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Coach Whitmore hails locally based Reggae Boyz André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter
Jamaica's Rodolph Austin (right) in a midfield tussle with Canada's Adrian Cann during Sunday's football friendly at the National Stadium. Jamaica won 1-0. - Ricardo Makyn
National coach Theodore Whitmore was full of praise for his locally based charges after leading his Reggae Boyz to a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Canada in their friendly international clash at the National Stadium on Sunday night.
The likes of Devon Hodges (Rivoli), Navion Boyd (Tivoli) and Jermaine Taylor (St Georges) were some of the more impressive locally based talents. Whitmore is hoping that his cadre of Digicel Premier League (DPL) stars will continue their good form when the Boyz tackle Argentina in their next assignment on February 10 in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Said Whitmore: "It's the start of our 2014 campaign and we wanted to give some new players an opportunity. That is why we pulled out some of the more experienced players towards the end (of the game), because we wanted to see how they (local players) would respond in the game. We have a big game in a short while against Argentina and they will be used, so it's good that they are showing good signs. Now they have to continue."
The former midfield maestro will not be able to call on some of his more experienced overseas-based players for the Argentina friendly due to their commitments with their respective clubs. He is, however, confident that those available will be able to give a good account of themselves and represent the country well.
"Most of our overseas players will not be available, so we will have to use most of our local-based players, but I think they are up for the challenge; it's a big test for them," Whitmore shared. "I have no doubt about the talent here in Jamaica. We wanted to look at a number of players, but it's just a matter of time. Everyone who deserves a chance will get it."
Norwegian-based striker Luton Shelton scored in the 68th minute on Sunday to lead Jamaica over the Canadians in what was the 17th meeting between the two countries and the sixth since 2006.
Whitmore was happy with his team's performance over the 90 minutes and credited it to the hard work they had done in preparation for the encounter.
"It was a spirited performance from both teams but we deserved the win. The boys have been working hard for the last three weeks and we definitely deserved to come out on top," Whitmore said.
Several changes to the squad will be announced shortly, with the players scheduled to reconvene after tomorrow's round of DPL games. They will stage two sessions here at home before departing for Argentina.
Luton Shelton will be leaving the island today, he will be going back to his club or a look at clubs that want him in england.
What we must understand is that this match vs argentina is a learning experience win lose or draw. Tappa has dun a good job so far and im sure he will keep up the good work
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Originally Posted By: jamatl
Coach Whitmore hails locally based Reggae Boyz André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter
Jamaica's Rodolph Austin (right) in a midfield tussle with Canada's Adrian Cann during Sunday's football friendly at the National Stadium. Jamaica won 1-0. - Ricardo Makyn
National coach Theodore Whitmore was full of praise for his locally based charges after leading his Reggae Boyz to a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Canada in their friendly international clash at the National Stadium on Sunday night.
The likes of Devon Hodges (Rivoli), Navion Boyd (Tivoli) and Jermaine Taylor (St Georges) were some of the more impressive locally based talents. Whitmore is hoping that his cadre of Digicel Premier League (DPL) stars will continue their good form when the Boyz tackle Argentina in their next assignment on February 10 in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Said Whitmore: "It's the start of our 2014 campaign and we wanted to give some new players an opportunity. That is why we pulled out some of the more experienced players towards the end (of the game), because we wanted to see how they (local players) would respond in the game. We have a big game in a short while against Argentina and they will be used, so it's good that they are showing good signs. Now they have to continue."
The former midfield maestro will not be able to call on some of his more experienced overseas-based players for the Argentina friendly due to their commitments with their respective clubs. He is, however, confident that those available will be able to give a good account of themselves and represent the country well.
"Most of our overseas players will not be available, so we will have to use most of our local-based players, but I think they are up for the challenge; it's a big test for them," Whitmore shared. "I have no doubt about the talent here in Jamaica. We wanted to look at a number of players, but it's just a matter of time. Everyone who deserves a chance will get it."
Norwegian-based striker Luton Shelton scored in the 68th minute on Sunday to lead Jamaica over the Canadians in what was the 17th meeting between the two countries and the sixth since 2006.
Whitmore was happy with his team's performance over the 90 minutes and credited it to the hard work they had done in preparation for the encounter.
"It was a spirited performance from both teams but we deserved the win. The boys have been working hard for the last three weeks and we definitely deserved to come out on top," Whitmore said.
Several changes to the squad will be announced shortly, with the players scheduled to reconvene after tomorrow's round of DPL games. They will stage two sessions here at home before departing for Argentina.
