“Tusty” in Malaysia’s Armed Forces line up

Vincentian footballer Marlon “Tusty” James is back in Malaysia’s Football set up and has joined the Malaysia Armed Forces in the second tier of the Premier League.{{more}}

When the season opened last Sunday, James was on target, as he scored a brace in the 4th and 20th minutes to help his team beat Betaria, 2-0.

But, James, 35, will be out for the next two matches, as he injured his right hand in a clash with the opposing goalkeeper.

The injury resulted in bruises and ligament damage.

Sunday’s match was a return after a break of over three and a half years from playing in Malaysia, but James said the return was easy.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday, James said: “I must say it was really straight forward and very easy for me to settle, because firstly, the coach knows me very well and is a big fan of the way I play.”

“The players couldn’t wait for me to join training. Most of them I played against before, so they do respect me and love the way I play, also my ability to score goals,” James said.

James, in 2008, along with other overseas based footballers got the boot after a Malaysia Football Association ruling that no foreigners were allowed in their league.

James had left his mark on Malaysian football after four seasons with Kedah F.C.

James was pivotal as Kedah won every trophy that was at stake in the 2006/2007 championships, winning the Malaysian Super League, the Malaysian Cup and the Malaysian FA Cup.

Prior to his stint with Kedah, James spent two seasons, with one season each with other Malaysian clubs, Sabah and MK Land.

Following the end of his Malaysian journey in 2008, James then plied his trade with the Vancouver White Caps in the United States Soccer League.

But this was short lived and he was released in August 2010, as a combination of injury and age forced the club administration to cut him from their roster.

In the interim, James was recruited as one of the coaches at the Liverpool Football Academy at the Buccament Bay Resort.

His active football was restricted to a few appearances for Hope International in the National Club Championships and on home soil in Bequia Football League for Old Boys.

With a new lease on his football life, James concluded: “My goal for the season is promotion to the super league and doing well in one of the cups, also staying fit because at the moment my condition and fitness are very good.”(RT)