Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson pays courtesy call on Sports Minister

Nov 05, 2009 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
He is the first Guyanese footballer to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the USA, now Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson prepares to extend his stewardship further afield, when he leaves for Scotland to participate in the football league in that country. But even before venturing to Scotland, Richardson returns to the USA in early January to engage in several trial matches under the watchful eyes of selected scouts from Scotland.
The young footballer, who recently returned home from his North Carolina base, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony and Parliamentary Secretary, Steve Ninvalle at the Main Street office of the latter government functionary. President of Pele FC, Cary Jacques, was also present at the function.
Mr. Anthony congratulated Richardson on his achievement and his subsequent exemplary performance while in the USA even as he urged him to share his newly acquired knowledge with local footballers.
“I am sure that the experience would have served you well,” Mr. Anthony exhorted. He also noted that the valuable lessons procured by Richardson would have made him more aware of the rigorous regimen required to meet international standards. “The onus is now on you to talk with your former club mates, instilling in them the benefits of hard work and commitment,” Mr. Anthony said. The Minister further urged Richardson to raise the bar in regards to his application to the sport. “Do not set your goals below par. It is important to lift your standard of play in order to move on to the next level”, the Minister advised Richardson.
The football star thanked Mr. Anthony for his inspiring words while committing himself to high standards. He said that he has always regarded himself as Guyanese and would always exemplify that fact in his every action. At twenty-six years of age, Richardson admitted that time is not exactly on his side. He said that he is working feverishly to achieve as much as he could while he has youth on his side. On this note Minister Anthony issued a caveat, “Don’t allow the glittering lights of popularity to blind you; set aside a shilling for your second career,” the Minister exhorted.
Richardson acknowledged the Minister’s advice even as he promised to remain disciplined and focused.
Richardson earned the right to be a part of MLS after sterling performances in the CONCACAF inaugural League. During those championships, he had scored a hat-trick that helped his team, Joe Public, to register a 4-0 drubbing over New England Revolution. During his brief tenure in the USA, Richardson played eleven games and scored eight goals to retain a reputation as an important utility player.
Quizzed on his plans pertaining to football activity while in Guyana he said, “I would dearly like to exhibit my newly acquired skills at the impending Kashif and Shanghi extravaganza. I have already written to the GFF on this matter and am currently awaiting a favourable response.”
In the meantime, Richardson intends to work along with local footballers in the impartation on useful tips to allow then to raise the level of their game.

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Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson pays courtesy call on Sports Minister

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