We'll need to play fast, with lots one/two if, we let them get ahead. Approach to final third in front of goal very important, with quick, decisive actions.
Then again, who knows. The '98 WC team played there against a couple clubs. A football generation later, curious how mostly locals represent Ja vs Argentina in Argentina - higher level.
Boca played River Plate for a Cup recently(weeks). Well worth a look. Good stuff. Time well spent.
Argentina coach Diego Maradona has decided to give seven new players their first national team call-ups, despite facing the challenge of culling the 78 players he used in World cup qualification down to a squad of 23.
Maradona has had to make four immediate changes to his 18-man home-based squad for the friendly international match against Jamaica next Wednesday. The changes, just hours after the squad was initially revealed, are due to Estudiantes' Copa Libertadores match against Peru's Juan Aurich the day after the friendly.
Maradona thus removed the four players he had selected from the club - defender Clemente Rodriguez, midfielder Enzo Perez and forwards Jose Sosa and Mauro Boselli.
Among their replacements are Atletico Tucuman forward Juan Pablo Pereyra and Huracan midfielder Patricio Toranzo, whose inclusions take the number of players gaining their first call-up from four up to seven.
Pereyra was included despite undergoing nose surgery, while Argentinos Juniors defender Ignacio Canuto and Boca Juniors midfielder Jesus Mendez are the other two players added.
Chacarita Juniors defender Mariano Echeverria, who scored a brace to help his team beat Tigre 2-0 in a local league game last week, also debuts along with Independiente duo Walter Acevedo and Leonel Galeano and Racing Club pair Lucas Licht and Gabriel Mercado.
Argentina, who defeated Costa Rica 3-2 last week, are warming-up for the World Cup Finals where they are playing Nigeria, South Korea and Greece in Group B.
Argentina squad: Cristian Campestrini (Arsenal), Nelson Ibanez (Godoy Cruz); Matias Caruzzo (Argentinos Juniors), Ignacio Canuto (Argentinos Juniors), Mariano Echeverria (Chacarita Juniors), Leonel Galeano (Independiente), Lucas Licht (Racing Club), Gabriel Mercado (Racing Club); Patricio Toranzo (Huracan), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Federico Insua (Boca Juniors), Jesus Mendez (Boca Juniors), Walter Acevedo (Independiente); Franco Jara (Arsenal), Osvaldo Nicolas Gaitan (Boca Juniors), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Juan Pablo Pereyra (Atletico Tucuman), Gabriel Hauche (Racing Club).
Four schoolboys picked for Reggae Boyz camp Published: Thursday | February 4, 2010
Four schoolboys have been included in a Reggae Boyz squad of 23, to prepare for a friendly international against Argentina in Mar del Plata, Argentina, next week Wednesday. The players were due in camp yesterday evening.
They are Manchester High School's midfielder, Jason Johnson, who was involved in the previous camp when the Reggae Boyz prepared to face Canada at the National Stadium on January 31. The three new schoolboys are the duo of Orrett Fisher and Devon Williams of St George's College and Bridgeport's Jameel Hardware, who also represents Boys' Town in the Digicel Premier League (DPL).
Tivoli Gardens' Under-21 and DPL representative, Dane Kelly, has also earned his first call to the country's senior squad, while Waterhouse goalkeeper Richard McCallum, who has represented the country at the Under-17, Under-20, Under-23 and senior levels, has been recalled.
New York Red Bulls forward/ midfielder Dane Richards, who was not involved in the game against Canada, has made a return to the squad.
Full squad: Ryan Johnson (San Jose Earthquakes, USA), Rodolph Austin (SK Brann, Norway), Demar Stewart (Chengdu Blades), China), Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids, USA), Navion Boyd (Tivoli), Keammar Daley (Tivoli), DuWayne Kerr (Portmore), Dwayne Miller (Harbour View), Jermaine Taylor (St Georges), Shavar Thomas (Philadelphia Union, USA), Adrian Reid (Portmore), Lovel Palmer (Harbour View), Richard Edwards (Harbour View), Dicoy Williams (Harbour View), Jason Johnson (Manchester High), Devon Hodges (Rivoli) , Jevaughn Watson (Sporting Central), Dane Richards (New York Red Bulls), Devon Williams (St George's College), Orrett Fisher (St George's College), Richard McCallum (Waterhouse), Dane Kelly (Tivoli) and Jameel Hardware (Bridgeport High).
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
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Not a bad balance, I think Tappa is thinking a bit more defensive for this match. Also, Vernon, Phillips, Morrison, Wolfe, Blake and Marshall have all returned to their clubs for training.
