Montego Bay United (MBU) have secured one of the Caribbean’s brightest young prospects, completing the signing of 17-year-old Haitian attacker Franco Célestin.
MBU Chairman Yoni Epstein expressed confidence in the club’s coaching staff and development system to nurture the teenager’s growing talent.
“Well, to have a young man like Franco and his parents decide to switch allegiances to Montego Bay for his further development in the JPL [Jamaica Premier League], and in football in general, it is truly an honour for Montego Bay to have that entrusted to our club, coaches, technical staff and our system,” said Epstein.
Last season, Célestin showed glimpses of his potential at Mount Pleasant, scoring four goals and leaving a lasting impression with a crucial semi-final strike, ironically against MBU.
“We look forward to seeing his further development and seeing what opportunities can come in the future for him to move on to bigger and better things, and to see that developed out of the JPL. It shows the growth and development of our league, our club, and what we’re doing out here in western Jamaica, the city of Montego Bay,” added Epstein.
Célestin’s reputation extends beyond local competition. On the international stage, he made history at the FIFA U17 World Cup by becoming the first Haitian youth player to register both a goal and an assist at the tournament, an achievement that underlined his maturity and big-game temperament.
The news, released online, was met with positive responses from fans, with whom Célestin has quickly become a favourite.
“He was one of Haiti’s standout players at the U17 World Cup, scoring versus England. He is a big talent for his age.”
Another commentor voiced the sentiments of many, “Wow! Big balla this, great signing.”
Described as a player with composure, flair, pace, and refined technique, the Haitian teenage attacker now sets his sights on making an immediate impact in the west as Montego Bay United chase silverware.
Like the fans, head coach Xavier Gilbert described the teenager as a valuable addition to an ambitious squad.
“A player of this calibre for sure is a great addition to any team in the JPL. We are pleased and blessed to have him, and have to give credit to the chairman and the board for making this possible,” said Gilbert.
“He is a fantastic player, one of the brightest prospects in the league, very skilful, and can destroy any team on any day.”
Continuing, he added, “We saw what he did to MBU in the semi-finals and he has proven himself. We just hope he can continue on the same path and comtinue to bring success to us as he did to his former team.”
In yesterday’s game, MBU extended their lead as league leaders with a victory over Spanish Town Police at the Royal Lakes Sports Complex.
MBU now sit on 39 points, six more than Racing United, who are second with 33.
The Montego Bay-based club will now turn their attention to Sunday’s 3 p.m. clash against Chapelton Maroons at Jarret Park.
