Trinidad and Tobago international striker Devorn Jorsling is joggling his options as a professional footballer and soldier, but has a small window in which to do so.
Jorsling who has eight years service in the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, left the military in 2011 to pick up a one-season professional contract with United Soccer League (USL) club Orlando City FC.
“It was a tough decision, but I really wanted to explore my options as a professional footballer,” Jorsling told www.ttproleague.com this week.
He went on to explain, “The Defence Force has really supported my dream and I have the opportunity to return to the service if it doesn’t work out for me abroad.”
But according to the 28 year old Jorsling, the Defence Force granted him a two year period in which he has the opportunity to return to the military service.
With the USL season completed and the 2012 season beginning in March, Jorsling decided on playing for his Morvant/Laventille community by joining Caledonia AIA during the December transfer window for the remainder of the TT Pro League 2011-12 season which ends in May.
“I have the opportunity to return to the USL next season,” continued Jorsling.
“A number of USL clubs are interested in me, so more than likely I will return to the US next season. It’s just that my agent is looking for the best opportunity for me.
Meantime I’m at Caledonia because it gives me the opportunity to give back something to my community,” he said.
Jorsling who is no stranger to the Trinidad and Tobago professional league representing Defence Force in the last eight seasons, even helping the soldiers lift the 2010-11 Digicel Pro League Championship where he finished top goalscorer.
Jorsling, who had a stint with Caledonia before joining the Army, enjoyed a winning start on Tuesday evening at the Ato Boldon Stadium against former club W Connection in Round Two Match Day One of the Digicel Pro League Championship.
Jorsling leveled the scores 1-1 in the 15th minute from close range after Shahdon Winchester had Connection up in just the 3rd minute. And on the hour mark another December signing by Caledonia, also on debut, Ataullah Guerra notched the winning item in a 2-1 score.
“It was a great feeling (to score on my first day out),” said the Caledonia forward. “It was also great feeling in helping Caledonia off the bottom. The first day I went back to Caledonia it was a great feeling. I’m very familiar with the players at Caledonia having played against them while I was with Defence Force and coach Jamaal Shabazz and I always had a good relationship.”
Jorsling will come face to face with even more familiar faces on Friday in Round Two Match Day Three of the Championship from 8pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium when Caledonia meets Defence Force.
“Obviously it’s going to be mix emotions,” he said. “I was part of the Defence Force for eight years but at the same time I’m a professional player. I’m now a Caledonia player and I have to give my best for the team and my community.”