Shaquan Davis’ journey to becoming Mount Pleasant’s No. 1 goalkeeper has been arduous, but the 22-year-old’s positive attitude and determination have seen him excel between the sticks for the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions this season.
Davis started his JPL career with Arnett Gardens in the 2021 season. He left the following season for Mount Pleasant but was loaned to Vere as he found it difficult to displace Jamaican international Shaven Paul and Guyanese international Akel Clarke at the time.
However, after gaining valuable experience with Vere last season, Davis returned to Mount Pleasant to stake a claim for the top goalkeeper spot but suffered a fractured jaw in the preseason in a collision with Trevante Stewart.
According to Mount Pleasant’s goalkeeper coach Warren Barrett, the player came back a little depressed but eventually regained full fitness, got his confidence back and when his opportunity came, he never looked back.
“I had that broken jaw and came back and did my best and kept doing my best, but I always have faith in myself, and my teammates saw that and motivated me each day.
“Some days, I even double up when I have one session per day. So I just kept going each day,” Davis told STAR Sports after helping Mount Pleasant lift their first JPL on Sunday.
During the JPL playoffs, the goalkeeper drew a lot of admirers for his distribution, with some likening the player to Edison of Manchester City, and Barrett said Davis is the quintessential modern-day goalkeeper.
“Goalkeeping has been modernised over the last 10 years. Goalkeepers are required to play more with their feet and show good touches and passing, and Shaquan Davis has all those qualities. Technically, he is very solid in that regard.
“He can play outfield and uses his two feet very well,” Barrett noted of the former Hydel goalkeeper, who played one season in central midfield for Duhaney Park FC.
He also praised the player’s attitude and work ethic in training.
“It is a joy working with him and the other goalkeepers. His work ethic is first class, and he is eager to learn, and as a coach, it is great working with players like that,” Barrett pointed out.
For Davis, there is no limit for him now, and he aims to go as far as his career can take him.
“There is a rush of joy right now (after Sunday’s final). I cannot find the words, but it means I have to work harder now, and I am setting my goals higher than the sky.
“They say the sky’s the limit, but it actually isn’t. There is a lot beyond the sky, there is a galaxy out there. So that is where I am aiming.
“I am just looking forward to next season. Hopefully, I can get an overseas contract or (national) call-up. I am doing my best,” Davis said.