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Originally Posted By: LINCOLN
No Tyrone Marshall?
Quote:
Four schoolboys picked for Reggae Boyz camp Published: Thursday | February 4, 2010
Four schoolboys have been included in a Reggae Boyz squad of 23, to prepare for a friendly international against Argentina in Mar del Plata, Argentina, next week Wednesday. The players were due in camp yesterday evening.
They are Manchester High School's midfielder, Jason Johnson, who was involved in the previous camp when the Reggae Boyz prepared to face Canada at the National Stadium on January 31. The three new schoolboys are the duo of Orrett Fisher and Devon Williams of St George's College and Bridgeport's Jameel Hardware, who also represents Boys' Town in the Digicel Premier League (DPL).
Tivoli Gardens' Under-21 and DPL representative, Dane Kelly, has also earned his first call to the country's senior squad, while Waterhouse goalkeeper Richard McCallum, who has represented the country at the Under-17, Under-20, Under-23 and senior levels, has been recalled.
New York Red Bulls forward/ midfielder Dane Richards, who was not involved in the game against Canada, has made a return to the squad.
Full squad: Ryan Johnson (San Jose Earthquakes, USA), Rodolph Austin (SK Brann, Norway), Demar Stewart (Chengdu Blades), China), Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids, USA), Navion Boyd (Tivoli), Keammar Daley (Tivoli), DuWayne Kerr (Portmore), Dwayne Miller (Harbour View), Jermaine Taylor (St Georges), Shavar Thomas (Philadelphia Union, USA), Adrian Reid (Portmore), Lovel Palmer (Harbour View), Richard Edwards (Harbour View), Dicoy Williams (Harbour View), Jason Johnson (Manchester High), Devon Hodges (Rivoli) , Jevaughn Watson (Sporting Central), Dane Richards (New York Red Bulls), Devon Williams (St George's College), Orrett Fisher (St George's College), Richard McCallum (Waterhouse), Dane Kelly (Tivoli) and Jameel Hardware (Bridgeport High).
Ah hope when Jamaica beat Argentina by 1/2 a love oonu nuh talk bout a Aregentina C Team , this Jamaica Team is our D team .
_________________________
put me on your buddy list I will be more than happy to do the same .
Whitmore says available players will get their chance Thursday, 04 February 2010
Theodore Whitmore.
Jamaica's national head coach Theodore Whitmore has had to defend his exclusion of Sean Fraser, midfielder forward who currently plays for US Major League Soccer team the Puerto Rico Islanders from the squad named for next Wednesday's friendly international against Argentina in Mar Del Plata.
Whitmore says the door is not closed to any player to represent the country as long as he is at the helm of the Reggae Boyz.
"Sometimes these players come and you don't even know. The first time I saw Fraser was at the Harbour View/Tivoli Gardens game in the (KSAFA Jackie bell Knock-out competition). We have about 70 to 75 players that we're looking at now ... it's a rebuilding process and everyone who's available will get their chance," he said.
_________________________ "Victory" in wars are never about who is right or wrong but more about who is left standing.
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This journalist is extremely misinformed. Sean Fraser and Nicholas Addlery both play for the Puerto Rico Islanders in the USSF D2(formerly known as USL-1). They play in the division below MLS. Based on his 2009 season and considering that Fraser has not played a match since early October, he is definately not match-fit.
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Rookie for Argentina
Schoolboy in Reggae Boyz squad for friendly
BY HOWARD WALKER Observer staff reporter walkerh@jamaiacaobserver.com
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Manchester High schoolboy Jason Johnson is the only newcomer who will be travelling with Reggae Boyz 18-man squad today to face Argentina on Wednesday in an international friendly in Mar del Plata.
Midfielder Johnson, 19, was also a part of the training camp in preparation for last Sunday's Canada game, but was not selected in the final 20-man squad. But at the team's final training session at Winchester Park last night, the home of St George's College, the teenager's luck changed.
Reggae Boy Lovel Palmer (3rd right) is chased by teammates (from left) Devon Hodges, Adrian Reid, Dicoy Williams, Keammar Daley, and Ryan Johnson during a training session at St George’s College yesterday. Coach Theodore Whitmore (right) watches the proceedings. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood) Reggae Boy Lovel Palmer (3rd right) is chased by teammates (from left) Devon Hodges, Adrian Reid, Dicoy Williams, Keammar Daley, and Ryan Johnson during a training session at St George’s College yesterday. Coach Theodore Whitmore (right) watches the proceedings. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood) 1/1
"We have most of our homegrown players added to the squad and we will be taking young Jason Johnson. He is the only one (schoolboy) included," said head coach Theodore Whitmore after a two-hour practice session.
