Visit www.djbabyace.com

JFF secures FIFA approval for second Goal Project and confirms National Stadium as an approved venue for World Cup Qualifier
April 27, 2008
The Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) request to relocate the unfinished FIFA Goal Project and Football Academy from Malvern, St Elizabeth was approved in principle by FIFA, as they agreed to grant a second Goal Project to be constructed at a new venue.

This is a big step forward for the project as in 2006, the JFF administration led by former president Crenston Boxhill, received funds from FIFA towards the original project which was never completed. Some of the issues that led to an unsuccessful first project included a stop order being put on building at the location due to a lack of adequate documentation, no formal agreement existing with the JFF and Munro for use of football fields, and a concern regarding water being provided in the remote area.

FIFA was also in favor of extending courses for administrators at the parish level and providing technical assistance and help with youth development courses planned for both Kingston and Montego Bay. FIFA president Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter, praised Captain Burrell for his hard work and vision of the future of jamaican football as he embarks on his mission of building back Jamaica’s football programs.

KAPPA on board with Jamaica’s Football
April 27, 2008
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) led by president Captain Horace Burrell, was successful in securing a kit sponsorship deal for all nine men's and women's teams as they  inked a two-year sponsorship deal with Italian sporting manufacturing company, Kappa, in Turin, Italy.

The US$1.77m agreement is reported to be the biggest kit deal in Jamaica’s football history. It includes a signing fee, bags, apparel, footwear and cash incentives depending on qualification to the World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.  This is a very significant signing for the Burrell led group as Jamaica was without a sponsorship deal for over two years.  The deal gives KAPPA the option to renew after 2010.

No prize monies to be awarded to NPL teams
April 20, 2008
A plea by the Premier League Clubs' Association (PLCA) to the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) for assistance after the collapse of the three-year $150- million sponsorship deal with Cash Plus was rejected on Wednesday. This has left National Premier League football teams with no prize monies to be awarded to them at the end of the season.

At a press conference, held at the UWI Main Library, the chairman of the PLCA, Edward Seaga, stated that they will have to eliminate the prize money and awards function and that the clubs will need to find ways in tightening their budgets in order to survive the rest of the season. The PLCA executives expressed hope in finding a sponsor of $10 million for the prize money and awards ceremony, but said that it was less likely to happen with each passing day.

The PLCA made note that although there will be no prize monies, this year’s participants are much better off than previous years as a total of $33.6 million will go directly to the clubs with each club receiving  $2.8 million this year. This is in contrast to about $7 million that were received by the clubs previously and the $2 million received by Harbour View for winning the league last year. The PLCA also revealed that it has just over $4 million left to run the remainder of the season.

TheReggaeBoyz.com forum moderator Jagga suggested in a forum post that football lovers could assist by donating trophies to the clubs and players for their efforts. Tell us what you think about this suggestion?

Sponsorship of Jamaica’s Premier League Terminated
April 12, 2008
With the recent revelation that Jamaica’s Premier League Football sponsor Cash Plus Limited is bankrupt and unable to repay investors, the chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), Edward Seaga, has announced the termination of the agreement between the PLCA and Cash Plus for sponsorship of the National Premier League Competition.

According to Mr. Seaga, this action was necessary because of the failure of Cash Plus to make payment on $28.5 million of arrears owed by Cash Plus to the PLCA. He added that he has approached the Sports Development Foundation for emergency assistance for all the clubs as they will be unable to finish the season which ends within two months, unless they can now get some significant support.

The three-year $150 million sponsorship deal with Cash Plus was negotiated last September by Mr. Seaga with the PLCA receiving $32.5million from Cash Plus between October 2007 and February 2008 which has so far exceeded the sum received on sponsorship by the clubs in previous years.

The Premiership would no longer be branded the Cash Plus Premier League and the PLCA began the search for a new sponsor for next year in order to have a smooth transition.
Read more in the forum and share your views.

Clash Between Caribbean Heavyweights Ends In Stalemate
March 27, 2008
The much anticipated clash between the Caribbean’s football heavyweights, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, ended in a 2-2 draw in their friendly international at the National Stadium in Jamaica.

