JAMATL- Are you going to answer my question? You post stuff you should give us insights you are a moderator.
Tells us about the players you were impressed with and which team in England need that player.
I was impressed the entire squad. At least five of the players are eligible for UK work permits if our Fifa rankings are high enough.
jamatl you are a wonderful human being and am so proud jamaica have produce a individual like you . The entire team is unique !! and our fifa ranking can drop to the mid 50s to 60s because we won a Tournament . The good impression I had with the team is that Guadeloupe is no walk over in the caribbean , I consider them a way better team than TnT and we beat them twice !! as I said before if refereeing is not a problem in the Gold cup USA and Mexico have alot !! to worry about . Jamaica National Team players are household names in many american and Nordic Countries homes . The white commentator on digicel Tv lost money by waging on Guadeloupe , we made him unhappy twice!! poor soul .
Concerning T&T they had a fluke tourney, no senior players involved; to say Guada is way better is very premature.
I manage to catch & tape 2nd half of the finals on my DVR, I was able to pause, rewind etc. and let me tell you we were in control. we missed like 5 clear opportunities to score.
Yes Guada showed a lot of poise in midfield when they have the ball and played good team defence namely no.6,10 & 19, however we had them on the ropes for almost the entire 2nd half.
Good ball Possession, ball movement & interplay throughout. In two markee possessions I counted 14 consecutive passes which resulted in Austin taking that weak shot on top of the box.
Another time we had 10 consecutive passes which Dane was at the end of the final pass but pushed it a litle too far ahead of him. He pass to Cummings but was defended well.
Taylor and Shavar was on two seperate runs that was dangerous; alot of crosses we had in their box.
Guada had 1 clear cut chance to score upon a defensive error; about 25 yards out from the right no.12 could have scored, with better placement. Apart from that we broke up any plays they try to mount.
We didn't look like school boys out there at all, we were coehisive in that 2nd half.
Troy Smith redeemed himself from having a nervous semi-final and was quite poised on the left side of play. Good interplay with Shelton, Austin & Edwards, made few mistakes too; should be more confident here on out.
Vernon has established himself has a professional player, consistent throughout and reliable on the right side of play. He should make the Gold Cup squad....
JAMATL- Are you going to answer my question? You post stuff you should give us insights you are a moderator.
Tells us about the players you were impressed with and which team in England need that player.
I was impressed the entire squad. At least five of the players are eligible for UK work permits if our Fifa rankings are high enough.
jamatl you are a wonderful human being and am so proud jamaica have produce a individual like you . The entire team is unique !! and our fifa ranking can drop to the mid 50s to 60s because we won a Tournament . The good impression I had with the team is that Guadeloupe is no walk over in the caribbean , I consider them a way better team than TnT and we beat them twice !! as I said before if refereeing is not a problem in the Gold cup USA and Mexico have alot !! to worry about . Jamaica National Team players are household names in many american and Nordic Countries homes . The white commentator on digicel Tv lost money by waging on Guadeloupe , we made him unhappy twice!! poor soul .
Concerning T&T they had a fluke tourney, no senior players involved; to say Guada is way better is very premature.
I manage to catch & tape 2nd half of the finals on my DVR, I was able to pause, rewind etc. and let me tell you we were in control. we missed like 5 clear opportunities to score.
Yes Guada showed a lot of poise in midfield when they have the ball and played good team defence namely no.6,10 & 19, however we had them on the ropes for almost the entire 2nd half.
Good ball Possession, ball movement & interplay throughout. In two markee possessions I counted 14 consecutive passes which resulted in Austin taking that weak shot on top of the box.
Another time we had 10 consecutive passes which Dane was at the end of the final pass but pushed it a litle too far ahead of him. He pass to Cummings but was defended well.
Taylor and Shavar was on two seperate runs that was dangerous; alot of crosses we had in their box.
Guada had 1 clear cut chance to score upon a defensive error; about 25 yards out from the right no.12 could have scored, with better placement. Apart from that we broke up any plays they try to mount.
We didn't look like school boys out there at all, we were coehisive in that 2nd half.
HI
Really excellent analysis of the final.
This Jamaican squad did exactly what they had to do to win this tournament, on and off the field, including holding Burrell's feet to the coals over their money.
