debut: 3/11/25
22 runs
In reply to michaelmax
Well said Fred. Agree 100%.
Well said Fred. Agree 100%.
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Concacaf World Cup Qualifying
debut: 4/10/03
17,529 runs
In reply to michaelmax
You’ve raised some valid concerns. It's true that Jamaica cannot rely solely on heritage players without investing in our local football system. Developing grassroots talent, improving the JPL, and creating better infrastructure are all essential if we’re serious about long-term, sustainable success. However, to say that we cannot build a team with heritage players at its core overlooks both our history and how modern football works. The 1998 World Cup squad, which remains our greatest football achievement, featured key overseas-born players. We were struggling to qualify when Simoes recruited them.
What made that team special wasn’t just where the players were born, it was how they came together under good management and a shared sense of purpose. This model is not unique to us. Countries like Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria have successfully built competitive teams using dual nationals. Even in CONCACAF, the U.S. and Canada use a lot of diaspora players. It’s not a weakness; it’s a modern necessity. To say the use of heritage players has not worked is an easy way out. Since 1998, Jamaica has used an average 29% of heritage players in qualifying except in 2021 when we used 37%. The issue is that coaches start the qualifiers with local born players then realize they are not going to make it and rush some heritage players in the team. No time to gel.
The top players like Demarai Gray, Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere and Michail Antonio have shown real pride and commitment. And while some may struggle with poor fields or intense atmospheres in qualifiers, it’s also true that local players struggle with the pace, fitness, and tactical demands overseas.
The truth is, we need both strong local development and committed heritage players. Developing the local game needs money. Use our best teams to qualify for major tournaments to earn. We must think long-term.
You’ve raised some valid concerns. It's true that Jamaica cannot rely solely on heritage players without investing in our local football system. Developing grassroots talent, improving the JPL, and creating better infrastructure are all essential if we’re serious about long-term, sustainable success. However, to say that we cannot build a team with heritage players at its core overlooks both our history and how modern football works. The 1998 World Cup squad, which remains our greatest football achievement, featured key overseas-born players. We were struggling to qualify when Simoes recruited them.
What made that team special wasn’t just where the players were born, it was how they came together under good management and a shared sense of purpose. This model is not unique to us. Countries like Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria have successfully built competitive teams using dual nationals. Even in CONCACAF, the U.S. and Canada use a lot of diaspora players. It’s not a weakness; it’s a modern necessity. To say the use of heritage players has not worked is an easy way out. Since 1998, Jamaica has used an average 29% of heritage players in qualifying except in 2021 when we used 37%. The issue is that coaches start the qualifiers with local born players then realize they are not going to make it and rush some heritage players in the team. No time to gel.
The top players like Demarai Gray, Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere and Michail Antonio have shown real pride and commitment. And while some may struggle with poor fields or intense atmospheres in qualifiers, it’s also true that local players struggle with the pace, fitness, and tactical demands overseas.
The truth is, we need both strong local development and committed heritage players. Developing the local game needs money. Use our best teams to qualify for major tournaments to earn. We must think long-term.
debut: 4/10/03
17,529 runs
Final Day of Round 2
https://www.concacaf.com/en/world-cup-qualifying-men/news/curacao-nicaragua-seeks-to-maintain-first-place/
https://www.concacaf.com/en/world-cup-qualifying-men/news/curacao-nicaragua-seeks-to-maintain-first-place/
Jamaica vs. Guatemala: The two nations have secured their place in the Final Round and meet to decide first place in the group.
Haiti vs. Curaçao: The two nations have secured their place in the Final Round and will meet to decide first place.
Cuba vs. Bermuda: Following a 1-nil win at Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba enters as the second-place team in the group with six points. A win or draw would send Los Leones del Caribe to the Final Round.
