Winning the Manning Cup in 2004, with a more than gifted Glenmuir High school team, Ricardo Cousins, seemed to be well on his way to stardom.

After playing for the national Under-20 team at the Pan-American games, where he captained them to a historic silver medal, only just losing out to Ecuador, the youngster was elevated  into the Portmore senior team on a regular basis.

Shifting between playing under-21 games and the senior team, Cousins, displayed the ability to play all over the park. Traditionally a mid-fielder, the young man also has a knack for scoring goals and has already shown that this season. He has gone as far as to play wingback for the St. Catherine-based team but at central midfield, he has really found his calling.

Against Harbour View this season, undoubtedly one of Portmore’s biggest challenges, Cousins came up big late in the game when his cross, led to a close 1-nil victory.

Again, in another game of importance against Reno at the St. Elizabeth Technical high School playing field, the mid-fielder once again proved his worth with an 81^st minute strike, which gave Portmore yet another important victory in yet another close game.

Even before that, a torrid near post shot from Cousins was enough to put Portmore United into the first end-of-round final in the Cash Plus Premier League. His value to the team is undeniable, and this season it has been even more necessary for him to be on the park, especially when games get close. Cousins is proving to be the ultimate tiebreaker.

What is especially dangerous about Cousins is his deceptive pace and willingness to always try to win the ball of his opponents – in essence, he is a hard worker. Or at least that is what I thought when I first watched the young man. Then I realised he was more than that.

Cousins, being of average height or maybe even a little short, is blessed with amazing balance and amazing timing when he kicks the ball. That intermingled with a natural tenacity works wonders on a football field. As a matter of fact, it is what is keeping Portmore at the top of the tables right now and it is what Wendell Downswell saw in the young man when he decided he had what it takes to be a national player. It is also what Jackie Walters saw when he gave him a leading role in the championship 2004 Glenmuir team.

What that also tells you is that here is a young man with the knowledge of not just how to win but how to lead people into winning. Every time he has been asked to lead a team he has done well and that team has done well. He’s been a champion all his life; let’s see if the toughest league in the country can break him.