KINGSTON, Jamaica—In an unexpected mid-season move, promising 19-year-old midfielder Denzel McKenzie has completed a transfer from reigning Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier SC to Chapelton Maroons. The transition was officially confirmed this Friday through an announcement made by Craig Butler, who serves as both head of Phoenix Academy and technical director for Chapelton Maroons.
Butler utilized the club’s Instagram platform to share the news, emphasizing the emotional significance of McKenzie’s return by stating: “He is back home with family, the team that loves him, and we are happy to have him back. When you love your players, nothing is good enough.” The announcement highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the player and his new club, suggesting the move was motivated by personal value and belonging rather than purely competitive considerations.
The young athlete’s developmental journey reveals strong ties to Butler’s Phoenix Academy, where McKenzie spent six formative years beginning at age twelve before his time at Mona High. This background establishes Chapelton Maroons as a familiar environment for the midfielder.
McKenzie expressed his perspective on the transfer in a video statement, simply noting: “It is a good feeling to go where you are valued.” This comment subtly underscores the personal motivation behind his departure from the league champions after just six months.
Despite his brief tenure with Cavalier SC, McKenzie made notable contributions since signing in July. The midfielder appeared in twelve matches, secured nine starts, and netted two goals during his time with the championship squad. His previous season was spent with Vere United before joining Cavalier.
The transfer places McKenzie with a Chapelton Maroons team currently positioned eighth in the JPL standings. The club has faced recent challenges, suffering consecutive defeats and managing only sixteen goals across nineteen matches—the second lowest scoring record in the league, ahead only of bottom-placed Spanish Town Police FC.