IT'S 'THE Boyz' vs 'The Boys'. Jamaica's Reggae Boyz continue preparations for the Gold Cup against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, ('The Boys'), in an international warm-up game at Cape Town's Athlone Stadium today at 1:30 p.m. local time (8:30p.m. South Africa time).
"These games are preparation for the Gold Cup," Jamaica's coach Peter Cargill said. "We're taking a look at all our options so when the time comes around for Gold and World Cup we'll be in a position to make good decisions."
The Jamaicans have a squad of only 15 to choose from following three late withdrawals.
Young France-based midfielder Keith Kelly was ruled out because of ticket problems, Kevin Lisbie is down with the flu and Trevor Benjamin suffered an injury while playing for First Division Leicester City on Sunday.
Both Lisbie and Benjamin are coming off goals for their English clubs last weekend - Lisbie for Charlton Athletic in their 2-1 win over Southampton, and Benjamin for Leicester in a 1-1 draw with Norwich.
One among the 15 which will certainly attract attention is new striker Darren Byfield of English First Division side Rotherham, the latest addition to the group of British imports.
Recalled Birmingham City defender Michael Johnson, Rushden and Diamonds striker Paul Hall, surprise addition midfielder Fitzroy Simpson of the France '98 cast who now plays for First Division Walsall, and Jermaine Johnson from Premiership Bolton Wanderers, make up the British-based batch of squaddies.
There is another foreign-based player, defender Tyrone Marshall of US champions Los Angeles Galaxy.
The local-based players completing the squad include goalkeepers Aaron Lawrence and Donovan Ricketts, defenders Damion Stewart, Claude Davis, Gerald Neil and Oneil Dunn, midfielders Cornel Chin-Sun, Omar Daley and striker Fabian Taylor.
Cargill said they all looked "ready" for the contest.
"The players are looking upbeat, motivated and ready for the game. The sessions have been very lively so far and this afternoon was no different," he said on Monday.
Jamaica, ranked number one in the Caribbean and 50th in the world, lost their last game 0-2 at Caracas against Venezuela.
South Africa, rated 31st in the world by FIFA and third in Africa behind Cameroun and Senegal respectively, beat Madagascar 2-0 in their last game.
