Caymanian National Team footballer Jorel Bellafonte has tentatively inked a deal to play in Italy’s third division professional men’s league.
It comes after an unsuccessful try-out for division two team Parma Calcio 1913.
“I’m a bit disappointed about the Parma deal, but there is a chance that I can still sign with them,” Bellafonte told the Cayman Compass. “They are interested in me, but my fitness level just isn’t where they want it right now.”
Bellafonte left Cayman for a weeklong training exhibition at Parma’s football stadium in northern Italy in late August, during which he had the chance to play alongside elite level players such as goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was instrumental in Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup victory.
“When I arrived, it was clear from the beginning that this level of football simply does not exist in Cayman or anywhere else in the Caribbean really,” said Bellafonte. “Although I did not get a spot on the team, their coach told me ‘I was a good player’ which, for me, was the best compliment I could have received.”
Due to ongoing contractual negotiations and other administrative matters Bellafonte is not able to disclose the name of the team he is poised to play for.
“What I can say is that we are negotiating financial matters, among other things,” Bellafonte said, adding that the UK’s departure from the European Union means he needs to secure a work permit to be able to play.
Bellafonte told the Compass that the deal with the division three team has come as a blessing in disguise.
“Another issue I had with the Parma try-out is that I don’t speak Italian, so in order for me to be able to fully perform as an elite level athlete and effective member of their team I would need to communicate while playing the game at a fast pace,” he said. “Additionally this will also give me a chance to get my fitness level up and within a year, maybe even sooner, join the Parma team.”
Bellafonte is believed to be the only Caymanian football player to progress this far in any European league, and said the new footballing heights have brought with it a greater appreciation for the sport’s players.
“I will never talk down another professional player, because I have seen what it takes, and no matter how low down their team they might be, they had to put in the work to get there,” he said. “Now it is for me to make my mark and represent myself and my country.”
The Former Cayman Islands Youth Ambassador to CARICOM, says he hopes to continue to inspire other younger generations of Caymanians to put effort into reaching their goals no matter their chosen profession.
“I’m really trying to do this for Cayman and my people,” he said. “It’s easy to feel like the people who are supposed to fight for you are not doing anything at all and if no one will fight for you, I will be your champion. I’m with you until my heart gives out.”
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