club as soon as the January transfer window is officially open. The striker’s contract is to run until 2026.