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J'can goalkeepers on medical alert
Sean Williams with the Reggae Boyz in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Sunday, November 15, 2009
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Jamaica's two goalkeepers - Portmore United's Shawn Sawyers and Harbour View's Dwayne Miller - have been put on a medical watch list by team doctor Mark Sanderson ahead of their friendly international game against hosts South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. MILLER... recently aggravated shoulder injury
But Dr Sanderson sought to point out that the players' injuries will not necessarily prevent the 'keepers from playing in the match scheduled for an 8:30 pm (1:30 pm Jamaica time) kick-off at the Free State Stadium at Vodacom Park.
"I'm just a bit concerned about the two goalkeepers who are carrying injuries. Sawyers has a chronic knee injury which flared up since he has been sitting down for this protracted period of time (travelling from Atlanta to Johannesburg), and Miller has a shoulder injury that he aggravated the day before leaving Jamaica," said Sanderson.
"(The injuries are) chronic in the sense that the players have been carrying them for a period of time, but I don't think they will prevent them from playing," he added.
The Reggae Boyz arrived in South Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts, Friday night after a torturous 14 1/2-hour trans-Atlantic flight from Atlanta in the USA to Johannesburg, logging some 8,000 miles in the process.
When the group of 17 players and nine officials landed at the OR Tambo International Airport at about 5:15 pm (10:15 am Jamaica time) on Delta flight 200, the impact of the tortuous trip was evident on the faces of all.
Added to that, the group was delayed by some two hours at the airport as Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings was held up by a matter regarding his passport.
But after such a stressful trip, Dr Sanderson warned against the possible dehydration of players.
"The fundamental thing that we need to worry about is dehydration from such a long flight. But we have instructed them in Jamaica that they need to drink a lot of fluid to prevent dehydration," said the medical doctor, who has worked with many of the national teams, including the women's.
Additionally, the common effect of jetlag that results from long-haul flights crossing time zones will be an area of concern for the team. "Rest and an increase in fluid intake have been found to decrease the risk of jetlag," noted Dr Sanderson.
Another possibility that could arise from these long flights, in his professional opinion, is that "bloodclots could form in the lower limbs" because the players have been sitting down for a protracted period of time. "What I have seen in my experience with long travel is that a lot of players will get dehydrated early and develop cramps while playing," Sanderson explained.
Still tired, the Boyz had a light workout yesterday "just to get their legs going", and are expected to intensify their preparation for the game today and tomorrow with more strategic sessions.
The team, which arrived in Bloemfontein yesterday, was joined late Friday night by the England-based duo of Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Jermaine Johnson. Hungary-based Jason Morrison is expected to arrive today to complete coach Theodore Whitmore's 20-man squad.
In a friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth yesterday, South Africa and Japan ended 0-0.
Squad - Dwayne Miller, Dicoy Williams, Jermaine Taylor, Keammar Daley, Richard Edwards, Brian Bayliss, Lovell Palmer, Devon Hodges, Adrian Reid, Shawn Sawyers, Navion Boyd, Eric Vernon, Rodolph Austin, Demar Phillips, Omar Cummings, Dane Richards, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Shavar Thomas, Jermaine Johnson and Jason Morrison.
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Fanfare heralds Boyz's arrival in South Africa
Sean Williams with the Reggae Boyz in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Sunday, November 15, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - The Reggae Boyz arrived here on Friday after an excruciating two-day journey from Kingston to fanfare and pageantry.
As the team bus pulled into the Southern Sun hotel in Mangaung here, a large Jamaica flag emblazoned across the front of the property at first glance symbolised the heart-warming welcome.
Bloemfontein, South Africa - South African dancers, Vuka Dance Production, put on a traditional African dance and song routine for the Reggae Boyz (background) on their arrival at their hotel on Friday. (Photo: Sean Williams)
But it would get better.
In front of the hotel located at the corner of Nelson Mandela Drive and Melville Avenue, a traditional African dance and song rendition was in full flight.
Captivated by the haunting but pulsating drumming that accompanied the gyrations of the Vuka Dance Productions members, a number of the weary Jamaicans involuntarily moved to the infectious beat.
On hand to welcome the group after the one-hour flight to the nation's commercial capital, Johannesburg, were deputy mayor of Mangaung, coincilwoman SK Chaene and CEO of the Mangaung/Bloemfontein Organising Committee of World Cup 2010, George Mohlakoana.
The Reggae Boyz, ranked No 69 by FIFA, are here for their friendly fixture against 85th-rated World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa at the Free State Stadium at Vodacom Park on Tuesday.
Kick-off is 8:30 pm (1:30 pm Jamaica time) and the 46,000-capacity ground is expected to be sold out.
Moved by the unexpected welcome, head of delegation of the Jamaica contingent, Garfield Sinclair said, "We're overwhelmed."
"I remember vividly the struggles for basic human rights by black people here and how Jamaica stood shoulder to shoulder with them in that struggle, so to actually be in South Africa is something," said the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) treasurer.
"I hope that the young men (Boyz) who are here will get the spirit and learn a little bit about the history as a lot of that struggle went on before a lot of them were born," urged Sinclair.
Meanwhile, acting mayor Chaene, in welcoming the 28-man party, said, "It's a pleasure to have you here".
Mohlakoana said it's an emotional moment for him to be actually hosting the Jamaican football team.
"The visit by Jamaica is really important, for me personally; it's a very emotional one simply because if you look at the history, there are a lot of similarities between the two countries.
"Jamaica's success in the world of athletics has inspired us here in South Africa and Usain Bolt, in particular, is well liked, and every time he participates we all come together to watch him," he said.
