Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra have brought in former Jamaican national midfielder Ricardo Cousins for the upcoming football season to make-up for the loss of Haitian playmaker Sony Norde.
Sony, who was one of the main architects of Sheikh Russell’s treble last season, joined rivals Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club for the upcoming season.The 26-year old Cousins represented the Jamaican national team in eight internationals. He played his last match for Jamaica against Germany before the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Cousins played for the Athletic Football Club United in the Swedish Division 1 Norra from August, 2012 to February, 2013. He scored four goals in eight appearances for AFC United.
He has also played in Brazil, Germany and the USA.
Cousins played for Portmore United FC in Jamaica and was a member of the Jamaican Premier League title-winning side in 2008. He also led the side to the Red Stripe Premier League title in 2012.
Cousins recognised Bangladesh as a cricket-playing nation before arriving here and chose to come here to learn about the style of football in Asia.
‘I heard about Bangladesh as a cricket-playing nation and I’m a very good fan of cricket. Many of my friends are playing cricket,’ the midfielder said on Wednesday.
‘In Jamaica, football was the number one popular game, but now track and field is in the top place. Cricket is the number three game in my country. So I like to play football,’ he added.
This is the first time Cousins has come to Asia to play football.
‘It was my first visit in Asia. I want to know Asia by playing in Bangladesh because the door is now open here,’ said Cousins, who claimed that he has a friendly relationship with the world’s fastest sprinter, Usain Bolt.
‘In Jamaica, every sportsman has friendly relations, so Usain Bolt is also my friend [laughing].’
‘If you want to make an interview I will help you to contact with him,’ said a jolly Cousins, who is also a fan of another compatriot, West Indies opener Chris Gayle.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Russell has yet to give him the green light about his recruitment for next season.
‘I joined the training camp five days ago with good teammates and good environment, but still I’m not know about the contract. I think the coach will decide about my recruitment,’ Cousins said.
Sheikh Russell are still observing Cousins, along with four Moroccan players already in the camp. Officials said that one Uruguayan, one Brazilian and a member of the Haitian national team would arrive in the next few of days.
-With New Age input