Costa Rica vs. Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago enters as the second-place team with seven points following a 6-2 win against Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Soca Warriors need only a draw to advance to the Final Round.
debut: 11/1/13
14,585 runs
Fazeer Mohammeda cricket Journalist most times had a good point to make,"if TT lose 4-nil to Costa Rica and Grenada beat St.Kitts & Nevis 4-nil,then TT will be out.Those results a more than possible,I still feel TT will lose but may just qualify for the next round.
debut: 4/10/03
17,529 runs
In reply to granite
I have honestly not followed cricket closely for sometime. What I remember of Fazeer is how depressing he made me feel, both in words and tone of his voice.
I have honestly not followed cricket closely for sometime. What I remember of Fazeer is how depressing he made me feel, both in words and tone of his voice.
debut: 11/13/02
5,167 runs
In reply to nitro
The 1998 had FOUR heritage players PRIOR to qualification. THREE of those were instrumental along with locals for qualification. Robbie Earl was injured. Paul Hall, Deon Burton and Fitzroy Simpson so I don't what you're talking about. Then after qualifying there was a rush of wannabes. So yh using 98 as a model and comparing it today is fundamentally WRONG.
The 1998 had FOUR heritage players PRIOR to qualification. THREE of those were instrumental along with locals for qualification. Robbie Earl was injured. Paul Hall, Deon Burton and Fitzroy Simpson so I don't what you're talking about. Then after qualifying there was a rush of wannabes. So yh using 98 as a model and comparing it today is fundamentally WRONG.
debut: 2/15/09
4,889 runs
JAM - GUAT
Jamaica's coach seems hell bent on playing games with this midfield. Damari Gray is not a midfielder, and it showed as Guatemala played a 3-man block in midfield, and we could not break them down. Could Europe be the next stop for Brown and King?
GK : BLAKE (7) - solid in goal and kept a clean sheet.
RB : LATIBEAUDIERE (6.0) - was not convincing in his start at this position. Got beat up high on a few occasions, and for a man who has played in the midfield for Jamaica, his "overlapping" was tepid at best. An in-form Lembikisa is better. Word is that for the September window, strong reinforcement will be coming in,
CB : HOLGATE (6.5) - He seems to be adapting to CONCACAF football, as his timing and tackling have all registered improvements.
CB : LOWE (7.0) - is it too late to teach this player to (a) stop with the "outta mi life" kicks and (b) stay on feet when making tackles? Just the same a decent game by Lowe.
LB : BELL (8.0) - one of his better games for Jamaica and even showed an attacking flair. His tackles and passes were of the top shelf variety.
CDM : HAYDEN (8.0) - outstanding game showing outstanding game reading qualities and being central to the team keeping shape when defending.
CAM : GRAY (7.0) - showed off his dead-ball qualities; however, he lacks the insightfulness to split open defenses with accurate passes.
M : RUSSELL (8.0) - he came to play today, and there was nothing tardy about his effort. The goal was a plus. Lots of running, combination plays, and coming back to assist Hayden.
RW : BAILEY (7.5) - easily one of his best games for Jamaica; however, the dribbling with head down into defenders is getting ridiculous. Why is he the go-to penalty kick specialist? King and Gray offer more in this regard. He took a few short towards goal which showed his ability.
F : BROWN (9.0) - a constant threat to score, and his two-goal effort was just reward for the effort he put in. Brown is simply doing what he did well in high school and club football, scoring goals. He is now a fixture on this team and should start until his play determines otherwise. Surely, his marketability is getting a boost.
LW : CEPHAS (8.0) - his speed is a nightmare for defenders. Crosses are now a part of his arsenal which makes him even more dangerous. He needs a few more creative ways of beating defenders.
SUBSTITUTIONS
KING (8.0) - was involved with frequency in offensive plays, and his tackle to thwart a Guatemalan foray was from the top shelf. His game tonight may have attracted the eyes of scouts.
BURRELL (6.5) - did nothing glaringly good or blatantly bad.
PALMER (6.5) - saw the effort to be more involved defensively, however, he just lacks that quality. Made a few decent passes.
MORRISON/CAMPBELL - Coach McLaren, what exactly are you going to see in 9 minutes from these players?