Another promising player, Kenardo Forbes of Waterhouse -- who made his debut against Canada last Sunday -- was omitted. "We wanted to take Kenardo Forbes, but he had some visa issues," said Whitmore.
The team had a lively training session before departing for Argentina via Miami and coach Whitmore was pleased with what he saw. "I am very pleased with the training session. We are going to Argentina to give a good performance," said Jamaica's two-goal hero at the France 1998 World Cup Finals.
The last time Jamaica played Argentina was in that World Cup where the Reggae Boyz lost 0-5.
"Things and times have changed. Football have gone a far way and we are not thinking about the past, we are thinking about the future," said Whitmore.
"This is football, just imagine the first time we played Brazil, everyone was telling us that we are going to get six and with all of that it was a 0-0 draw. That is football," he added.
Top defender Shavar Thomas, Demar Stewart and striker Omar Cummings sat out training after nursing minor injuries, but should be ready for the match come Wednesday.
Squad -- Duwayne Kerr, Dwayne Miller, Ryan Johnson, Dane Richards, Rodolph Austin, Demar Stewart, Shavar Thomas, Omar Cummings, Navion Boyd, Keammar Daley, Jermaine Taylor, Dicoy Williams, Adrian Reid, Lovel Palmer, Richard Edwards, Devon Hodges, JeVaughn Watson, and Jason Johnson.
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80% of the players have extensive international experience play and competing in countries such USA, Germany, Brazil, Sweden, Norway, Mexico, South Africa and Argentina.
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Shavar Thomas knows decent Spanish from his time at Chivas USA and academically from high school and college. Dane Richards also has decent understanding. Both players have been to Argentina before for extended training camps with their clubs.
WHILE the international friendly against Canada ended in a creditable win for the Reggae Boyz last Sunday, I'm still not convinced that technically or tactically, the team can in the foreseeable future approach the lofty standards set by the 1991 Sell Cup or 1998 World Cup squads.
And while they cannot be faulted for their unstinting enthusiasm and commitment displayed, the Jamaicans lost possession much too easily; were not spatially aware in the final third; were disjointed in the transition from defence to attack; were woefully off target, and were bereft of creative ideas in midfield.
Further, the team was often caught in possession, lacked cohesion and the essential element of on-the-field leadership in the mould of, say, an Anthony Corbett, Peter Cargill or Warren Barrett.
But rather than be negative in re-living past glories, and bearing in mind that coach Theodore Whitmore is still in experimental mode, a critical assessment of the reasons for the inadequacies of these emerging players should be considered, even as we ponder strategies for the next World Cup qualifying campaign.
In citing bad habits and poor coaching at the developmental stages as the nucleus of our footballing woes, it is noteworthy that Jamaicans are indeed renowned for their penchant for showing off their individual ball skills -- like juggling -- and this, unfortunately, tends to carry over into the formal game.
This weakness is evident in the player's first touch where instead of cushioning a received pass, he instinctively scoops it up before contemplating his next move. This debilitates against his overall vision of the ball game and results in his losing focus on any opposing player who may be challenging for possession.
In the area of shooting, which has perpetually been the bane of Jamaican teams, the simple laws of physics and the basics of good coaching are flagrantly ignored.
And so, instead of players putting their body weight over the ball at the decisive moment of contact, they instinctively lean backwards, thus 'skying' their efforts over the crossbar.
However, in conceding that nerves and inexperience are possible factors in the poor execution of a player during a game, inadequate and incorrect training should also be regarded as competing grounds.
A good coach knows that a player more often than not applies what he practices, thus the numerous repetitions done during training. The effect is that at the required moment, the muscles will, on impulse, recall what would have been done dozens of times before.
A popular school of thought asserts that Jamaican players generally under-perform because tactically, they do not understand the game.
Does that account for their poor decision-making on the field of play? If so, then perhaps they should not be inundated with gibberish on formations and all those technical terms like 'holding midfielder', '119' and 'maintaining the shape' of the team
Again, the fundamental principles of football dictate that the game is dynamic -- not static. Common sense would then suggest that since the sport pits 11 players vs 11, the simple practice of getting behind the ball and marking the player closest to you encapsulates the art of defending.
Conversely, one should strive to avail one's self by providing a 'triangular' passing option for one's team-mate when in possession of the ball and relying on speed as that critical element of surprise in attack.
This brings to mind the discourse that was bandied about not so long ago, about creating a Jamaican football philosophy that is underpinned by our phenomenal natural speed, agility and aggression.