This was not an optimum performance from the strongest possible Jamaica side and the bigger picture has to reflect this or else we'll think we've 'arrived' by winning the Caribbean Championship.
This win is a foundation and stepping stone onto the next big challenges...
We want to see Jamaica's football evolve over the next 2 years so that our next WC qualifying campaign will make us all proud of the Reggaeboyz and the football they play, even if we fail at the final hurdle in getting to Brazil 2014.
We can't say this about our last WC campaign and that still hurts me deeply.
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That was one of the most embarrassing match I have seen the Boyz played. You see I was expecting to see vintage football from Jamaica. I never saw the group matches and was confident that they would have one each one. Why? because I heard so much about players like Cummings, Shelton ( I have seen him several times before) Dane Richards and others. I expected Ja to stamp its authority on the Caribbean.
What I saw was a team that lack ideas, beaten to most 50/50 balls lack of basic ball control! ( that was the most embarrassing part for me), no off the ball movement, losing the ball when trying to dribble, oh, lord, they were pathetic!!
When I think that this was beamed to a worldwide audience just felt ashamed.
Anyone noticed that when the match was finished how Whitmore looked glum, not euphoric? Perhaps HE too was embarrassed of the Jamaican's performance!
Perhaps the only bright spark was the six well taken penalties. They were all well taken. However the other team matched us there too, except their last kicker.
I know that winning this tournament will push us up in the world ranking (which I am happy for). But, deep down I know that we are mediocre. I hope it was just an "off Night".
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' Foreign Scout Impress with Jamaica' Friday, December 10,2010 FORT DE FRANCE,Martinique — As Jamaica continue to celebrate their Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010 win, many footballers from the final eight teams are being called up for trials for foreign clubs.
Former player Ali Lukunku who is currently an official scout for Belgian club Sporting Charleroi and Premiership side Stoke City spoke exclusively to http://www.digicelfootball.com about the talent in the region and what are his requirements for his clubs.
I am an official scout for the Belgium team, Sporting Charleroi, and English team, Stoke City, and so I travel wherever I feel there is an opportunity to spot talent.
"It's quite an exciting time for Charleroi in particular — where there is a new regime in place — and we are looking for a very specific type of player, ones who are experienced.
"In return, these players are brought to Europe and exposed to a new style of football — as well as having the opportunity to move around to different clubs.
"In terms of talent, for me it's simple. There are one or two players from each team who are very good. However, if we're talking about potentials for Charleroi, then I see many of the Jamaican players as having the right attributes," he declared.
The Reggae Boyz caimed their fifth DigiCup title after defeating Guadeloupe 5-4 on penalties in the final last Sunday in Martinique.
According to Lukunku, "They (Jamaicans) have the technique and, while they are still young — some are 25 or less — they are talented, they are intelligent and collectively, they play well together.
"Also, because football is not just about the quality and ability — but also brain — the Jamaicans are smart players and this is very important for us.
Players from the US Major League and Scandinavian leagues complemented a core of local-based players representing the Jamaicans at this year's tournament.
Said Lukunku: "In the region in general, you have some teams like Martinique, for example, who are not there yet and then you also have Jamaica who have an unbeaten record so far.
"So while there are different levels, if you look at the semi-final match between Jamaica and Grenada, this was a good level of football and a great match.
"Grenada have some good experienced players and (Luton) Shelton for Jamaica, who is only 25 years old, has played 58 games for his national team — and this is so important.
"The Digicel Caribbean Cup is a very important tournament for players to get crucial international experience. Also, it is great for them to get exposure as many scouts are here.
"Scouts like this style of tournament as they get to see all the teams play many times over a short period. The teams play every two days, which might be difficult for them, but the very best players will stand out — so it's good for the scouts.
"The players who are physically very fit will shine through. In Europe, this frequency of play would be unheard of — so the reasoning is, if they are good in this tournament, they will be physically able to play in Europe with ease.
"European football is more physical and tactical. The quality of player is different because the structure is different. In Europe, there is more focus on the individual footballer's needs. I think the Jamaica team plays similar in style to European football. But for me, the Caribbean is like African football used to be.
"When you see African players who came to Europe and then returned to play for their country, you see how the standard has improved and over time this will happen here in the Caribbean.