Jamaica's coach seems hell bent on playing games with this midfield. Damari Gray is not a midfielder, and it showed as Guatemala played a 3-man block in midfield, and we could not break them down. Could Europe be the next stop for Brown and King?
GK : BLAKE (7) - solid in goal and kept a clean sheet.
RB : LATIBEAUDIERE (6.0) - was not convincing in his start at this position. Got beat up high on a few occasions, and for a man who has played in the midfield for Jamaica, his "overlapping" was tepid at best. An in-form Lembikisa is better. Word is that for the September window, strong reinforcement will be coming in,
CB : HOLGATE (6.5) - He seems to be adapting to CONCACAF football, as his timing and tackling have all registered improvements.
CB : LOWE (7.0) - is it too late to teach this player to (a) stop with the "outta mi life" kicks and (b) stay on feet when making tackles? Just the same a decent game by Lowe.
LB : BELL (8.0) - one of his better games for Jamaica and even showed an attacking flair. His tackles and passes were of the top shelf variety.
CDM : HAYDEN (8.0) - outstanding game showing outstanding game reading qualities and being central to the team keeping shape when defending.
CAM : GRAY (7.0) - showed off his dead-ball qualities; however, he lacks the insightfulness to split open defenses with accurate passes.
M : RUSSELL (8.0) - he came to play today, and there was nothing tardy about his effort. The goal was a plus. Lots of running, combination plays, and coming back to assist Hayden.
RW : BAILEY (7.5) - easily one of his best games for Jamaica; however, the dribbling with head down into defenders is getting ridiculous. Why is he the go-to penalty kick specialist? King and Gray offer more in this regard. He took a few short towards goal which showed his ability.
F : BROWN (9.0) - a constant threat to score, and his two-goal effort was just reward for the effort he put in. Brown is simply doing what he did well in high school and club football, scoring goals. He is now a fixture on this team and should start until his play determines otherwise. Surely, his marketability is getting a boost.
LW : CEPHAS (8.0) - his speed is a nightmare for defenders. Crosses are now a part of his arsenal which makes him even more dangerous. He needs a few more creative ways of beating defenders.
SUBSTITUTIONS
KING (8.0) - was involved with frequency in offensive plays, and his tackle to thwart a Guatemalan foray was from the top shelf. His game tonight may have attracted the eyes of scouts.
BURRELL (6.5) - did nothing glaringly good or blatantly bad.
PALMER (6.5) - saw the effort to be more involved defensively, however, he just lacks that quality. Made a few decent passes.
MORRISON/CAMPBELL - Coach McLaren, what exactly are you going to see in 9 minutes from these players?
debut: 4/10/03
17,529 runs
Trinidad had a narrow 1-2 loss to Costa Rica but progressed on goal difference over Grenada. They looked good going forward but some errors in defence let them down.
Cuba surprisingly lost at home to Bermuda who beat them to the next round.
The teams to look at for in the next round are Suriname and Curacoa. They have made strong recruitment from their diaspora in the Netherlands. In the past they could not do this but the rules have been changed.
Cuba surprisingly lost at home to Bermuda who beat them to the next round.
The teams to look at for in the next round are Suriname and Curacoa. They have made strong recruitment from their diaspora in the Netherlands. In the past they could not do this but the rules have been changed.
debut: 11/13/02
64,310 runs
In reply to nitro
Bermuda has improved…seem to be recruiting as well…
I agree that Suriname and Curaçao will be a threat in the next round
Bermuda has improved…seem to be recruiting as well…
I agree that Suriname and Curaçao will be a threat in the next round
debut: 4/10/03
17,529 runs
In reply to JoeGrine
Warner Brown is a good find from the JPL. He went to Europe a few years ago, surprisingly returned to the JPL. He is on fire and I hope he and King get clubs in Europe this summer. King is said to have signed a 2 year deal with St. Mirren in the Scottish league with an option to extend by a year.
