Thomas, 23, boasts of seven goals in the current JPL season. Zapata described him as a player who can in the MLS and Europe

Rodolfo Zapata has praised Shaniel Thomas for being one of the best footballers in Jamaica. The Montego Bay United coach believes that Thomas is a world-class footballer who will end up in Europe. Zapata also believes the attacker has a bright future with the Reggae Boyz.

Thomas played a major role when Montego Bay FC defeated Molynes United in their latest encounter in the Jamaica Premier League. This game ended with a 2-0 score-line in favor of Montego Bay. Thomas was the man-of-the-match in a game that he delivered a goal and an assist. The match was hosted by the Anthony Spaulding Complex.

This result means that Montego Bay currently occupies the second position in the JPL standings.

Thomas, 23, boasts of seven goals in the current JPL season. Zapata described him as a player with unlimited potential.

“He is a very talented young man and that’s why the Reggae Boyz coach has given him several opportunities. He is a high-class player who will only improve. I believe that he will achieve great things in the future. I can see him attracting attention from European and Major League Soccer teams. His present is very bright. But his future is also bright as long as he maintains a good attitude,” he commented.

Thomas normally plays behind the striker but he was asked to lead the line in the last game. He was asked to execute this role because they were without top scorer Brian Brown. Zapata thought that Thomas did an excellent job as a striker.

In the beginning of the second half, Thomas set up Jourdain Fletcher after leaving two defenders for dead. He proceeded to tap in a cross from close range after slipping between two defender

“Brown is suffering from an injury that will keep him out for several weeks. It’s not easy to play without him because he is the best goalscorer of the league. We are hoping for a quick comeback. So today we decided that Shaniel would be our striker. We also encouraged our midfielders to attack more. We are glad that it worked,” said Zapata.

Thomas said that he is happy that MoBay is bringing out the best in him. He revealed that he has ambitions to play for an overseas club.

“I believe that I am in the right club because everybody is beginning to see my attributes. Hopefully I can play for a European team in future. I love being involved in every attack. I love dribbling, creating goal-scoring chances and scoring. I am happy that everything is going well for me.’’

Thomas thanked his teammates, coaches and fans for being supportive.

He revealed that he would like to play a major role as MoBay reclaims the JPL title. He has won the championship in two previous occasions during his time with Cavalier.