WITH JAMAICA'S Reggae Boyz potentially to face the CONCACAF 'Group of Death' in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, technical director René Simoes certainly seems to be running out of time in picking a uniform first-string squad, let alone finding time for that team to gel.

The Brazilian certainly came under a lot of criticism in Jamaica's recent friendly, a disappointing 2-2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago, for experimenting with a host of young local-based players. However, while many were incensed at the sight of the Trinidad fans celebrating the draw for the Soca Warriors, Simoes was only doing his job; a part of which is to identify the best available local talent.

However, the only problem with that is, of course, the time constraint. On June 14, Jamaica officially begin their bid to qualify for the World Cup when they tackle The Bahamas. While those of us who claim to be analysts and fans of the game all know football to be an unpredictable sport, even the most doubtful spectator should expect Jamaica to progress to the next stage. However, that's where the problems begin.

tough battle

If things go true to form, the Reggae Boyz will find themselves facing the region's top teams, Mexico, Honduras and Canada, in a four-team third stage, and that could be as soon as September. The Mexicans are expected to progress from that group but the battle certainly will be on in earnest for that second qualifying spot.

Currently, Honduras, led by Inter Milan striker David Suazo, are ranked as the region's third best team and advancing to the final round ahead of them will be no easy feat. The Central Americans have recently notched wins over South American teams Colombia and Paraguay in friendlies. Although in the mid of a lean spell, the Canadians are also ranked above Jamaica and are never an easy nut to crack.

While the Reggae Boyz, with a host of players plying their trade abroad, certainly have the talent to compete, the fact that the starting squad is yet to be assembled is a major concern.

Unlike the 1998 campaign which saw Simoes with four years to prepare, the TD has a matter of months this time as Jamaica's third stage will definitely be as tough, if not tougher, than a potential appearance in the final round. One year of this qualifying bid has already been taken up by former technical director Velibor Milutinovic who, having already viewed the local talent available, declared his experimentation period to be over. Milutinovic, who was fired in November of last year, was, however, never given the opportunity to assemble his full-strength squad.

still viewing players

Now, under Simoes, the wheel has had to be reinvented in a sense and Jamaica are still viewing players, months from very decisive fixtures, with a first string yet to be established.

Let's be clear, however, that it is no fault of the TD as he simply cannot take someone else's word on whether a player can fit into his scheme of things; he has to see them himself. The issue stems from changing technical directors mid-programme and that could be a decision which eventually comes back to stump Jamaica's 2010 World Cup bid.

However, while all four bus tyres went flat for Jamaica's Reggae Boyz on both the roads to Korea and Germany in the past two World Cup qualifiers, the road to 2010 World Cup in South Africa may be a winding, rugged one, but the journey is by no means impossible.

Feedback: kwesi.mugisa@gleanerjm.com