Both teams looked cautious at the start but The Reggae Boyz, starting with mostly their foreign-based players, quickly settled and took control of the game. Jamaica totally dominated the first half forcing the Soca Warriors on the defensive on many occasions. Marlon King, Demar Phillips, Omar Daley and Luton Shelton pressed hard for an early goal but was denied by missed opportunities.

The Boyz dominance were justly rewarded in the 34th minute when Marlon King received a lovely pass from Phillips, controlled and turned 90 degrees, then curled a beautiful shot inside the far post pass out stretched arms of the T&T goalkeeper.

The Reggae Boyz struck again six minutes later when Tyrone Marshall received a nicely played diagonal pass from Phillips, out pacing two defenders before shooting into the far side of the goal to the delight of the Jamaican supporters. Two other first half goals, one by Trinidad and one from Jamaica were ruled offside. The half ended 2-0 Jamaica

The second half saw Jamaica's Technical Director Rene Simoes making a number of substitutions as he used the occasion to take a look at the other available players. He brought on Deon Burton for Marlon King and a total of six local based players were given a chance to prove themselves.

The inexperience of the local players showed as they allowed Trinidad and Tobago, also with mostly local-based players, to get back into the game. The Soca Warriors took advantage of the break in The Reggae Boyz chemistry and reduced the deficit when Trinidad's Telesford shot on goal beat substitute goalie Duwayne Kerr. T&T kept the pressure on their now disorganized opponents and again followed up  as their Captain Aurtis Whitely hit a spectacular left-footed shot in the 90th minute to earn Trinidad and Tobago a 2-2 draw.... Read More in the Forum

Jamaica to host rivals Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly international
March 24, 2008
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz will take on Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors in a friendly international at the National Stadium in Jamaica next Wednesday.

Missing from Jamaica’s line up will be Ricardo Fuller, veteran defender Ian "Pepe" Goodison and team captain Ricardo “Bib”i Gardner. According to Technical director, Rene Simoes, Fuller was not called because he wanted to have a look at forwards Deon Burton and Luton Shelton, while Gardner’s club Bolton Wanderers made a special request to excuse the player due to upcoming club engagements. Incidentally, Gardner suffered an apparent rib injury while playing for Bolton in their 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Saturday.

Eleven overseas-based players were invited to join the local contingent of thirteen players for the encounter. The overseas players are: Goalkeeper: Donovan Ricketts (Bradford City), defenders: Demar Phillips (Stoke City), Omar Daley (Bradford City), Tyrone Marshall (Toronto FC), Demar Stewart (Royal Whitestar), Oneil Thompson (Notodden Football Club); midfielders: Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Barnsley), Khari Stephenson AIK of Allsvenskan; forwards: Marlon King (Fulham), Luton Shelton (Sheffield United), Deon Burton (Sheffield Wednesday).

The  local players are: Goalkeepers: Allien Whittaker (JDF), Duwayne Kerr (Portmore United); defenders: Christopher Harvey (Harbour View), Christopher Jackson (Tivoli Gardens), Obrian Woodbine (Reno), Adrian Reid (Portmore United); midfielders: Wolry Wolfe, Rudolph Austin, Ricardo Cousins (Portmore United), Keniel Moodie (Seba), Hugh Howell (Waterhouse); forwards: Kaemmar Daley (Meadhaven) and 19-year-old striker, James Thomas of Portmore United.

Trinidad and Tobago is expected to field a strong squad including  striker Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland, Collin Samuel (Toronto FC), Darryl Roberts (Sparta Rotterdam) and defender Osei Telesford (Chicago Fire) and Carlos Edwards.

The president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, has called on Jamaican  supporters to come out in their numbers to witness the region's biggest rivalry in which the Reggae Boyz  have won 13 games to T&T 11, with six draws in 30 games played between the teams so far.

Brazilian Clubs Showing Interest in Jamaican Players
March 16, 2008
The outstanding performance of the local-based Reggae Boyz on their three-week tour of Brazil have led to a number of Brazilian clubs expressing  interest  and possibly contracts to a few of the players.

A recent report in The Jamaica Observer states that Rene Simoes, Technical director of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), has received numerous enquiries about certain players on the tour. Simoes did not name any of the players targeted preferring to leave the matter of player negotiation to JFF head Captain Horace Burrell.

