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By Neto Baptiste
National and Leeward Islands all-rounder Kofi James has confirmed reports that he will leave his childhood club, Liberta Blackhawks, to represent Jennings Tigers in the 2027 domestic cricket season.
James, who has been one of the Blackhawks’ leading performers over the years, said the decision was one he had considered for some time.
“When I do something, it’s always what I want. Nobody ever forced me to do anything. Nobody ever persuaded me to do anything. Even if people try to persuade or manipulate me, when I make a decision, it’s because of what I want. So, it wasn’t a situation where I was forced or manipulated. It was just a move that I wanted — a different surroundings, a different environment, a different challenge, just a change,” he said.
James’ announcement came as a surprise to some, given that he has spent approximately a decade representing the Blackhawks. During that period, the club captured several domestic two-day and 40-over titles, as well as multiple local T20 crowns during the Cool & Smooth T20 era.
The all-rounder, who was sidelined by the Barbados Tridents during the recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 competition because of an injury, stressed that there was no bad blood between him and the club.
James revealed that Rahkeem “Jimbo” Cornwall was among the first people he informed about his decision and that he had responded with understanding and support.
“Jimbo was actually one of the first persons who found out or who knew, and we talked every day. He was very respectful. That’s one of the reasons why I have to give him a lot of praise in general in life. He’s one of the guys who is just humble and respectful and doesn’t make a fuss of anything,” James said.
“He was respectful of the decision and wished me well, and I respect him for that. A lot of times in life, people want to control your destiny and try to manipulate you, but he just said, ‘You’re moving, and I wish you all the best’.”
James added that the move marked the first time he had seriously considered leaving the club during his decade-long association with the Blackhawks.
“I’ve been at Liberta for 10 or 11 years, and this is actually the first time in my entire career at Liberta that I’ve thought about moving. But Jimbo and I are good, and the guys and I are good. We speak almost every day — probably every day since, to be honest,” he added.
James enjoyed an outstanding two-day season, finishing as the competition’s leading batter with 609 runs at an average of 50.75 in 13 innings.
He also made a significant contribution with the ball, finishing sixth among the leading wicket-takers with 31 wickets at an average of 8.58 and an economy rate of 3.88.
In the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s (ABCA) Super 40 competition this year, James featured in just two matches but made an immediate impact, scoring 110 runs in two innings. His highest score was an impressive 104 off 95 deliveries.