"For example, most of the Senegal, Ivory Coast and Zaire players play in France, Belgium and England. When they come together, of course they must show their ability, but also play as a unit — and show the identity of their nation.
"When I talk about intelligence in football, I'm talking about understanding what the coach wants and then converting that and applying it on the field easily — switching from club style to country style.
"There was a great atmosphere during the DCC semi-final and the final was also fantastic. Going forward, I think it's important that all the individual Caribbean federations really want to win this tournament and then, over time, we will see the performances improve and the profile of the tournament increase.
"Projects such as the Digicel Kick Start Clinics are a fantastic initiative as bringing on youth football is extremely important. The established, older players who come back to teach young people and possibly give a chance to one or two talented aspiring young footballers begin a circle of giving back to poorer nations, which is fantastic," he said.
_________________________
Miracles are for those who Belives in them .
That was one of the most embarrassing match I have seen the Boyz played. You see I was expecting to see vintage football from Jamaica. I never saw the group matches and was confident that they would have one each one. Why? because I heard so much about players like Cummings, Shelton ( I have seen him several times before) Dane Richards and others. I expected Ja to stamp its authority on the Caribbean.
What I saw was a team that lack ideas, beaten to most 50/50 balls lack of basic ball control! ( that was the most embarrassing part for me), no off the ball movement, losing the ball when trying to dribble, oh, lord, they were pathetic!!
When I think that this was beamed to a worldwide audience just felt ashamed.
Anyone noticed that when the match was finished how Whitmore looked glum, not euphoric? Perhaps HE too was embarrassed of the Jamaican's performance!
Perhaps the only bright spark was the six well taken penalties. They were all well taken. However the other team matched us there too, except their last kicker.
I know that winning this tournament will push us up in the world ranking (which I am happy for). But, deep down I know that we are mediocre. I hope it was just an "off Night".
A 120 minute match and all you saw was the mistakes? Ca close off your mind like that bedren.
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Stewart: Team unity was key to success Published: Saturday | December 11, 2010 0 Comments and 0 Reactions Bradley Stewart (left) and head coach Theodore Whitmore. - File
THE strength in unity and conditioning developed during the latter stages of their preparation proved to be strong factors contributing to Jamaica's Digicel Caribbean Cup triumph (DCC).
This is the view of Bradley Stewart, assistant coach of the Reggae Boyz, who beat Guadeloupe 5-4 in a high-quality penalty shoot-out decider at the Stade Pierre Aliker in Martinique on Sunday. The teams had battled to a 1-1 full and extra-time finish.
"Primarily, I think the work that was done prior to the start of the tournament, meaning the practice matches and one-week camp where we emphasised conditioning, that intense few days of preparation, coming from that Costa Rica game, made a whole lot of difference," said Stewart.
"I thought that the relationship developed between the coaching staff and the players contributed in no uncertain way (to the win). The players recognised the responsibility they had to themselves and the nation ... there was total focus on remaining champions," Stewart noted. "I think those factors contributed significantly to the fact that we went there not only with physical preparedness, but with the mental side, psychological preparation."
Continuing, Stewart said: "Collectively, we feel elated. For the two coaches, coach Whitmore (Theodore) and coach Barrett (Warren), it was more significant for them because they were winning on two fronts, once as players and now as coaches."
Both Whitmore and Barrett were members of the Jamaican team that won the title in 1998.
Stewart, a veteran coach who had marshalled the Jamaica juvenile teams decades ago, has a "special feeling" after winning his first major crown.
"It's a special feeling, sometimes tempered by a view that it's something that could've happened a long time ago for me," he said. "Last year when Barnes (John) came back I thought I would've been with that programme.
"So it's a special feeling knowing that you're part of a coaching group, particularly that all the technical coaches are Jamaicans - born and bred and nurtured here," he added, noting his delight for head coach Theodore Whitmore, who has become the first person to have won the Caribbean title both as a player and head coach.
At the last championship, when Jamaica won in December 2008, Whitmore was the assistant coach to Barnes.
"I'm also particularly happy for Coach Whitmore because as a young coach, this is his first time around when he is totally in charge of the unit," expressed Stewart. "I think it's a testimony to the way in which he has developed and the speed at which he has developed as a coach. I think the speed at which he has developed is phenomenal."