Since their arrival in Brazil, the Boyz have played six games of their seven game tour, winning three, drawing two and losing one.  Their most impressive win was against one of Brazil's top clubs, Atletico Paranaense, defeating them 2-1. The Reggae Boyz were also victorious against state Division One outfit Parana Club, defeating them 3-2 and stopping Tigers of Brazil 1-0. They fell 0-2 victims to second division side, Avai Futbol Clube and drew 1-1 with Second Division Operario and 2-2 with Estacio University, a Second Division state team.

Some of the players named that have had outstanding games includes the Portmore United’s Rudolph Austin who has scored three goals,  Ricardo Cousins who captained Jamaica to the silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, along with defender Adrian Reid.

The Boyz will end their tour with a game against Coritiba Football Club (Simoes's former team) in a celebration to mark the 318 years of the foundation of Curitiba. The players are scheduled to return to Jamaica on March 18. Read more in the Forum

43 Players Selected for Training Camp in Brazil
Feb. 23, 2008
National technical director René Simoes has invited 43 local-based players to a three-week camp  to be held in Brazil in preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers as well as the CONCACAF women's Olympic qualifiers in April.

The squad is made up of 24 men and 19 women and is scheduled over the period February 28 to March 18, 2008. The women’s team which will be engaged in Women's Olympic CONCACAF Qualifiers in April in Mexico, leaves the island on February 27 and will be in Brazil until Wednesday, March 12.  The men's team which is in preparation for the 2010 World Cup Qualifying Series will leave on February 28 and return March 18.

Four Harbour View FC players that were originally selected have been released by Simoes due to their club’s preparation for the regional CONCACAF Champions Cup which runs from March 11 to March 18. The players, Dwayne Miller, Christopher Harvey, Lance Laing and Kavin Bryan were replaced by the Waterhouse trio of Maurice Evans, Desmond Breakenridge and Irvino English along with Portmore's striker James Thomas.

Men's Team: Goalkeepers - Duwayne Kerr (Portmore United), Allien Whittaker (Jamaica Defence Force), Maurice Evans (Waterhouse); Defenders - Christopher Jackson, Orane Simpson (Tivoli Gardens), Obrien Woodbine (Reno), Desmond Breakenridge, Marco McDonald, Irvino English (Waterhouse), Adrian Reid (Portmore United), Andre Darby (Naggo Head); Midfielders - Rudolph Austin, Damion N Williams, Ricardo Cousins, Eric Vernon, Wolry Wolfe (Portmore), Keniel Moodie (Seba), Nicholy Finlayson (Reno), Hugh Howell, Damian "Kappo" Williams (Waterhouse); Strikers - Navian Boyd (Tivoli Gardens), Keammar Daley (Meadhaven), Newton Sterling (Waterhouse), James Thomas (Portmore).

Women's Team: Goalkeepers - Nikkeshi Thomas (Barbican), Peatria Campbell (Portmore Strikers), Nicoda Linton (Waterhouse); Defenders - Marcilee McBean (Waterhouse), Monique Pryce (Marverley/Hughenden), Stacy-Ann Johnson (Harbour View), Latoya Panton and Janice Rennalls (Barbican); Midfielders - Christina Chang (Overseas based), Alecia James, Jodi-Ann McGregor (Barbican), Christina Murray (Waterhouse), Tanesia Vassell, Nicola Bell (Harbour View), Rochelle Bryan, Iesha Mowatt (Portmore Strikers); Strikers - Tashana Vincent, Venecia Reid (Portmore Strikers) and Kenesha Reid (Barbican). Read more in the Forum

Jamaican Reggae Boyz face ineligiblity for work permit in England
Feb. 12, 2007
Jamaican Reggae Boyz playing in England are are faced with the  possibility of becoming ineligible for work permits if Jamaica does not improve its low FIFA ranking of 98 before the expiration of existing player contracts. This problem will also affect players based in Jamaica who are seeking to play in England as the low ranking has ruled all new players out of consideration to get work permits.

Additionally, Jamaican-born players currently playing in England cannot move to another club until Jamaica improves its ranking to at least 70 in the FIFA table. This affected Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts when he recently tried to move to Queen's Park Rangers from Bradford City.  Ricketts was denied a work permit for reasons of the low rankings in addition to not representing Jamaica in 75 per cent of Jamaica's 'A' games for the past two years.

Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) stated that he is deeply saddened by the problem which has caused all Jamaican-born players to become ineligible for a work permits to play football in England. He blames the former Boxhill administration for causing Jamaica to fall below 70 over the two-year span.

