Robert Bailey, STAR Writer

Former St George's College standout, Cardel Benbow, has signed a one-year contract with Red Stripe Premier League outfit Waterhouse.

Benbow, who is a former Portmore United youth player, recently returned to the island after a one-year stint with Tampa Bay Marauders in the National Premier Soccer League in the United States.

The 19-year-old midfielder led St George's to the Manning Cup title in 2012, where he was among the competition's top scorers with 18 goals.

Anthony Patrick, head coach of the Drewsland-based club, told STAR Sports yesterday that Benbow is an excellent signing for his club.

"It is definitely a good addition for us," said Patrick. "The club is heading in the right direction. I was a schoolboy coach for 14 years and once I am at Waterhouse, then there will definitely be young players here."

"He is good player with a lot of qualities and a lot of class," Patrick said. He added: "We have a lot of other quality young players here and he will certainly fit in well with these players."

Benbow said he is looking forward to playing for Waterhouse in the upcoming Premier League.

"Waterhouse are a good team to play for because they believe in youngsters and so I just have to go there and train hard and to do my best," said Benbow. "I still want to play professional overseas and so I am just going to continue to work and hope for the best," he said.

Benbow, who represented Jamaica at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2007, added that he has gained a lot of experience from playing in the North American Soccer League.

"It was a good experience for me to go over there and play out of my comfort zone," Benbow said. "We went to the final and we lost 3-2 and so it was an excellent experience," he said.

Benbow is expected to play a vital role for Jamaica's Under-20 team at the Caribbean Football Union qualifiers later this year. "I am looking also forward to playing National Under-20 because I hope to bring the experience that I have gained from playing overseas to the national team," Benbow stated.