Positive record
He added: "When you look at his win-loss record, I think not as far as I am aware have we had this positive record as a coaching group - 17 wins, five losses and two draws. I don't think anybody can deny that this coaching grouping has done fantastically well."
Stewart also highlighted the work of their supporting cast - masseur Juan Pablo Camargo Jr, physiotherapist Andre Waugh, team physician Dr Carlton Fraser, and goalkeeper coach Barrett, praising them for their contribution to the team's success.
"There's a strong, strong camaraderie between us at this level, so we work together in sync and that support service around the team," Stewart added.
On the point of unity, he was asked to explain what effects an ultimatum issued by the players on the Jamaica Football Federation had on their triumph.
"Obviously, it would have had an effect," he said. "I thought that had that not happened we probably still would have done well and end up winning the tournament."
Furthermore, he commented: "When those challenges came up the team galvanised in a different way. They couldn't afford not to come out without the trophy.
"I don't think their intention was to embarrass the nation," he added. "What I'm reading from the situation is they thought they had made a reasonable request and thought they were on course to having their request satisfied. When it didn't happen, they chose another route. Even one of the strikers, Cummings, said it made them a stronger unit."
They went on to finish the tournament unbeaten, but found it more difficult to win after preliminary group play, with the semi-finals and finals going into extra time.
"Once you expose what it is you're about, like we did in the first three games, the coaches would have had an opportunity to know where our strengths are. We were not a surprise factor after that, the speed that we have, the style of play. We never had a one-on-one situation with Shelton (Luton) or Richards (Dane) after that, it was one against two, one against three."
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Reggae Boyz apologise (radiojamaica ) The Reggae Boyz have apologized to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) for the way they behaved at the Digicel Caribbean Cup in Martinique, having threatened to strike if they weren’t paid US$100 per day.
On Friday, eight players signed a letter sent to the JFF, which stated that their actions “were not proper and also misguided”.
They also acknowledged that their actions embarrassed the country.
The Boyz who eventually received the requested amount went on to successfully defend their title.
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Haiti won the Confederation's Tournament in 1973(as host) which isnow the Concacaf Gold Cup and no two teams outside USA,Canada& Mexico have ever been to the final . I remember Honduras,Costa Rica and Panama been to Gold cup final with USA but lost . A poll was conducted on a reggaeboyz site title,'can Jamaica win 2011 Gold Cup?.' and twelve people participated in the poll and 1/2 said 'yes' while another half said 'no' , I believe the secret Ballot in Fifa's world cup bid deprived the americans because they dominate concacaf, the americans can play a part as hostand show the World they are capable to hold a fair Tournament which I think they can because it was them who elected BarackObama a racially Mix man of african and white genes not only is he the president of the United States but he is also one of the most powerful men in the world so why does the americans make such poor decisions in Concacaf? I leave that question to be answered by you . The problem with Gold cup is that the referees are from two unique regions according to ethnic origin and most officiate with their prejudices , they are , North America: USA & Canada White protestant ,according to their history they were the only set of people to kill out another race which were the native american indians, Central America:Black Folks are treated like savages in most part of latin Amer... and they officiate games without been mindful and sometimes with the wrong motives . The caribbean teams have a harder task to do well except Trinidad/Tob & French caribbean who's president of Concacaf and France's role in Fifa .
We should not be concern about harsh Group this time around what we should fight,worry,and criticize is the refereeing and Fairness
JamaicaObserver Editorial Time to stamp class in CONCACAF
Saturday, December 11, 2010
To say the Reggae Boyz were under extreme pressure to win the Digicel Caribbean Cup would be to understate the case.
Once they got their way, having served up that ultimatum of 'pay up or else' on the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) with the tournament already in high gear, the playing squad led by Mr Shavar Thomas would surely have felt there was no option but to win a second successive Caribbean title.
That they succeeded speaks not only to their talent, but reflects stamina, professionalism and determination.
Their apology — made public yesterday — for that unfortunate ultimatum also suggests that they are 'real big men'.
Five games in nine days, which is what was required of the top four teams, represented an extremely punishing schedule. But to top it all, Jamaica had to endure back-to-back 120-minute games over two days, inclusive of half-an-hour extra-time periods to break deadlocks in the semi-final and final.