In addition to  Ricketts other players faced with the problem of being denied work permits should their contracts end before Jamaica improves its rankings are Ricardo Fuller, Ricardo Gardner, Luton Shelton, Claude Davis, Demar Phillipps, Ian Goodison, Damion Stewart, Omar Daley, and Jermaine Johnson. More in the Forum

Boyz come from behind to draw Costa Rica 1-1
Feb 7, 2008
After dominating for most of the game Jamaica had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 tie with Costa Rica in their friendly international at the National Stadium in Jamaica. A powerful header by Tyrone Marshall from a Marlon King pass in extra time was the goal that kept technical director Rene Simoes from a losing start in his first game back with The Reggae Boyz.

Playing in front of a full house, the Reggae Boyz launched a series of early attacks on the Costa Rican defensive area but failed to find the target. Missed chances from Jason Morrison,  Marlon King and a spectacular bicycle kick effort from Demar Phillips  that smashed against goalkeeper Ricardo Gonzalez's left-hand post, should have given the Boyz a first half lead.

Jamaica’s dominance continued into the second half as the Reggae Boyz kept the Costa Ricans on the back foot. Phillips saw his left-footer shot from inside the penalty area forced out by Gonzalez for a corner. Moments later Rudolph Austin unleashed his renowned thunderous right foot missile from over 30 meters, which Gonzalez did well to push over the cross bar. King again came close after a slick give-and-go combination with Gardner released him behind the defense but his feeble effort rolled gently into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Gonzalez.

The Reggae Boyz suddenly found themselves behind two minutes from the end when William Sunsing got away from Jamaica's pair of central defenders and calmly shot the ball past the onrushing Ricketts. Jamaica came fighting back with a never-say-die attitude and were rewarded in extra time as King  provided a perfect cross from the right for Marshall to rise above the Costa Rican defenders and  head powerfully into the goal.

The Boyz had a glorious chance to steal the win just before the final whistle when substitute Wolry Wolfe slipped behind the defense, but his right-footed shot sailed wide of the target.

Teams:
Jamaica - Donovan Ricketts, Ian Goodison, Damion Stewart, Ricardo Gardner, Tyrone Marshall, Rudolph Austin, Jason Morrison Omar Daley 61st), Demar Phillips (Wolry Wolfe 80th), Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Ricardo Fuller (Roen Nelson 85th), Marlon King Subs not used: Duwayne Kerr, Adrian Reid, Shavar Thomas, Nicholy Finlayson, Lance Laing.

Costa Rica - Ricardo Gonzalez, Victor Cardero, Jervis Drummond, Andres Nunes, Walter Centeno (Douglas Sequeira 71st), Junior Diaz, Pablo Chinchilla, Carlos Hernandez (Oscar Rojas 54th, Victor Nunes 66th), Randal Azofeifa, Bryan Ruiz (Ronald Gomez 66th), Alvaro Saborio (William Sunsing 76th). Read more in the Forum | See iphotos

Players Invited for Costa Rico Friendly
Jan. 24, 2008
In form Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller along with Marlon King are among 14 overseas-based players invited to Jamaica's Reggae Boyz squad to take on Costa Rica for a friendly international at the National Stadium on February 6.  The overseas-based players will be joined by nine local-based players selected from a squad of 24, who will begin camp on January 28 through February 1.

Marlon King will be making his first appearance with the reggae Boyz squad since he was banned by the previous Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) administration for two years for what was reported to be disrespectful behavior. The other overseas-based invitees joining King and Fuller are goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts (Bradford City), defenders Ricardo Gardner (Bolton Wanderers) and Ian Goodison (Tranmere Rovers), Claude Davis (Derby County), Damion Stewart (Queens Park Rovers), Tyrone Marshall (Toronto FC), Shavar Thomas (Chivas), Demar Phillips (Stoke City), Omar Daley (Bradford City), Jason Morrison (Royal Whitestar), Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Barnsley), and Luton Shelton (Sheffield United).

