Jakeem Jennings On Gold Medal And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jakeem Jennings believes several of his Bermuda Under-23 team-mates are ready to make the leap to the senior national team following their gold-medal victory at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland.
The dynamic midfielder played a key role in Bermuda’s success, helping his side clinch a 3-1 win over Ynys Môn in the men’s football final.
With the final round of World Cup qualifying set for September, Jennings hopes his performances have put him on the radar of senior head coach Michael Findlay.
Assistant coach John Barry Nusum, who led the squad in Orkney, was given a front-row seat to evaluate emerging talent.
“A big motivating factor for many of us in Orkney was to show the coaches what we can do and display the ability and character needed to win games,” Jennings told Bernews.
“We all want to take this further, and I believe we showed coach Nusum we have the drive to push our way into the first team, if not now, then in the near future.”
Among Jennings’s standout contributions was a stunning free kick equaliser during a 2-2 draw against Ynys Môn in the group stage – one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
What a goal! What celebrations! Jakeem Jennings scores a superb free kick to equalise for Bermuda men's under-23 football team against Ynys Mon at the Island Games in Orkney. 2-2 pic.twitter.com/2vqi8Rf1Uk
— BernewsSports (@BernewsSports) July 15, 2025
“Winning gold called for big moments, such as my free kick, Jace [Donawa’s] winner against Jersey in the semi-final, Coleridge Durham making important saves, and Brighton Morrison making several goal-line clearances,” Jennings said.
“It was amazing returning home with the gold medal. There was a great turnout at the airport to welcome the players home, including the Gombeys. It was a special atmosphere.”
The 22-year-old revealed he has signed for an English non-league side for the upcoming season after impressing for Harborough Town’s Under-23 last term, including a goal in their Midland Football League Challenge Trophy final win.
“I’ll be heading back to England in August to get started with my new team,” the former North Village player said.
“There’s been some interest in me this summer [in England], which shows my hard work is paying off.”
The son of former Bermuda and North Village midfielder Keith Jennings added: “I can’t say too much about my new team because they haven’t announced it yet, but I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”