Warner Brown is a good find from the JPL. He went to Europe a few years ago, surprisingly returned to the JPL. He is on fire and I hope he and King get clubs in Europe this summer. King is said to have signed a 2 year deal with St. Mirren in the Scottish league with an option to extend by a year.
debut: 2/15/09
4,889 runs
In reply to nitro
Happy for King and hope that Brown will join him soon. The latter was a terror in high school and now in the JPL and for the national team. He has that Gerd Mueller/Paolo Rossi thing about him.
For me, King joins Alvas Powell, Rudolph Austin, Douglas Bell, O'Neil Russell, Claude Davis, Shavar Thomas, and Ray White as the best young defenders coming out of Jamaica in the last 50 years.
Happy for King and hope that Brown will join him soon. The latter was a terror in high school and now in the JPL and for the national team. He has that Gerd Mueller/Paolo Rossi thing about him.
For me, King joins Alvas Powell, Rudolph Austin, Douglas Bell, O'Neil Russell, Claude Davis, Shavar Thomas, and Ray White as the best young defenders coming out of Jamaica in the last 50 years.
- edited -
debut: 3/2/03
18,395 runs
In reply to JoeGrine
Excellent take - this Coach McClaren is a trip. Why give Morrison and Campbell a 9-minute run?
Excellent take - this Coach McClaren is a trip. Why give Morrison and Campbell a 9-minute run?
debut: 2/15/09
4,889 runs
In reply to nitro
1. Why does Ravel need "another cap"?
2. You are leading by 2 clear goals at 60 minutes, play your substitutes at that time.
1. Why does Ravel need "another cap"?
2. You are leading by 2 clear goals at 60 minutes, play your substitutes at that time.
debut: 11/14/02
19,734 runs
In reply to JoeGrine
Was distracted and never knew of the game. But I was waiting for your review/ratings.
Don't be so tardy next time
Anyhow things seem to be looking up as Bailey seems to have earned some points from you. I hope he impresses me too
before long
Gray has never appeared to me to be a midfielder but perhaps the coach is trying out stuff as he is getting working knowledge
of players.
I do not see the players except when they play for the National team. But am happy that a few talent from the local
scene are making some waves. The locals need more academies and serious coaching along with better surfaces to really prosper.
BTW has Whisper become only a murmur now. Any news on this talent ?
Was distracted and never knew of the game. But I was waiting for your review/ratings.
Don't be so tardy next time
Anyhow things seem to be looking up as Bailey seems to have earned some points from you. I hope he impresses me too
before long
Gray has never appeared to me to be a midfielder but perhaps the coach is trying out stuff as he is getting working knowledge
of players.
I do not see the players except when they play for the National team. But am happy that a few talent from the local
scene are making some waves. The locals need more academies and serious coaching along with better surfaces to really prosper.
BTW has Whisper become only a murmur now. Any news on this talent ?
debut: 2/15/09
4,889 runs
In reply to hubert
I apologize, there won't be a repeat of this act of negligence on my part.
When the local talent perform at levels mirroring world class then Jamaican football wins. King and Brown excelled at the JPL and rightly deserve their call to the squad. Ming has shown promise; the rest are just not ready.
I agree on the need for academies and better playing surface, the stadium field is a disgrace and Sabina Park offers a better playing surface.
"Whisper" has to work his way back into playing shape and game time.
Don't be so tardy next time lol
I apologize, there won't be a repeat of this act of negligence on my part.
But am happy that a few talent from the local
scene are making some waves. The locals need more academies and serious coaching along with better surfaces to really prosper.
BTW has Whisper become only a murmur now. Any news on this talent ?
scene are making some waves. The locals need more academies and serious coaching along with better surfaces to really prosper.
BTW has Whisper become only a murmur now. Any news on this talent ?
When the local talent perform at levels mirroring world class then Jamaican football wins. King and Brown excelled at the JPL and rightly deserve their call to the squad. Ming has shown promise; the rest are just not ready.
I agree on the need for academies and better playing surface, the stadium field is a disgrace and Sabina Park offers a better playing surface.
"Whisper" has to work his way back into playing shape and game time.
debut: 11/1/13
14,585 runs
The draw for the 3rd Round is today I just hope we, TT are not or will not be, in the same Group as Jamaica.
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