In addition, a 24-member local training squad has been named for a five day training camp, of which nine members will be joining the foreign-based players for the game. Harbour View midfielder Jermaine Hue was called back to national duty along with Rudolph Austin, Wolry Wolfe, Roen Nelson, Duwayne Kerr, Adrian Reid (Portmore United), Nicholy Finlayson (Reno), Jermaine Hue, Fabian Taylor, Dwayne Miller, Christopher Harvey (Harbour View), Richard McCallum, Desmond Breakenridge (Waterhouse), Oraine Simpson, Christopher Jackson (Tivoli Gardens), Keneil Moodie (Seba United).

Nine players are earning their first call-up. Among them are Andre Darby (Naggo Head), Craig White (Arnett Gardens), Lance Laing (Harbour View), Ricardo Cousins (Portmore United), Dwayne Phidd (St George's), Hugh Howell (Waterhouse), Eric Vernon (Portmore United), Navian Boyd (Tivoli Gardens) and Keammar Daley (Meadhaven). More in the Forum

King's Move to Fulham Remains In Limbo
Jan. 23, 2008
Amid reports that the striker failed his medical, Jamaican international Marlon King's move to English Premier League Fulham is still uncertain. The £5 million deal would move King away from Watford but concerns over the striker's fitness may force a renegotiation of the contract.

Playing for Watford against Arsenal in the third game of the 2006 season, King severely damaged his right knee and according to reports, Fulham's medical staff are not satisfied with the condition of the joint. As a result Fulham is proposing to lower the contract figure to £4 million and to make the payment in installments based on King's appearances. King has scored 11 goals for Watford so far this season.

A two-year ban, imposed on King by the Jamaica Football Federation administration in June 2006, was lifted in November and he is expected to be recalled to the Reggae Boyz when Jamaica takes on Costa Rica on February 6 at the National Stadium. King has six goals in 12 appearances for the Jamaican national team. More in the Forum

Assistant Coaches named to serve under TD René Simoes
January 12, 2008Based on its new structure for the development of the national program, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) approved four assistant coaches to serve a three month apprenticeship period under technical director Rene Simoes. The coaches are Theodore Whitmore, who successfully coached Jamaica's Reggae Boyz in its two most recent friendly games against Guatemala and El Salvador, Lenworth Hyde Sr. of Harbour View Football Club, St. Georges' Donovan Duckie, and Paul Young formerly of Portmore United.

In addition, four more coaches, national women’s coach Charles Edwards, along with Xavier Gilbert, Oneil Thomas and Junior Francis have been appointed to focus specifically on the women’s program.

Also appointed are five national coordinators with the responsibility for scouting talent, coordinating trials for different age groups and assessing coaching talent across the Jamaica. Those named are Patrick 'Jackie' Walters, coach of schoolboy football team Glenmuir, Leebert Halliman coach of Excelsior  and former national coach Wendell Downswell for the men's teams and Bradley Stewart and Vin Blaine for the female players.

The JFF also approved a budget for Jamaica’s football development which is expected to cost over 1.23 billion dollars over the next 30 months. Jamaica will play their next senior national team game on February 6 against Costa Rica. More in the forum

Professor René Simoes Returns
January 7, 2008
Professor René Simoes returned to Jamaica to begin his second stint as technical director of the Football Federation (JFF). Simoes arrived at the Norman Manley Inter-national Airport, accompanied by JFF president Captain Horace Burrell, his daughter, and Chico Santos a Brazilian coach who will be working with Simoes.

In a press conference in the airport's VIP Lounge shortly after their arrival, Burrell welcomed the return of Professor René Simoes and said that "Professor Simoes is here on a three-year contract. He's not here as the head coach of the Reggae Boyz. Jamaica simply cannot afford that. He is the technical director for all national teams, including the female teams,"

Dressed in a grey suit and sporting a fully grey mustache, Simoes told journalists that he believed in the Jamaican people as this was one of the reasons for returning. Tomorrow he will meet with the JFF general secretary at 10:00 am, then be introduced to the staff. Later in the day he will meet with some JFF board members. On Tuesday, a session with the JFF Technical Committee is planned before he speaks with potential sponsors on Wednesday.

