THE EDITOR, Sir:THE REGGAE Boyz have not qualified. I do not want to sound like a prophet, but I must say sometime back I dreamed about it. Freud said dreams have two sources: fear and desire, but I believe there's a third element metaphysical foreshadowing (warning).
I dreamed that Simon Crosskill, in his often cynical way, was assessing the reasons why Jamaica had not qualified for the final stages. I had this dream right after the El Salvador 0-0 home draw. As with most dreams, it was incomplete I didn't know the actual result.
But I am not talking about some 'prophetic' dream. I want to look at why we did not qualify, even though we were the
second best team in the zone.
Goals: Jamaica did not score enough, especially at home. In fact, we did not win any of the three home games, drawing 1-1 and 0-0. while losing 2-1 to eventual qualifiers Panama.
That is two goals in three home games. On the contrary, we did not lose on the road, winning 3-0 while drawing 1-1 twice. That's five goals in three away games for a total of seven goals in six games.
That, as it proved, was definitely not enough. In this category, for all his worth, I come down hard on Ricardo Fuller, who just does not seem to be able to score as our 'key man' up front.
BACKS AGAINST THE WALL
The second reason I feel we did not qualify is that we only really play when our backs are against the wall, hence, we are not consistently trying to achieve excellence. This was shown against El Salvador in El Salvador, when we needed to win to stay in contention and we did so emphatically.
We then allowed the same team to tie us at 'The Office'.
In the final game against the U.S., it showed itself again when they scored and we then started to attack until we eventually tied the game. After that, we went into our usual 'possession mode' without truly threatening a 10-man team that did not matter whether they lost 100-0 or won. In fact, it was as if they were inviting us to come at them, saying "Is this all you've got?"
Indeed, it seemed so.
I am, etc.,
NICHOLAS ALEXANDER
nic7lex@hotmail.com
'Road to 2010'
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE REGGAE Boyz have failed to qualify for the World Cup again. The journey to Germany dream became a total nightmare last Wednesday night, as we drew 1-1 with the U.S.
We needed to win in Ohio to qualify. Then in Central America, Panama were able to beat El Salvador in Panama City 3-0. That was enough for Panama to qualify, along with the U.S., as the Reggae Boyz had to win to edge out Panama. But there is a saying that there is always a next time. And that is 2010: sounds very far, but we now need to build for 2010.
It is now time that the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) implement the necessary plans and programme for future football development in Jamaica. The JFF focus should now be to build for the 2010 World Cup, as they need to implement a strategic youth football academy.
This football youth academy must be groomed specifically for the 2010 campaign, as we need to start identifying a new crop of players from early. These players will be able to develop their football skills at a very high level, so that we may have a future squad that is technically all-round.
YOUTHFUL SQUAD
Concerning the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2004, the new coaching staff should use a youthful Jamaican squad, so as to give it the necessary exposure it may require.
As for the coaching staff, Sebastiao Lazaroni is out, as he failed to qualify the team to Germany. The JFF now needs to assess the coaching options that they have, such as whether to get another foreign coach.
As for Carl Brown, I think that the JFF should let him control the Reggae Boyz at the moment, as he is the one who can help with the transition of the team. The future may look terrible at this moment, but the JFF needs to realise that the development of the youth football now is very important for the next JFF administration.
Let's now build our football for the next five years.
I am, etc.,
CLEMENT HAILEY
Clement_hailey@yahoo.com
Bridgeview, Portmore
Many thanks, George Evans
THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS AN avid football fan and supporter of the Reggae Boyz, I have in recent months had cause to contact the JFF, especially as it has related to match tickets and the charter flights.
Inevitably, I have not always had the answers that I have sought, being the hard task master of a person I am.
Almost on all occasions, I have been forwarded by the marketing department to a Mr. George Evans, the deputy-president.
I must say that Mr. Evans has been a breath of fresh air when dealing with my question and demands, and even on occasions I have not spoken with him on demand, my telephone messages are always returned and my problems resolved as best as it could be.
I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity of publicly thanking Mr. Evans for demonstrating such good customer service manners, and along with the rest of Jamaica, I would like to wish the Boyz all the best in the future.
Again, many thanks.
I am, etc.,
ALLISON THOMAS
Barbican, Kingston