As though that was not enough, they were pressed to the wire by a good Guadeloupe team in the final and the game had to go to penalty kicks. That final penalty-kicking exercise to give Jamaica their fifth Caribbean Cup perhaps best reflected the high level of professionalism among the Reggae Boyz. It was perfect.
Their cool-headed manner while under pressure suggested that the nation's top footballers are now developing the type of confidence and self-belief without which sportsmen and women are doomed to failure.
Professionalism and confidence apart, in other respects Jamaica's football seems to be definitely on the up. We take heart from the comments of Belgium-based scout Mr Ali Lukunku who watched the Caribbean Cup. Said he: "They (Jamaicans) have the technique and, while they are still young — some are 25 or less — they are talented, they are intelligent and collectively, they play well together."
Such sentiments from a presumably knowledgeable and independent observer provide a boost for morale as Jamaica looks to FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to begin in just over a year.
More immediately, the performance of the Jamaicans and the positive response from observers such as Mr Lukunku inspire confidence ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States next Summer.
Jamaica have occasionally done well in this the premier tournament of the CONCACAF region. It's about time we start to seriously look towards winning it.
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Originally Posted By: Hamilton Israel
Originally Posted By: juniorH
That was one of the most embarrassing match I have seen the Boyz played. You see I was expecting to see vintage football from Jamaica. I never saw the group matches and was confident that they would have one each one. Why? because I heard so much about players like Cummings, Shelton ( I have seen him several times before) Dane Richards and others. I expected Ja to stamp its authority on the Caribbean.
What I saw was a team that lack ideas, beaten to most 50/50 balls lack of basic ball control! ( that was the most embarrassing part for me), no off the ball movement, losing the ball when trying to dribble, oh, lord, they were pathetic!!
When I think that this was beamed to a worldwide audience just felt ashamed.
Anyone noticed that when the match was finished how Whitmore looked glum, not euphoric? Perhaps HE too was embarrassed of the Jamaican's performance!
Perhaps the only bright spark was the six well taken penalties. They were all well taken. However the other team matched us there too, except their last kicker.
I know that winning this tournament will push us up in the world ranking (which I am happy for). But, deep down I know that we are mediocre. I hope it was just an "off Night".
A 120 minute match and all you saw was the mistakes? Ca close off your mind like that bedren.
No, I haven't closed off my mind, boss. You have to understand that I had been eager to see a professional looking Jamaican team perform on the field. Especially knowing that there were people like Shelton there who seemingly is doing well at his club in Sweden plus Richards, Cummings and other MLS players who are bigged-up from time to time on the forum (whom I haven't really seen much of before). With these players I was looking for the Boyz to sweep these little teams emphatically and stomp our dominance in the region. I saw anything but dominance.
I guess my expectation was just too high. I have been brought back down to earth.
within the 120 minutes good spell were few and far between. This fellow Adrian Read is not ready for this level. Jermain Taylor's failure to clear the ball that led to the goal was an elementary flaw in technique. The defenders bypass the midfielders too often with big aimless 50/50 kicks up the field. I just was not impressed with the level of play I saw.
I hope player like Fuller, Morrison and other European based players will be drafted in the side for the Gold Cup, because these guys can't cut it.
Oh. I like the right back Eric Vernon. Good little player. I have seen him a few times and I believe he will go far.
Nuh feel nuh way though, I'm a Reggaeboyz fan for life. Just passionate to see my team perform well.
Anyone noticed that when the match was finished how Whitmore looked glum, not euphoric? Perhaps HE too was embarrassed of the Jamaican's performance!
Perhaps the only bright spark was the six well taken penalties. They were all well taken. However the other team matched us there too, except their last kicker.
I know that winning this tournament will push us up in the world ranking (which I am happy for). But, deep down I know that we are mediocre. I hope it was just an "off Night".
A 120 minute match and all you saw was the mistakes? Ca close off your mind like that bedren. [/quote]
No, I haven't closed off my mind, boss. You have to understand that I had been eager to see a professional looking Jamaican team perform on the field. Especially knowing that there were people like Shelton there who seemingly is doing well at his club in Sweden plus Richards, Cummings and other MLS players who are bigged-up from time to time on the forum (whom I haven't really seen much of before). With these players I was looking for the Boyz to sweep these little teams emphatically and stomp our dominance in the region. I saw anything but dominance.
