On the eve of finalising a move to Europe, footballer Kenroy Campbell says his ambitions are fuelled by the unwavering devotion for his sister, Shenae Francis, who passed away in April.

The 20-year-old Campbell, who had outstanding performances for Cavalier FC in last season’s Jamaica Premier League, grabbed the attention of top-tier Moldovan outfit FC Zimbru Chișinău and could be on his way there within a matter of days.

“To know that something like this has come through, I have tears of joy and only God knows how happy I am,” the left back said.

“My sister recently passed away, and it pains me that she’s not here to see my dreams coming true. But I have not forgotten her because she’s still motivating me to keep going. My love for her will live on,” Campbell said of Francis, who died at age 18 after battling life-long illness.

Campbell’s agent, Kevin Cowan, told the Jamaica Observer the preliminary arrangement with FC Zimbru is for one year.

“The agreement in place allows Kenroy to join FC Zimbru Chișinău on an initial season-long loan, which can be made permanent if he impresses during that period. However, we need to first finish up his visa process so that he can depart to Moldova by the end of this week to complete his medical [assessment],” Cowan explained.

Up to press time on Wednesday the Observer tried, without success, to get a comment from either Cavalier club or its Technical Director Rudolph Speid.

The speedy and powerful Campbell, formerly of Rusea’s High School, made a substitute appearance in the Jamaica senior Reggae Boyz 1-1 result away to Suriname in the Concacaf Nations League in June.

He said this opportunity is the fruit of dedication and sacrifice, and one that he intends to seize with both hands.

“It’s such a great feeling knowing I have been working so hard from the start of my career. After I finished my final daCosta Cup [schoolboy football] season, I told myself that I’m going to do my very best to fulfill my potential.

“I made up my mind that I want to be a professional footballer, so I’m ready to work hard and I won’t let anything stop me from going forward. Right now I feel confident that I am ready for what’s next.

“I’m ready for all the challenges and I intend to adapt quickly to my new club and country. I believe I’m a versatile player, who can play in different positions and different systems, so I think I’ll adjust to any playing style,” said Campbell, while noting that his strengths include good passing ability and vision.

But he added there is room for growth.

“I would like to improve on my defensive side of the game because if I get that side of the game, I’m confident I can become the best left back for my club and for Jamaica. I just need to go to Europe and work hard and make my family proud,” he said.

Cowan is confident Campbell can adapt to life in the eastern European country.

“I think that he definitely has what it takes to make a successful transition to European football. He is quite the talent, as he’s blessed with a combination of power and pace, and he possesses tremendous offensive qualities. Defensively, he’s still a bit unpolished and will need to improve in this area,” the agent told the Observer.

— Sanjay Myers