‘Tusty’ hungry for team success

Malaysia based Vincentian footballer Marlon “Tusty” James may be in line for the prestigious Golden Boots award in that country’s top football league, but his focus is on his club Kedah F C taking the major titles.{{more}}

James is one of two Vincentians on Kedah’s roster who have played significant roles in their club presently leading the league competition are in the quarter finals of both the Malaysian Cup and the FA Cup.

James partners are stalwart defender Cornelius Huggins as well as Chilean Nelson San Martin as Kedah’s professional imports.

Currently James is the second on the leader board in goal scoring. He has 15 goals in the league competition, 8 in the Malaysia Cup and 3 in the FA Cup.

James popped in and out of the country last weekend, but took time out to speak to SEARCHLIGHT last Friday, just before he made the journey across to his hometown of Bequia.

“My focus is on the team to make sure we win titles rather than on my individual achievements”, James said.

“I am having a good season and I am okay”, he added.

Lounging comfortably at the Ferry Berth facility with his expectant wife Elta, James on his third club in that South Asian country, having previously played for Sabah and MK Land, said that whilst he was enjoying his stint, he was seeking other opportunities for his countrymen.

“Clubs have approached me about other players from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I have a few players in mind but I can’t say at this time”, the 31-year-old James stated.

But he was quick to point out that playing in Malaysia demanded strong discipline and commitment.

“Our club trains twice everyday, but Cornie and I do our additional training too”, he said.

He was high in praise of fellow Vincy Heat team mate Huggins, whom he described as “brilliant – one of the best players we have in the Caribbean”, with Elta chiming in as back up with her stamp of approval.

Having played the role of pioneer, James was the first Vincentian to land a football contract in Malaysia said that with their presence there, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is becoming known.

James recounted that fans of Kedah have acquired flags of this country and these are very visible at the matches.

“It gives us a good feeling to see people waving the Vincy flag”, James revealed.

Assuming the role of ambassador, James said that he personally visited the Vincentian students studying in Malaysia.

“Some attended our last FA Cup away match which we won 4-1”, James said.

While his mind is fixed on his job as a footballer, James is anxiously looking forward to becoming a father.

And he is hoping that his first child obviously will be a son so that he can follow his footsteps and even better his achievements.

James is also looking towards the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in which he wants to make a contribution to St. Vincent and the Grenadines cause.

James copped the “Golden Boots” award for the 2004 -2005 Malaysian Football season playing for MK Land.

Before signing for Kedah, James represented Hope International and Bequia in the Vincentian league competitions.

He last played for St. Vincent and the Grenadines last November in the Digicel Caribbean Cup second round in Barbados.