Burrell... leaves for London today.THE REGGAE Boyz didn't make it to Japan/South Korea for World Cup 2002 but will get their fill of the Orient on October 16 when they go up against homesters Japan in an eagerly awaited rematch between the two teams.
"The Jamaica-Japan clash has finally been arranged," Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Horace Burrell said yesterday.
"I'll be meeting with a delegation from the Japanese Federation on Friday in London with a view to finalising details of the tour," Capt. Burrell added.
Jamaica last played Japan at the 1998 World Cup finals in France where midfielder Theodore Whitmore rifled in a brace for the Boyz' historic 2-0 victory.
Whereas Jamaica's Orient Express 2002 World Cup campaign derailed early, Japan, now coached by Brazilian hero Zico, pre-qualified as co-hosts and went on to reach the second round, beating Russia, Tunisia and drawing with Belgium before bowing out 1-0 to Turkey.
"This game is significant for Jamaica," Burrell said. "We're viewing it as an important game and endeavour to travel to Japan with our strongest possible squad.
"Despite new FIFA restrictions regarding player availability for friendly internationals, that weekend most European teams will be playing and there should be a break in the top leagues. We're hoping to get most, if not all our top players in England through careful negotiations."
Burrell leaves for London today where he said he'll also be negotiating with the Japanese to have the match shown live on local television.
Meanwhile, The Reggae Boyz are set to tackle India in the first of two friendlies in England tomorrow with the final match set for Sunday.