I guess my expectation was just too high. I have been brought back down to earth.
within the 120 minutes good spell were few and far between. This fellow Adrian Read is not ready for this level. Jermain Taylor's failure to clear the ball that led to the goal was an elementary flaw in technique. The defenders bypass the midfielders too often with big aimless 50/50 kicks up the field. I just was not impressed with the level of play I saw.
I hope player like Fuller, Morrison and other European based players will be drafted in the side for the Gold Cup, because these guys can't cut it.
Oh. I like the right back Eric Vernon. Good little player. I have seen him a few times and I believe he will go far.
Nuh feel nuh way though, I'm a Reggaeboyz fan for life. Just passionate to see my team perform well. [/quote]
Well JUNIOR since you have seen much of the R'BOYZ we are to help with that.
What you have seen was not the best of the R'BOYZ; we can play, and I've seen them play at a higher level.
Additionally I have the final game on tape and I re-watch it. look at my comments on this thread (no. 83) about the 2nd half and you'll see stuff that you miss while watching the game.
An overall view has to taken into consideration JUNIOR, that is why I didn't pay much attention to the mistake Taylor made in causing the goal.
It's his overall performance that matters most; was he making mistakes all over the place? no he wasn't. Nevertheless I was more impressed with Shavar though than him.
No we did not run over the teams -maybe GUYANA in a way, but for us to be running over improving Caribbean teams, we would need to have more players in top flight football playing key roles and significant minutes.
Our forwards are that is why they are a cut above the rest; but our holding midfielders are not playing key roles and minutes in top flight programs.
We are trying to change that; on this side of the pond our best holding presently is JASON MORRISO, RUDOLPH AUSTIN, RICHARD EDWARDS....
We are hoping we could pick up some quality holding players from England to push our existing ones for the starting role on R'BOYZ.
quote=juniorH] A 120 minute match and all you saw was the mistakes? Ca close off your mind like that bedren.
No, I haven't closed off my mind, boss. You have to understand that I had been eager to see a professional looking Jamaican team perform on the field. Especially knowing that there were people like Shelton there who seemingly is doing well at his club in Sweden plus Richards, Cummings and other MLS players who are bigged-up from time to time on the forum (whom I haven't really seen much of before). With these players I was looking for the Boyz to sweep these little teams emphatically and stomp our dominance in the region. I saw anything but dominance.
I guess my expectation was just too high. I have been brought back down to earth.
within the 120 minutes good spell were few and far between. This fellow Adrian Read is not ready for this level. Jermain Taylor's failure to clear the ball that led to the goal was an elementary flaw in technique. The defenders bypass the midfielders too often with big aimless 50/50 kicks up the field. I just was not impressed with the level of play I saw.
I hope player like Fuller, Morrison and other European based players will be drafted in the side for the Gold Cup, because these guys can't cut it.
Oh. I like the right back Eric Vernon. Good little player. I have seen him a few times and I believe he will go far.
Nuh feel nuh way though, I'm a Reggaeboyz fan for life. Just passionate to see my team perform well. [/quote]
Well JUNIOR since you have seen much of the R'BOYZ we are to help with that.
What you have seen was not the best of the R'BOYZ; we can play, and I've seen them play at a higher level.
Additionally I have the final game on tape and I re-watch it. look at my comments on this thread (no. 83) about the 2nd half and you'll see stuff that you miss while watching the game.
An overall view has to taken into consideration JUNIOR, that is why I didn't pay much attention to the mistake Taylor made in causing the goal.
It's his overall performance that matters most; was he making mistakes all over the place? no he wasn't. Nevertheless I was more impressed with Shavar though than him.
No we did not run over the teams -maybe GUYANA in a way, but for us to be running over improving Caribbean teams, we would need to have more players in top flight football playing key roles and significant minutes.
Our forwards are that is why they are a cut above the rest; but our holding midfielders are not playing key roles and minutes in top flight programs.
We are trying to change that; on this side of the pond our best holding presently is JASON MORRISO, RUDOLPH AUSTIN, RICHARD EDWARDS....
We are hoping we could pick up some quality holding players from England to push our existing ones for the starting role on R'BOYZ.
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Austin is DigiCup player of the tournament Rudolph Austin.
