Although Richard King isn’t willing to accept the tag of ‘best defender in Jamaica’, the Reggae Boy nevertheless says he’s proud to be part of history after Cavalier FC added another trophy to their expanding collection.

The 23-year-old won his third Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) title after Cavalier got the better of rivals Mount Pleasant Football Academy 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 full and extra time scoreline.

Though winning in 2021 and 2024, this season marks King’s first JPL title as captain of the Rudolph Speid-coached club, following the departure of former captain Kyle Ming and vice-captain Gadail Irving to Mount Pleasant last summer.

It’s also Cavalier’s second trophy in the last five months under King’s leadership after winning the Concacaf Caribbean Cup last December.

King’s stock has been growing over the last year with links to top European clubs and high praise from many, including national senior men’s head coach Steve McClaren, who has consistently included him in his squads.

Despite the accolades, King told the Jamaica Observer that he’s remaining grounded as he continues to work hard.

“I just always strive to do my best every time, whether it’s in the game or training,” he said. “If they’re saying that [I’m the best], I really appreciate it.

“But I’m not striving to be that. I just always put my best foot forward every time I go out on the pitch, training or whatever, and it’s really just hard work, to be honest.”

Having secured three titles in the last two years, King says the team has proven its worth with their successes.

“I think that’s the best 24 months in terms of the club’s history,” he said. “I think that 24 months was really good; we really put in some work and the 24 months is special. Winning the Caribbean Cup, bringing [Lionel] Messi here [in the] quarter-finals of the Champions Cup and the Premier League; it’s really a tremendous time for the club and the boys individually.”

Cavalier endured the longest season in local football history after playing close to 60 games, domestically and regionally combined.

King, though, believes winning consecutive JPL titles is a testament to their strength and perseverance.

“That was the main factor in everything — the mental side of it. As you saw, Dwayne Atkinson went down. He’s been playing most of the season, not at 100 per cent, but he gives his all every time; every one as the team as well,” he said.

“We’ve had quite a number of injuries throughout the season, [but] we stuck in with a little thin squad and we pushed through. It was really hard work this season, more than anything else.”

King’s season, which began last August, is set to continue as he moves onto international duty where he’s set to be selected for Jamaica’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as well as the Concacaf Gold Cup next month.

He is now in London with the team as they take part in the Unity Cup, starting this afternoon against Trinidad and Tobago at the Gtech Community Stadium, home of English Premier League club Brentford FC.

King plans to ignore fatigue to help end their near three-decade FIFA World Cup drought.

“It’s just back to the working ground because this window for us is going to be really busy and we want to make it to the World Cup, so we just have to put in the work and that’s it.”

National defenders Richard King (left) and Dexter Lembikisa go through their paces in training during a session at Sabina Park on Monday, March 24. (Photo: Observer file)