Striker Shandell Samuel plagued with misfortunes

Misfortunes seem to be following the football career of Vincentian footballer, Shandell Samuel.

His latest in a string of adversities that has dogged the speedy striker’s calling was an injury to his right knee picked up while training last week Thursday with Trinidad and Tobago’s semi professional club CL Financial Jablotech.{{more}}

Reports say that the injury, a ruptured tendon, which required surgery, may see Samuel out of action until September.

This prospective move with the new club was seen as redemption for the 24 year old Samuel who last October was sacked by North East Stars, another semi professional club in the twin island Republic.

He and the club parted company for some alleged off the field indiscretions.

Known for his lightning speed and knack for goal scoring, Samuel attained the sobriquet “bound to score”.

It was this attribute that saw him gaining a contract with Malaysian club Kedah F.C in 2005, but their association only lasted for four months.

In 2003, a try out with English premier club Bolton Wanderers hit an administrative and ruled out any possibility of him being considered on the club’s roster.

Samuel missed out on the Golden Boots award at the recent Digicel Caribbean Cup. His ten goals were edged out by Guyanese Nigel Codington who went one better.

But he came out with the accolade of scoring the most goals in the tournament. His five goal blitz against St. Lucia in the preliminary round in Jamaica October 1, last year helped St. Vincent and the Grenadines whip St. Lucia 8-0 and advance to the second round.

Samuel also hit two against Bermuda and the Bahamas and scored his team’s first goal in a 2-0 triumph versus Guyana in the final played in Trinidad and Tobago in January.

He was also among six other candidates in the on line voting for the best goal of the tournament.

Samuel’s third goal saw him collecting the ball in his own half and made a mazy run, skinning defenders on his way before unleashing a right foot shot from 12 yards out.