CATHERINE HALL, St James — After about five good seasons representing Montego Bay United (MBU) in the Red Stripe Premier League, national central defender Ladale Richie made his first appearance for promoted Mount Pleasant Football Academy against his former teammates on Monday night in a game that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

The former Garvey Maceo player, who ‘grew up’ at MBU after transferring from Village United, played just about an hour before requesting a substitution, saying he felt “a pinch” in his thigh and decided not to risk anything with international duties coming up soon.

“It was a good feeling to come out. The crowd was great, no problems at all,” he told the Jamaica Observer after the game. “I can’t have nerves at this stage; I have played international games and this is my home.”

Richie, who was one of the first players to be signed by the cash-rich St Ann-based club, along with Ronaldo Rodney, also formerly of MBU, said he had a good outing until he decided to come off early.

“I was just trying to enjoy the game against my former teammates… I was running and felt a pinch and decided not to take any risk,” says Richie, who has become a regular in the Reggae Boyz backline and who wore the captain’s armband on a two-game tour of the eastern Caribbean a month ago.

— Paul Reid