Jamaican midfielder Rudolph Austin is the player of the tournament for the recently concluded Digicel Caribbean Football Cup which was held in Martinique.
Austin, who plies his trade in Norway, scored the first goal in Jamaica's 5-4 penalty kick win over Guadeloupe in the final of the tournament and was declared MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the final.
The Reggae Boy copped the award after topping the votes from various groups including fans.
The DigiCup was a highly successful tournament for Jamaica with striker Dane Richards sharing the golden boots award with Kitson Bains of Grenada after both players topped the goal scoring chart with three goals each.
The following is an interview with Jamaica's curent head coach and former Reggae Boyz skipper Theodore Whitmore, conducted by FIFA.com following the team's victory in the recent Digicel Caribbean Football Cup held in Martinique.
Jamaica are bringing back the glory days. Over a decade since their intrepid voyage to the world's biggest stage and the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998, the Reggae Boyz have turned to an old hero to revive their fortunes.
"We have a hungry young group with plenty of quality," head coach and former captain Theodore Whitmore told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview.
A similar hunger inspired Whitmore and company to make Jamaica only the third Caribbean nation to reach a World Cup Finals, in what he describes as "truly one of the best moments" of a career that brought him to England and stints with Hull City and Tranmere Rovers.
"Every four years we used to sit down with our friends and family back home and watch the World Cup, so to actually be there with a Jamaica shirt on was an amazing feeling," added Whitmore, who went on to collect 105 caps for Jamaica between 1993 and 2005.
Nicknamed 'Tappa', the tall, brawny and talented midfield schemer helped carve a bit of history for the Boyz that summer in France, scoring both goals in the islanders' only win, 2-1 against Japan in Lyon.
"That was just perfect. A lot of great players go to the World Cup and don't score," said the man who was named Caribbean Footballer of the Year and also won the Caribbean Cup as a player in a busy 1998.
Brought in as a caretaker boss after the unsuccessful coaching runs of Rene Simoes and John Barnes, it seems that Whitmore has finally carved out the national team job for himself. "I have the full backing of the FA," he said.
Now 38, the coach led the side to a second straight Caribbean Cup title (their fifth overall) in Martinique earlier this month, with mainly local and USA-based players.
"We didn't have the likes of Ricardo Gardner and Ricardo Fuller," said Whitmore of his former team-mates, among the big Jamaican stars plying their trade overseas.
"But we have a bunch of young boys who work hard and get in line. You need to be hungry when you pull on your national team jersey. You have to feel the pride behind it. Every once in a while, I tie on my boots and show them how it's done," said Whitmore on his hands-on approach to coaching.
Discipline has never been a watchword of Jamaican football, or the whole of the Caribbean, for that matter. But Whitmore's youngsters proved they were more than just flash, speed and athleticism with a disciplined performance in Martinique that culminated in 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over always-improving Guadeloupe, and a place at next year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Jamaica scored 12 goals at the Finals, making them the best attacking team by far. And in 26-year-old New York Red Bulls speed merchant Dane Richards, they have one of the finest up-and-comers in the Caribbean.
"He's really become a man now and he earned his reputation," said the coach of the Caribbean Cup's top player and scorer.
"We've been building a new core for the last two years and playing together as a team," tournament topscorer and player Richards explained to FIFA.com.
"Jamaica is rebuilding and I think this team can do big things. We'll be aiming to win the Gold Cup too."
The last decade has been a lean time for Jamaican football, but Whitmore insists heady days are just around the corner.
"We're not far off from the successes we achieved in 1998. We just need to keep moving in the right direction and find the right balance," he insisted now with six months to go before the Gold Cup, a tournament where Jamaica went out in the first round in 2009 after failing to qualify in 2007.
And although he argues that the Reggae Boyz are still the top team in the Caribbean, Whitmore knows there is work to be done.
"We have some players to look at and a few areas on the field where we still need some work. These are the kinds of things we need to concentrate on," concluded Whitmore.
He knows not to get ahead of himself: "We can't look too far ahead," he warns. "Nothing is won yet. Right now we will be totally focused on the Gold Cup, and after that we can look to Brazil 2014," he says, only just keeping his excitement of a return to the World Cup in check.
And who better to show this next generation of Reggae Boyz the way to the Promised Land than a hero of those salad days? A smile comes across in his voice when asked whether he occupies the role of hero to some of his young charges.