This is why our elimination still rankles. Jamaica has an outstanding profile on the African continent, and South African writers, politicians, and intellectuals have long saluted our efforts to help end apartheid. Simoes and Burrell deserve public floggings!
Yeah, I read this earlier on the site, and was going to post it. It is interesting, because they "legitimately" feel irritated that that we have come without our only EPL-level players. Bibi is hurt, and Fuller has a niggling foot problem, but...
Anyways, South Africa is much stronger than that FIFA 85th position, so we better be ready. They have excellent ball skills and pace, and they pass the ball very well. We will be in for a stiff test.
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Very interesting that they feel the omission of Gardner, Fuller and Shelton will hurt us that much. But while we may be missing some good individuals, I think Tappa has brought a stronger TEAM.
Sean Williams with the Reggae Boyz in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Sunday, November 15, 2009
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - The Reggae Boyz arrived here on Friday after an excruciating two-day journey from Kingston to fanfare and pageantry.
As the team bus pulled into the Southern Sun hotel in Mangaung here, a large Jamaica flag emblazoned across the front of the property at first glance symbolised the heart-warming welcome.
Bloemfontein, South Africa - South African dancers, Vuka Dance Production, put on a traditional African dance and song routine for the Reggae Boyz (background) on their arrival at their hotel on Friday. (Photo: Sean Williams)
But it would get better.
In front of the hotel located at the corner of Nelson Mandela Drive and Melville Avenue, a traditional African dance and song rendition was in full flight.
Captivated by the haunting but pulsating drumming that accompanied the gyrations of the Vuka Dance Productions members, a number of the weary Jamaicans involuntarily moved to the infectious beat.
On hand to welcome the group after the one-hour flight to the nation's commercial capital, Johannesburg, were deputy mayor of Mangaung, coincilwoman SK Chaene and CEO of the Mangaung/Bloemfontein Organising Committee of World Cup 2010, George Mohlakoana.
The Reggae Boyz, ranked No 69 by FIFA, are here for their friendly fixture against 85th-rated World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa at the Free State Stadium at Vodacom Park on Tuesday.
Kick-off is 8:30 pm (1:30 pm Jamaica time) and the 46,000-capacity ground is expected to be sold out.
Moved by the unexpected welcome, head of delegation of the Jamaica contingent, Garfield Sinclair said, "We're overwhelmed."
"I remember vividly the struggles for basic human rights by black people here and how Jamaica stood shoulder to shoulder with them in that struggle, so to actually be in South Africa is something," said the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) treasurer.
"I hope that the young men (Boyz) who are here will get the spirit and learn a little bit about the history as a lot of that struggle went on before a lot of them were born," urged Sinclair.
Meanwhile, acting mayor Chaene, in welcoming the 28-man party, said, "It's a pleasure to have you here".
Mohlakoana said it's an emotional moment for him to be actually hosting the Jamaican football team.
"The visit by Jamaica is really important, for me personally; it's a very emotional one simply because if you look at the history, there are a lot of similarities between the two countries.
"Jamaica's success in the world of athletics has inspired us here in South Africa and Usain Bolt, in particular, is well liked, and every time he participates we all come together to watch him," he said.
Wow! This is impressive! Great sportsmanship and solidarity shown by South Africa. They will miss us at the big dance next year. We have ourselves to blame for bringing Simoes in, though the Hex still would have been tough.
I'm writing a preview for the game on Tuesday and came across your site whilst doing my research on the Reggae Boyz squad. You guys obviously love your football, all the best for Tuesday's game. It's very sad you did not make it for 2010, it would have been great to have you here.
I am a little concerned that they selected two injured goalkeepers to the game. Are we so short on quality keepers that two injured goalie was the best choice?
With Parreira back in charge, improvement is expected and they did OK on Saturday but Japan were still the better side in 0-0 draw. The problem Bafana have is scoring goals, just 1 goal in the last six games and that came against Madagascar! Maybe Parreira will make a few changes to look at as many players as possible.
Agree the goalkeepers position would be a concern for Jamaica and Bafana need to boost confidence before the world cup and are running out of time and matches to get on track.
Bafana are the favourites with bookmakers and I think they will win, but it could be close and I am not very confident!
What do you think? Can Jamaica get a result?
Lee Scratch Perry is one my heroes so I will still be smiling if Jamaica win
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Originally Posted By: reddevil
Originally Posted By: jamatl
We have ourselves to blame for bringing Simoes in, though the Hex still would have been tough.
All in All it was just a tough Group reddevil , Honduras is a strong team in Central America ,and Mexico were favored not just to move from the group but to qualify for the world cup . it turn out both mexico & Honduras went on to qualify for world cup .
_________________________
put me on your buddy list I will be more than happy to do the same .
Former Moroka Swallows striker Mame Niang says Bafana Bafana must watch out for Jamaican midfielder Rudolph Austin. The Senegalese striker, who was the PSL’s top scorer with 14 goals in the 2005/06 season and now plays for Norwegian side Viking FC, says Austin could be the danger man for the ‘Reggae Boys’.
Two of the 20 players in the Jamaica squad play their football in Norway’s Premier League division; Rudolph Austin plays for Brann, Adrian Reid for Lillestrom and the third, Erick Vernan, turns out for First Division side Nybergsund IL.
Niang knows all these players, but says Austin is the one who can cause problems and therefore, the Bafana midfielders must closely watch him.
“Austin is an offensive midfielder and plays for one of the biggest teams here in Norway. I know he is dangerous. Sometimes he scores goals too, so the Bafana midfielders must definitely keep an eye on him and restrict him. I know the other players too, but Austin is the one to watch,” Niang tells KickOff.com.
Bafana face Jamaica tomorrow evening in Bloemfontein.
