Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
JAMAICA WILL play Mexico or Guatemala in a double header at the National Stadium in three weeks time, on November 16.
The international friendly, at the facility which last hosted a game involving the national team on July 9, is, according to president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, the result of the availability of some space on the English Premiership calendar.
"Upon checking with a number of our professionals in England we realised that there would not be any Premiership games in England that weekend as there will be European Club action, so I decided to take advantage of the availability of the players to put on a show here" Burrell said.
"At this time I am working assiduously to have a big friendly at the National Stadium on November 16 the same day as the Under-23s' game against Guatemala in their Olympic qualifier," he said.
Among the players who should be available are England-based Ricardo Gardner, Ricardo Fuller, Barry Hayles, Kevin Lisbie, Jermaine Johnson and Micah Hyde. Joining the party should also be the United States-based Damani Ralph, Andy Williams, Tyrone Marshall and Craig Ziadie.
What should also make the game significant, according to Burrell, is that it will mark the sixth year anniversary of Jamaica's historic qualification for the World Cup in France.
"Apart from marking the anniversary on that day, we will be going up against opposition such as these Central American teams in the World Cup qualifiers which we begin as early as February next year so it will be good preparation," said the man who will face competition for his post next month for the first time in a decade.
The Under-23s could be on the path to making some history of their own.
"Based on the blend of experience and talent, this is possibly the best unit ever assembled in this age group. It will probably be the best chance we will ever have of qualifying for the Olympics," said Burrell.
Among the players who should represent Jamaica in the Olympic qualifiers are goalkeeper Allien Whittaker and Keith Kelly who have been to two age group World Cups. Others such as Omar Daley and Shavar Thomas who play professionally overseas took part in the 2001 Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
Added to this number Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Cleveland Taylor and Bradley Thomas who play professionally in England.
Though Burrell believes in the ability of his young players to get the job done, he is expecting a very tough fight from the Guatemalans. According to him, in his negotiations with the Guatemalans for the game involving the senior team, the German technical director informed him that he was in Jamaica for the country's Olympic qualifier against Cuba.
"He said he sat quietly in the stands and watched the Jamaica/Cuba game and was very impressed with our performance. Because of that you know we must expect a very tough game because they know how we play."