"They know what I'm about," says the coach, who was still clocking minutes for local side Seba United as recently as last year. "Every once in a while, I tie on my boots and show them how it's done."
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Originally Posted By: theworm2345
Old hero moulds new Boyz unit
The following is an interview with Jamaica's curent head coach and former Reggae Boyz skipper Theodore Whitmore, conducted by FIFA.com following the team's victory in the recent Digicel Caribbean Football Cup held in Martinique.
Jamaica are bringing back the glory days. Over a decade since their intrepid voyage to the world's biggest stage and the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998, the Reggae Boyz have turned to an old hero to revive their fortunes.
"We have a hungry young group with plenty of quality," head coach and former captain Theodore Whitmore told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview.
A similar hunger inspired Whitmore and company to make Jamaica only the third Caribbean nation to reach a World Cup Finals, in what he describes as "truly one of the best moments" of a career that brought him to England and stints with Hull City and Tranmere Rovers.
"Every four years we used to sit down with our friends and family back home and watch the World Cup, so to actually be there with a Jamaica shirt on was an amazing feeling," added Whitmore, who went on to collect 105 caps for Jamaica between 1993 and 2005.
Nicknamed 'Tappa', the tall, brawny and talented midfield schemer helped carve a bit of history for the Boyz that summer in France, scoring both goals in the islanders' only win, 2-1 against Japan in Lyon.
"That was just perfect. A lot of great players go to the World Cup and don't score," said the man who was named Caribbean Footballer of the Year and also won the Caribbean Cup as a player in a busy 1998.
Brought in as a caretaker boss after the unsuccessful coaching runs of Rene Simoes and John Barnes, it seems that Whitmore has finally carved out the national team job for himself. "I have the full backing of the FA," he said.
Now 38, the coach led the side to a second straight Caribbean Cup title (their fifth overall) in Martinique earlier this month, with mainly local and USA-based players.
"We didn't have the likes of Ricardo Gardner and Ricardo Fuller," said Whitmore of his former team-mates, among the big Jamaican stars plying their trade overseas.
"But we have a bunch of young boys who work hard and get in line. You need to be hungry when you pull on your national team jersey. You have to feel the pride behind it. Every once in a while, I tie on my boots and show them how it's done," said Whitmore on his hands-on approach to coaching.
Discipline has never been a watchword of Jamaican football, or the whole of the Caribbean, for that matter. But Whitmore's youngsters proved they were more than just flash, speed and athleticism with a disciplined performance in Martinique that culminated in 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over always-improving Guadeloupe, and a place at next year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Jamaica scored 12 goals at the Finals, making them the best attacking team by far. And in 26-year-old New York Red Bulls speed merchant Dane Richards, they have one of the finest up-and-comers in the Caribbean.
"He's really become a man now and he earned his reputation," said the coach of the Caribbean Cup's top player and scorer.
"We've been building a new core for the last two years and playing together as a team," tournament topscorer and player Richards explained to FIFA.com.
"Jamaica is rebuilding and I think this team can do big things. We'll be aiming to win the Gold Cup too."
The last decade has been a lean time for Jamaican football, but Whitmore insists heady days are just around the corner.
"We're not far off from the successes we achieved in 1998. We just need to keep moving in the right direction and find the right balance," he insisted now with six months to go before the Gold Cup, a tournament where Jamaica went out in the first round in 2009 after failing to qualify in 2007.
And although he argues that the Reggae Boyz are still the top team in the Caribbean, Whitmore knows there is work to be done.
"We have some players to look at and a few areas on the field where we still need some work. These are the kinds of things we need to concentrate on," concluded Whitmore.
He knows not to get ahead of himself: "We can't look too far ahead," he warns. "Nothing is won yet. Right now we will be totally focused on the Gold Cup, and after that we can look to Brazil 2014," he says, only just keeping his excitement of a return to the World Cup in check.
And who better to show this next generation of Reggae Boyz the way to the Promised Land than a hero of those salad days? A smile comes across in his voice when asked whether he occupies the role of hero to some of his young charges.
"They know what I'm about," says the coach, who was still clocking minutes for local side Seba United as recently as last year. "Every once in a while, I tie on my boots and show them how it's done."