Below are exerpts of the press conference by TheReggaeBoyz.com Forum member and reporter pHoQrY:

Horace Burrell welcomes Professor René Simoes and highlights the head table: Howard Mcintosh, Bruce Gaynor, Rene Simoes, Horace Reid, and coach Chico Santos. He welcomes Maurice Bryan of Digicel, Red Stripe representative Gareth Geddes, brand manager, Jamaica National, Ms Janice Henling, sponsorship manager, and Michael Collins, sponsorship executive. The Media Media: Hitz, KLAS, RJR, Nationwide, Love FM, Links FM, TVJ, CVM, Hot102, CSN, Observer, Gleaner, CMC, Sunday herald, Irie Fm, BBC. A big welcome is given to Simoes, his family and his coaching staff.

Professor René Simoes Speaks
Salutations. It has been 7 years since he has been out of country, and a lot has changed. “I am very glad to see the refurbishing of airport, it is wonderful. Looks good for Jamaica. It is a very emotional day. Great feeling to be back”  His daughter is an English teacher so his English will improve.

First question faced years ago...his English was a problem, his answer was that  he coaches by feet not tongue. He has tried to improve English and manners, hence salutation. He remembers after 98 qualifications, people said it was because of money, but that was wrong, it was because of the people. In that time, we believe that together we could do it, and we did. He thinks qualification can be achieved again, because the potential remains here, the capabilities remain here.Tthe quality of the Jamaican, the strength within the Jamaican people makes him believe it can be done again. The target may be more difficult, but we are better than before, we have to be better today, than yesterday, better tomorrow than you are today.
Football has become a product, so we have to raise the way we talk about football. It is our responsibility to talk at high level to ensure interest in football, or we will lose out to computers...boys will start to sit around the computers instead of play football. We are not here to fight with media, too old now. He is here to associate with journalists. He is not here to please the fans, he is here to do his job, the best way he knows how.

We have to start traveling again with the Reggaeboyz. WE CANNOT IMPROVE OUR FOOTBALL IF THE LOCAL PLAYERS DO NOT FEEL THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR CARES ABOUT THEM...HE MENTIONS COUSINS. He believe that they need encouragement. Administratively, things must become better than before. Then he talks JFF politics. There is no way u can think high level football without high level coach. 25 games a year...is a good number for team to play...lets play games and lose games. For by losing, you identify who is great and who is not.

He speaks of the u17. In 2012 they will be the Olympic team. When u invest in u17 u think eight years ahead, so he will be very involved with them. He talks about the women team....using his experiences. Let us create the Reggae Boyz family again. Criticism is expected, but we must note the common objective, love for each other, and raise Jamaica and qualify for world cup. If any player does not see this objective, no matter who they are, they will be out.

Sponsors should not expect "chicken feed" to be enough. If you want a Mercedes Benz you have to spend a lot of money, likewise if u only want a little car, you can spend little money. Simoes is surprised that there are no big kit contract in place for Jamaica.

He speaks of housing for the players. No hotels. Do not want players from abroad coming to stay in hotel they should all stay in a house together, get Jamaican foods and culture and be a family. The place to build a family is in a house, not a hotel. Players must learn, respect and love the Jamaican culture. The training centre that is to accommodate the national team, must be close to national stadium. if training centre is for facilitating youth development only, then it can be anywhere...

The amount of money raised from Jamaica qualifying for the world cup, indirectly, is paramount, therefore, look at sponsorship as an investment and not an expense…social sector should also be involved. He says we are better now than 1994 when he came. He says it can be a reality again. We all did it together, let’s do it again, let’s ask God to help us, help Jamaica to do it again, make us much better as persons and human beings.

His speech ends.
Burrell congratulates Simoes on winning the 2nd Division title and announces that Jamaica will be playing against Costa Rica on Feb 6 at 6pm. That will be the launching for the campaign, Bob Marley's birthday, so the Marley's will be putting on a treat.

The floor opens for questions:
Question:  When u came for the first time, you did not know much about our football, based on what u know now and what u know about the current status, what do u think it will take for us to qualify.
Answer: Based on what he has learnt, there is a lot here, we have not forgotten how to play, we have not lost our strengths, what we have lost is the capacity to be together.
Question: Give an idea of what is the first order of business you propose and how will you approach everything
Answer: 1 Diagnose: meet everybody and diagnose where we are. Second,  don’t think because you are a good football you will make it, no, forget it, you must be a team player. Example...2006 Brazil team was the best, but nothing happened, because they forgot that they must play strongest and right players.

One on One interview with Simon Crosskill  begins (C for Crosskill, S for Simoes)
C - Welcome back.

