Trinidad and Tobago international Dwane Ronaldo James has been signed by Guatemala champions Antigua GFC for the rest of the 2015/16 season with the option to extend longer according to the club.
The 27-year-old James opted his first professional overseas stint over a return to North East Stars in the mid-season transfer window (January 29-February 26).
“It puts a serious dent on our plans,” said North East Stars team manager Maurice Eligon.
However, Eligon explained that plans will go on in rebuilding the team.
“We have discussed it with our head coach Ross Russell as to our plans. We will continue along and are in talks with a players… mainly youngsters because we are looking to rebuild for the next few seasons.”
Meanwhile James’ move to Guatemala became possible after another T&T international defender Mekeil Williams left Antigua GFC this week to link with Colorado Rapids in the Major League Soccer (MLS), according to Antigua.
Williams played his last game for Antigua on Sunday.
While James, a former North East Stars, San Juan Jabloteh, St. Ann’s Rangers and Ma Pau SC player, last had a stint in T&T’s Super League with Barrackpore United in the final months of 2015.
In the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, James, an elder brother of T&T star midfielder Kevin Molino, was used as a 78th substitute for Khaleem Hyland in T&T’s 4-4 draw with Mexico for his only tournament appearance.
Antigua GFC, which has qualified for the 2016-17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, currently occupies the top spot in the 2016 Apertura table with 10 points from four games.