LIVINGSTON SCOTT, STAR Writer

Camperdown star and Tivoli Gardens' latest acquisition, Ajuma Johnson, says he left Boys' Town for personal and professional reasons.

He believes playing with Tivoli Gardens will better advance his career.

"Boys' Town didn't do me anything, but a player like me cannot come out of Manning Cup and be at a club at that standard. I have to find a club at a higher standard," he stated.

'Suarez', as he is commonly called, said not even the prospect of playing with close friends and long-time teammates Tevin Shaw and Shamar Nicholson as well as other promising Hugh Evans and Andre Dawson could have convinced him to remain at the Collie Smith Complex.

"I believed I would get more playing time at Boys' Town, but it's not really about the playing, time. Better (opportunities) is out there, and that is what I am aiming at. I don't believe my career stops here, so I have to look for the best."

He also suggested that the Kingston club was in need of stronger leadership.

"Boys' Town is a good team, but everybody have their own way."

The 18-year-old revealed plans to accept a scholarship at the end of this season.

He has confidently set his sights on winning the Red Stripe Premier League's Best Young Player Award and believes he represents a style of football local fans love.

"I believe this will be my last season in the Premier League. I have plans to take up a scholarship. I believe I can get the best youth player for the Premier League, and it's not too late once I put my head and heart to it," he said.

Johnson also hopes to be drafted into the United States Major League.

"I want to be the second or third Camperdown player to get draft to any one of the MLS teams," he said.