Perhaps in lending credence to this notion as a gateway to our footballing future, the success of our homegrown athletes should be the paradigm that we strive for.
Hence, when the Boyz tackle Argentina in their backyard next Wednesday, let us look for improved ball control on what, presumably, will be a lush outfield in Mar del Plata.
Let us further consider the fledgling nature of our history in the sport, and expect a miracle.
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Tired Reggae Boyz arrive in Argentina Published: Monday | February 8, 2010
Audley Boyd, Associate Editor - Sports
Whitmore
MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina:
MATCH to play; Reggae Boyz will travel.
Well, from plane to bus, travel they did, from approximately 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Kingston, Jamaica to Mar Del Plata, Argentina, where the Jamaican delegation arrived at its hotel base a few minutes after 7 p.m. (5 p.m. Jamaica time) yesterday.
The first part of the journey was easy - a 75-minute flight to Miami for the group that travelled in two parts. Then followed a layover in Miami; near three hours for the first set and just over six for the others.
Then followed a nine-hour flight straight back over the heart of Kingston, down south to the Argentine capital city, Buenos Aires, where the groups were received at the Argentina Football Association (AFA) for a brief respite. By then, Dane Richards had arrived, last man in, after making the trip from his New York-based MLS club, New York Red Bulls.
Setting the tone
Rest, relaxation and a pep talk before meal from Captain Horace Burrell, the president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), helped set the tone.
Burrell noted the significance of the upcoming clash on Wednesday - a real Goliath vs David showdown between the Boyz, ranked at 78th, and the powerful South Americans, ranked eighth in the world.
Even though both countries will not be fielding their strongest units, Burrell pointed to the fact that tickets for the 35,000-40,000 venue had been sold out and game-time had been shifted from 9 p.m. (7 pm. local time) to 10:30 p.m. (8:30 pm local time) to facilitate parliamentarians, to show how seriously the homesters were taking the match.
As such, he warned his Boyz to "take the game very seriously".
Such a lecture, though brief, fit perfectly into the modus operandi of head coach Theodore Whitmore - a real no-nonsense person when it comes to preparation.
Getting down to business
A five-hour bus ride took the Reggae Boyz from Buenos Aires to Mar Del Plata, where after a near one-hour respite, Whitmore got right down to business with his charges in a training session.
"We'll do a light training session this afternoon, then get started tomorrow for the game on Wednesday," the coach pointed out.
"After a long flight and long drive, it is very important to get the players to do some light work because they won't go to sleep right now, so an extra 45 minutes to an hour won't do them any harm," he explained further.
Team physician Dr Carlton Fraser underscored the need for such examination.
"Right now it's just light stretching, get them to snack and relax and then find out what all this travelling did to them."
They do not have much time, with today and tomorrow being the only days available to fine-tune for Wednesday's big match.
"It's a very serious game," said Whitmore. "It's a measuring stick for where we are and where we want to be. We have the players here now and it's just for them to deliver on the day."
Congrats boyz, atleast this time we make a profit for sure. It's amazing how Argentina #8 can play a country with such a low ranking and tickets still sell out, when we can get to this level in Ja, then we know we are in the right direction.
Then again Argentina is known for football not much else, we partake in many other world sports so in some ways its understandable.
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Originally Posted By: pelepapa
Originally Posted By: jamatl
PP,
Yes, we next fi sparring duty but I think that the Jamaica versus Argentina match will draw a bigger crowd than the Ticos, hence a bigger payday.
Jamatl,
I don't really know how you figure JA would draw more than the Ticos, but I can see where you would jump to that conclusion, the everybody love Jamaica vibe and thing. Lets say I agree with you on that. Who gets the bigger payday comes down to negotiation.
Besides the obvious disparity in drawing power, as you pointed out, I think JA is a more valuable sparring partner to Argentina's WC aspirations than CRica. In theory JA should get the bigger payday, but somehow those representing JA always find a way to negotiate those advantages away, maybe it is too much glee.
I hope Burrell's glee and msiclassification of Jamaica's role don't translate into JA getting lowballed. The opportunity is there for JA to make a lot of money during this WC season. They can fool countries into thinking that they are preparing them to face CONCACAF competitions even though they don't really play like any of the CONCACAF representatives with the exception of maybe Honduras, and they can be sparring partners for teams facing African nations. Much money out there to be made.
Burrell should be judged on how JA coffers look after this WC season, not on getting games, getting games should be a given.
well, he has a nice start 35K-40K ticket sold out already for the JAM v. ARG match.
