JAI QUITONGO wants his Betfred Cup wonder-strike winner to become A highlight, not THE highlight of his breakthrough season.
The 18-year-old returned to haunt formative club Hamilton by bagging the winner for Morton last Tuesday, on the back of scoring against Kilmarnock in the group stage.
Quitongo, son of Scottish football cult hero Jose, has packed a lot into a young career that’s had more lows than highs.
He’s quick to credit Ton boss Jim Duffy for putting the smile back on his face.
He explained: “I really like working with the manager. He’s fair and gives everyone a chance.
“His man-management is very good. He knows how to get the best out of people and he’ll let me know when I’m doing something well and definitely vice versa!
“He’s the one who took me in and said he’d give me an opportunity.
“I’m only 18 but it feels like I’ve come through a lot already.
“It’s helped having my Dad’s perspective on things because he’s been there and done it.
“All I wanted was the right club that would let me play regularly. The best thing that’s happened is that I’ve got my confidence back and that’s definitely down to Jim Duffy.
“This is the happiest I’ve ever been playing football.”
The winger-turned-striker could easily have been lost to the game.
After being let go by Accies, there was a danger of him drifting and he took an unorthodox path to Cappielow.
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Quitongo recalled “When I left Hamilton I trained with my Dad.
“St Mirren offered me a two-year deal and treated me brilliantly, but at the same time I was offered a trial by Leicester and didn’t feel like I could turn down the chance.
“Unfortunately the day I flew down I played a game against Airdrie and went over on my ankle. I thought it would be fine but by the time I’d stepped off the plane it had ballooned up.
“I had to admit to Leicester that there was no way I could play. I was gutted. All I could do was get treatment as it turned out I’d damaged my ankle ligaments.
“It was still a good experience to see how a club like that operates, and I saw people like Kasper Schmeichel, but it was hard to get so close and not even have a chance to prove myself.
“I was out for eight weeks, but I didn’t help myself by trying to come back too quickly a few times.
“I trained with Dundee United and Hibs and thought I’d done well both times but both said they weren’t in a position to offer me a contract.
“I did sign for Aberdeen for four months, but it was hard to even get in their Under-20 team ahead of people like Barry Robson and Willo Flood.
“After that I was without a club for five or six months. My confidence was shot and I can see why people drop out.
“You start to think you’re not good enough, though my parents helped keep my head up. This is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
Fortunately, Duffy stepped in and, on the early showings this term, he’s been vindicated.
The only person who is less than impressed is younger brother Ric…
Quitongo said: “Rico’s still on the books at Hamilton and is doing well.
“He’s been winding me up before the game that I’d never score, so I think he hid his face in his jacket when I did. He was watching up in the stand.
“I just tried to hit the ball early and didn’t realise it was that good a goal until I watched it back.
“I always celebrate with a back-flip. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, even in seven-a-sides.
“Dad was there to present me with the man of the match award, which was a nice moment as well.
“I just hope there are a few more nights like that. It was only possible because the manager convinced us that we weren’t out of the game at a goal down.
“There’s an unbelievable team spirit here and everyone works really hard for each other.”
Quitongo’s next challenge is to track down team-mate Tam O’Ware, who has been keeping a low profile in training.
“Tam bet me at the start of the season that I wouldn’t score a single goal. The prize was a meal in the restaurant of my choice.
“I’m going to come up with somewhere expensive. He’s not getting off lightly.”
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