Caymanian footballer Maleek Powell has officially signed a six-month professional contract with Valenzuela PB-Mendiola FC in the Philippines Football League.
This major milestone makes him the first footballer from the Cayman Islands to secure a professional deal in the Philippines.
The move is the culmination of a dedicated, step-by-step journey for Powell, who transitioned from amateur status with Sunset FC in Cayman to a semi-professional run with Empire FC in Antigua and now to a professional league in Asia.
Powell emphasised his gratitude for the signing and reflected on the path that led him from Cayman to the Philippines saying, “It’s been a journey… no steps were skipped. Each level had its own obstacles and challenges and I had to face them head on to really gain that reasoning behind it; the reason for why I even do it.”
Powell’s signing with Valenzuela PB-Mendiola FC came about through his proactive efforts, as the team reached out enquiring about players during the transfer window after he had started a sports brand to help athletes gain opportunities.
He immediately recognised the chance to elevate his career and personal life. “I saw the opportunity for what it was, another step in my career and if I step up to the plate right now, I could probably change my life. And I did. I took the risk,” he said.
The opportunity with the club, in one of Powell’s top three target countries, materialised quicker than he expected as the team invited him for a three-week trial which resulted in a contract.
“I never expected it to be that quick of an opportunity, and again, I just had to capitalise on it if I was really serious about all the training and all the sacrifices that I took,” he said.
Looking ahead, the ambitious footballer has set high expectations for his tenure in the Philippines saying, “My expectations are definitely to win as much games as possible. I honestly do want to win a cup or some type of championship in the Philippines,” he said.
He added, “Getting a contract extension and then taking my football outside of the Philippines is also a very important and next step that I’m looking to take.”
Powell remains deeply committed to his role as a Cayman ambassador in the sport, viewing international representation as an “honourable thing to do.”
He sees his global experience as a vital contribution to Cayman football, a way to bring international expertise back home.
“Just knowing that I have a country behind me to defend, or a country behind me to play for [and] to represent, so it works hand in hand. Me going out there, gaining more experience around the world, just to come back and put it all in at home.”
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