Guyanese international central midfielder Shawn Beveney stands on the threshold of creating history by becoming the first local footballer to play professionally in the United Kingdom.
In the next couple of weeks Beveney has a number of trials lined up for him, and, if all goes well, he could be on his way to becoming the Guyana equivalent of Dwight Yorke.
The 25-year-old Beveney is on a match-to-match contract keeping match-fit at semi-pro side Dulwich Hamlet Football Club.
Dulwich, a non-league outfit has been the starting place for players such as current England striker Peter Crouch and Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
Despite the short-term arrangement of the contract, Beveney has actually been appointed skipper of the team.
And, since his appointment Dulwich Hamlet FC has reeled off five wins in six games. He is the top goal scorer at the moment despite being a central midfielder.
But while Beveney’s skill has obviously been a factor in him being noticed it is since signing with U.K-based Temptations Promotions Ltd. Sports Division, that the player’s career has gone to the next level.
Beveney has only been with Temptation Promotions for just about four months but already a number of U.K clubs are snapping at his heels.
He has already had a trial with Luton Town, a second division club, and has been invited by Hereford United, (which incidentally are sitting second in the Second Division) to commence a one-week trial beginning tomorrow which will culminate in Beveney playing for Hereford United reserves against Cardiff City Football Club where Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank and Robbie Fowler currently play.
Following this, he then goes to Leeds United, who only five years ago reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Leeds United confirmed that they are very interested in the talent and potential of the Caribbean region.
Ex-England captain, and now manager of Milton Kynes Dons FC manager Paul Ince, is also keeping close tabs on the Guyanese star.
On a recent exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, Faizal Khan of Temptation Promotions Ltd., declared:”It is an exciting time for anyone associated with Guyanese football.”
“Not only the players stand to benefit, but there are new exciting commercial opportunities available to large organizations who commit to Guyana’s football.
“With Guyana’s meteoric rise in jumping more FIFA places than any other nation in the world, come new opportunities and benefits. The majority of players from the national team now play semi-professionally in Trinidad and Guyanese international striker Gregory `Jackie Chan’ Richardson is being held as the best striker in the league today.”
Temptations Promotions Ltd. have officially been appointed by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) as their U.K representatives.
Khan also congratulates technical director Jamaal Shabazz for his constant efforts in taking Guyana’s football to new levels technically, mentally and professionally since his appointment.
In the interview Khan, who holds both Guyanese and British nationality adamantly stated “Every national player and every Guyanese national must believe we can qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup competition in South Africa.
“If we don’t believe in ourselves as a nation no one will do it for us.”
Khan closed by saying “Guyanese football can do what no other organization, product or company has been able to do in the past and that is putting Guyana on the world stage.
He added “football is the most popular sport around the globe.”
He invites the nation to join him regardless of religious beliefs in mentioning Beveney in their prayers as he attempts to make history for his country.
Khan, who returns to London this week, can be contacted at info@temptationlive.com.
