- Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Jamaica's technical director Carl Brown (left) in an earnest discussion with national coach Sebastiao Lazaroni at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.
Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
TWENTY-FIVE days ahead of Jamaica's first semi-final round World Cup qualifier against the United States at the National Stadium, Reggae Boyz new head coach Sebastiao Lazaroni and his three assistants set foot on local soil yesterday.
The 54-year-old Lazaroni, who spent less than three months in Jamaica in 2000 when he took over the reins at technical director from fellow countryman Rene Simoes, along with his team: Nielsen Elias (goalkeeper coach), Joao-Carlos Costa (assistant coach) and Marcio Meisa (physical trainer) touched down at the Norman Manley International Airport ready for action.
Jamaica Football Federation president Crenston Boxhill, technical director Carl Brown and Burchell Gibson, the JFF general secretary, were also on hand.
Boxhill, Brown and Lazaroni spent the past two days in Panama watching that country play Guatemala to a 1-1 draw.
Ironically, when Lazaroni came here in 2000 his first opponent was Panama, the team the Reggae Boyz will meet in Panama City on September 4. The Boyz lost that previous game 1-0.
TO GET JA TO GERMANY
Speaking to the media upon his arrival at the airport, Lazaroni said his vision was simply to get Jamaica to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"I have had a break and now and if God blesses us, together we can try to do our best to be at another World Cup. It's not easy but we will try," said the man who carried Brazil to the 1990 World Cup.
"I just had a break and now I going to try my best for Jamaica," added Lazaroni who threw in the towel on his previous stint with the Jamaica team on a tour of his homeland after claiming his reputation was at stake after a series of poor results.
Then, Lazaroni questioned and complained about the commitment of the senior players, particularly those who ply their trade overseas.
Meanwhile, commenting on Brown and his staff, all of whom will act as support to Lazaroni and his team, he said they were very important to the programme.
LOCAL GROUP
"They are my head now, the local group. I must respect what they know. The players and the opposing teams," he added.
Lazaroni will hold the role of head coach until the Boyz qualification campaign for Germany 2006 concludes. He will be asked to leave if he fails in his bid to take the Boyz to a second World Cup.
While the contract that will see Lazaroni and his team earning between $US40,000-$US45,000 per month has not net been signed, the one time goalie said the journey to Germany won't be easy.
"It is very difficult. We have four in our semi-final group and each one wants the same thing but, of course, I think Jamaica have quality. With this quality and if we show application and the technical aspects, I think we can go ahead," Lazaroni said.
"In sports we never promise, we will go - we try - we do our best and I hope God blesses us," he said.
Lazaroni and his team will get a peek at some of the Boyz today when they tackle a Clarendon Invitational aggregation at Jamalco Sports Complex starting at 3:30 p.m.
