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Wolfe's happy hunting in Hungary
BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter myerss@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, June 23, 2013
MORE and more these days home-bred footballers are making their mark in leagues across the globe.
One such player is former Portmore United utility man Rafe Wolfe.
Rafe Wolfe (right) in action for his club.
The brother of Wolry and Kemeel — both prominent players in local top-flight football — Wolfe has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons with Hungary's MTK Budapest FC.
The 27-year-old, who was largely used in a right-back role in the just-concluded first division season, also had stints in Belgium and with another Hungarian outfit, Ferencvárosi TC. He said MTK Budapest has brought him closest to highly discerning and fickle fans.
"The first team (Ferencvárosi TC) I played for had a bigger fan base, there was a lot of pressure and it's a hostile crowd. But playing for MTK is easier and it's a more relaxed environment where fans appreciate players more.
"I became a fan favourite and with that success I actually enjoyed playing with a younger set of guys. Everyone was looking up to me and in my first full season I led the team to promotion back to the first division and also to the National Cup final," the Old Harbour, St Catherine native told the Sunday Observer.
Skilful, strong and speedy, the attack-minded player grabbed national attention in Hungary with his performances and was profiled in local newspapers and magazines.
A taste of continental prestige came with the domestic success as the Budapest club made a maiden entrance to the Europa League play-off in the 2012-2013 season that left Wolfe "really excited".
Subsequent elimination meant they missed out on the chance to play in the competition proper, but the six-footer labelled it as "invaluable experience".
At the end of 2012-2013, the team finished fourth in the Hungarian first division, a mere point shy of third place.
From the right wing-back position, Wolfe's statistical contribution was 10 assists -- the second highest in his team -- and two goals. He was also voted the second best right back in Hungary.
Wolfe said he is "extremely pleased" with his achievements in a country where the climate dictates that a three-to four-month winter break, starting in November, is a given.
It has not been all glitz and glamour for the former Jonathan Grant High standout.
Between 2002 and 2006 he shone at the Under-21 and senior levels for Portmore United, playing in either defensive or midfield positions.
Thereafter he was off to Sheffield United in England, but challenges with getting a work permit left the versatile player frustrated.
Then he had loan spells with Royal White Star Woluwe in Belgium and Ferencvárosi, where he got "plenty of learning experience" before a brief return to Portmore.
Obstacles of a different nature came to the fore after he successfully made the trek into continental Europe.
"When I went to MTK Budapest in the middle of the 2010-2011 season, I got injured and had to do a meniscus knee surgery and was out for 12 weeks, so I didn't play many games. The team got relegated, but at least it was extra sweet that in my full season there we were promoted," he said.
According to Wolfe, an even sweeter treat would be a recall to the Reggae Boyz team.
He was on the radar several years ago and won eight caps for Jamaica at the senior level.
His hope now is that he gets the attention he believes he deserves as a player who is wiser, more mature and in his prime.
"I'm always available for the national team. I know that I can contribute something to the team now and I am much more mature and definitely a better footballer mentally and physically.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport...#ixzz2X3FFVt9F
BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter myerss@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, June 23, 2013
MORE and more these days home-bred footballers are making their mark in leagues across the globe.
One such player is former Portmore United utility man Rafe Wolfe.
Rafe Wolfe (right) in action for his club.
The brother of Wolry and Kemeel — both prominent players in local top-flight football — Wolfe has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons with Hungary's MTK Budapest FC.
The 27-year-old, who was largely used in a right-back role in the just-concluded first division season, also had stints in Belgium and with another Hungarian outfit, Ferencvárosi TC. He said MTK Budapest has brought him closest to highly discerning and fickle fans.
"The first team (Ferencvárosi TC) I played for had a bigger fan base, there was a lot of pressure and it's a hostile crowd. But playing for MTK is easier and it's a more relaxed environment where fans appreciate players more.
"I became a fan favourite and with that success I actually enjoyed playing with a younger set of guys. Everyone was looking up to me and in my first full season I led the team to promotion back to the first division and also to the National Cup final," the Old Harbour, St Catherine native told the Sunday Observer.
Skilful, strong and speedy, the attack-minded player grabbed national attention in Hungary with his performances and was profiled in local newspapers and magazines.
A taste of continental prestige came with the domestic success as the Budapest club made a maiden entrance to the Europa League play-off in the 2012-2013 season that left Wolfe "really excited".
Subsequent elimination meant they missed out on the chance to play in the competition proper, but the six-footer labelled it as "invaluable experience".
At the end of 2012-2013, the team finished fourth in the Hungarian first division, a mere point shy of third place.
From the right wing-back position, Wolfe's statistical contribution was 10 assists -- the second highest in his team -- and two goals. He was also voted the second best right back in Hungary.
Wolfe said he is "extremely pleased" with his achievements in a country where the climate dictates that a three-to four-month winter break, starting in November, is a given.
It has not been all glitz and glamour for the former Jonathan Grant High standout.
Between 2002 and 2006 he shone at the Under-21 and senior levels for Portmore United, playing in either defensive or midfield positions.
Thereafter he was off to Sheffield United in England, but challenges with getting a work permit left the versatile player frustrated.
Then he had loan spells with Royal White Star Woluwe in Belgium and Ferencvárosi, where he got "plenty of learning experience" before a brief return to Portmore.
Obstacles of a different nature came to the fore after he successfully made the trek into continental Europe.
"When I went to MTK Budapest in the middle of the 2010-2011 season, I got injured and had to do a meniscus knee surgery and was out for 12 weeks, so I didn't play many games. The team got relegated, but at least it was extra sweet that in my full season there we were promoted," he said.
According to Wolfe, an even sweeter treat would be a recall to the Reggae Boyz team.
He was on the radar several years ago and won eight caps for Jamaica at the senior level.
His hope now is that he gets the attention he believes he deserves as a player who is wiser, more mature and in his prime.
"I'm always available for the national team. I know that I can contribute something to the team now and I am much more mature and definitely a better footballer mentally and physically.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport...#ixzz2X3FFVt9F
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