Wong, Kerr on trial in Norway

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Former Under-20 winger Howard Wong is in Oslo, Norway, where he will join national goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr at Division One club Strommen IF for a trial stint with the view of securing a permanent move to the outfit.

Wong, who was in outstanding form last season, scoring eight goals and also creating nine assists for his teammates at Finnish Division Two team Palo Iiro FC, is quickly becoming one of the hottest properties in Scandinavia, and his agent Romel Wallen believes that he is destined to impress.

Wallen, who represents Pro Goal Sports Management, pointed out that both players have a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impression at Strommen IF, and also shared that the feedback around the performances of 24-year-old Kerr, a former national Under-20 player, has been impressive by all accounts.

"Wong arrived in Oslo last week, while Kerr had been at the club for a week, and has received rave reviews from the club's coaching staff," said Wallen. "They are very impressed with his work ethic, attitude, and of course, his quality. If Duwayne (Kerr) maintains this level, then by all indications, a contract offer should be imminent."

Kerr has long been regarded as one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in Jamaica, and have even secured four caps for the national senior team since 2008, having played in friendly internationals against Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Cayman Islands, and South Africa.

Wong, a former Wolmer's student, has also studied at the University of Hartford where he majored in management studies. Before enrolling at Hartford, Wong played two seasons at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas, where he was named to the NAIA All-Regional team in 2006.

"This represents an excellent opportunity for both players to showcase their talents in the capital city, for the biggest clubs in Norway," added Wallen, who represents Pro-Goal Sports Management

getting recognised

Strommen IF finished last season in seventh place in Norway's second-highest league and were eliminated in the third round of their knockout competition.

Wallen is expecting the best for both players and is hoping that the continued export of Jamaican talent to leagues across Scandinavia will encourage other local players to step up their efforts and continue to work hard at getting recognised.

"I would hope that opportunities like that of Wong and Kerr's, provide inspiration for local players," Wallen said. "Although the international transfer market is quite challenging at the moment, Jamaican players will continue to get opportunities, as long as they display consistent quality, professionalism, and the drive to become full professionals."