S - Thank you, 1994 I didnt want to come. Now I was dieing to come back because i know the potential of Jamaica...etc...we cannot do anything individually, we have to do as team, together we are very strong.

C - You don’t only speak about football, you speak about support, u feel that without support, you won’t get the level of football needed, has that changed?

S - No, I cannot do anything alone, Burrell cannot do it alone, Jamaica makes a mistake if they think things will be great because we are back, everybody has a part to play.

C - How do you view your task, with a number of our players playing professionally, considering the downside.

S - First you have to make them understand why the great African Nations do not go far in world cup, because when they go back to national team they relax. Message is, it is not enough to be the best players, you must be the best, strongest and the right players at the right time, secondly the local players must know they stand a chance.

C - have you sensed then that the international professionals have not given as much as they can.

S - I cannot tell from outside, but it is possible, because it is not their professional work.
C - Who is Rene Simoes in 2008 and what is the new tactics?

S - The principle is the same, discipline, hard work, players must recognize they are ambassadors of the country. Tactically football has changed, more total football...so football is more aggressive. What the players can do to what the coach thinks is necessary...I am more mature, so I am calmer, but I don’t lose my principles.

C – A lot of tactics used were off the field before, has that aspect of football changed?

S -   In Brazil, change a little, in CONCACAF lets diagnose it. We need to hear what’s going on to make proper strategy

C - What about the time element, less time to do what is necessary.

S - When we look at the group, the group is very difficult. What is good is the reputaion of Jamaica is very strong, so that will make us have a chance. He reminds us of group in 1997. We need to spread the message for players. You are here to work!

C - The Office has become international standards...how will that also affect your tactics?

S - Well the players are mostly professionals, so it may or may not be an issue, the tactics to be employed will be developed when it is good to do so...
S - The objective is to disturb the routine of the opponents...

C - Are you prepared for Failure?

S - I never think about that...I think we go to succeed...we can do it because we did. I never prepare to fail, I always prepare to win.
S - What captain has done, I have never seen done by any other president of federation. So because of that, I had to come back, remember captain fired me, his strength is wonderful...so i must support him
C - Are you sure u made the right decision?

S - I think so, I want to come here...
S - Some people think i don’t like them, that’s not true...I am more confident now, I do things differently, but i don’t lose my principle. Thank you very much, please tell my bredrin Bertis I miss him being here. Jamaica has strength within that cannot be identified anywhere else!
....More in the Forum | See Video

Sponsorship of the Premiership in Jeopardy
January 1, 2008
The title sponsor of Jamaica’s National Premier League (NPL), Cash Plus Limited, was issued with a 'cease and desist' order by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) last Friday. The order by the FSC has created uncertainty as it puts in jeopardy the company's three-year $150-million sponsorship of the league.

In September, Cash Plus Group chairman, Carlos Hill, announced that his company was taking over the sponsorship of Jamaica's top football tournament, after the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and long-time sponsor J Wray & Nephew severed their ties. A major factor in the split was that Wray and Nephew was under increased pressure from the newly formed Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA). The PLCA  was formed in an attempt to gain greater financial support and control as member teams were facing huge budgetary deficits estimated at somewhere between $12 and $20 million annually.

Structured off the English Premiership system with each club holding a share, the PLCA negotiated the sponsorship deal with the Cash Plus Group to pump $150 million into the league over three seasons. The shut down by the FSC seems to be having an immediate impact as recent reports in the media states that the PLCA  did not received monies for December from Cash Plus, as well as the prize money for the end of first round champions Portmore United & runners up Tivoli Gardens.  Members of the Cash Plus organization have said that they were not aware that the clubs had not received December's payments.

Edward Seaga, chairman of the PLCA has indicated that clubs could soon start dropping out of the country's top football league if the problem persists, as the cease and desist order issued on Cash Plus may affect the monies which should be handed over to the clubs.

Members of TheReggaeBoyz.com forum are asking if Cash Plus should be sued by the Jamaica Football Federation for breach of contract or if the JFF’s president Horace Burrell’s Captain Bakery will provide sponsorship to save the league. More in the forum

Simoes to return in January
Dec 04, 2007
Jamaica’s former technical director, Brazilian RENÉ SIMOES, is reported to be returning in about a month's time to begin his second tenure in that position. SIMOES previously served as technical director of Jamaica's football when the Reggae Boyz qualified for its FIFA World Cup Finals in France, 1998. The official announcement is expected at a press conference this afternoon to be hosted by the JFF.

President Captain Horace Burrell told The Gleaner yesterday that the details concerning the technical director will be outlined to the executive committee, the private sector, sponsors and government within the next 48 hours.

Simoes took charge of Jamaica in October 1994 and was also instrumental in Jamaica qualifying for two more FIFA World Cup Finals - at youth level Under-17 and Under-20. He left the job in early 2000, after some poor results in the last two years in charge of the seniors, including embarrassing 0-9, 0-6 and 0-4 drubbings away to Costa Rica, Norway and Saudi Arabia. More in the Forum

Reggae Boyz Score Win Over Guatemala
November 22, 2007
Two first half goals by Ricardo Fuller and Omar Daley in the 10th and 22nd minutes gave Jamaica a convincing 2-0 win over Guatemala in soggy conditions in their international friendly at the national stadium in Jamaica. This was the second win inside "The Office" in four days for The Reggae Boyz under the new Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) administration led by Captain Horace Burrell.

The Reggae Boyz took early control of the game and was clearly the dominant team for most of the encounter. After coming close to scoring early when Luton Sheton’s effort went over the bar, Ricardo Fuller made it 1-0 after outpacing a defender and then chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

The Jamaican fans were again rewarded in the 22nd minute as Rudolph Austin found Daley down the right flank.  Daley, who plays for Bradford City in England, cut inside his defender before calmly firing home to put Jamaica two goals up. Jamaica should have had a third goal late in the second half when the speedy Dane Richards, broke free down the right flank and perfectly played the ball into the path of Phillips, who missed the sitter by kicking high from close range.

Jamaica - Donovan Ricketts, Oneil Thompson, Rudolph Austin, Christopher Jackson (Wolry Wolfe 60th), Ian Goodison (Sean Fraser 63rd), Tyrone Marshall, Shavar Thomas (Demar Stewart 45th), Omar Daley (Ricardo Geddes 60th), Demar Phillips, Luton Shelton (Dane Richards 20th), Ricardo Fuller. Subs not used: Richard McCullum, Rafei Wolfe, Khari Stephenson, Damion Williams, Fabian Taylor. More in the forum

Reggae Boyz Whip El Salvador 3-0
November 19, 2007
Jamaica’s captain, Ricardo Gardner, scored 2 goals to lead a confident and lively Reggae Boyz outfit to a 3-0 win over El Salvador in an international friendly at the National Stadium, Jamaica, on Sunday. The Reggae Boyz made their highly anticipated return to the National Stadium under interim coach and former national player Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore and rewarded at least 20,000 spectators with a dominant and winning performance.

With the Boyz battling to take control of the early play, a spectacular shot by Portmore’s Rudolf Austin, put the Jamaicans in the lead at the 24th minute. Austin hit a blistering shot to goal from at least 35 yards, which curled over the outstretched body of a well-beaten El Salvador custodian, Miguel Moreno, and into the roof of the net. This was followed in the 37th minute as Luton Shelton dribbled between the El Salvador defenders and slipped the ball to Gardner who snuck in to beat Moreno from eight yards away to put the team two goals ahead.

El Salvador were reduced to 10 early in the second half making it easier for The Reggae Boyz to maintain possession, Gardner struck again 10 minutes from time after finding himself free at the top of the 18-yard b, looked up and calmly placed his shot wide of keeper Moreno, hitting off the far post and into the back of the net to make it 3-0. The Reggae Boyz will next play Guatemala on Wednesday at 7:00 pm.

Team Jamaica - Richard McCullum (Dwayne Kerr 74th), Damion Stewart (Demar Stewart 66th), Rudolph Austin, Ricardo Gardner, Jamal Campbell-Rice (Jermaine Johnson 66th), Demar Phillips, Oneil Thompson (Khari Stephenson 79th), Shavar Thomas, Tyrone Marshall, Luton Shelton, Ricardo Fuller (Dane Richards 74th).Subs not used: Wolry Wolfe, Ricardo Geddes, Damion Williams, Sean Fraser, Rafe Wolfe, Christopher Jackson. Booked: Campbell-Ryce (49th). More in the Forum

Read more 2007 Jamaica Football News