Positive in defeat - JFF says Boyz learning crucial lessons for Brazil 2014

JFF regrets slide, says Boyz work in progress

BY HOWARD WALKER Observer staff reporter walker@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, September 08, 2011

DESPITE the Reggae Boyz suffering their fourth consecutive loss on Tuesday night, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is not too perturbed, revealed head of the Technical Committee, Howard McIntosh.

"The first objective and nobody can argue, was to get games and we have been getting on all of the FIFA dates," said McIntosh, while intransit at the Miami International Airport, en route to Jamaica.

McIntosh was on hand to see Jamaica succumbed to their second defeat in five days at the Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"Second, the quality of the games are definitely improving and most recently we have played South American teams. This is not just CONCACAF teams and I think this has been a tremendous learning experience for the team and the coaching staff in terms of what it really takes to go through World Cup qualifiers and playing under different circumstances," he noted.

Of note, all these matches were away games for Jamaica, and against Colombia the team performed better, but still came up short.

On August 10, the team travelled thousands of miles to the Far East and lost 0-1 to a China team in World Cup qualifying mode. Then it was off to South America in the high altitude of Quito, Ecuador, some 9,000 feet above sea level where the crashed 2-5.

Prior to that, they were eliminated from the CONCACAF Gold Cup by host United States of America (USA) 0-2 after impressively breezing through the first round amassing three consecutive wins over Grenada, Guatemala and Honduras.

"We travelled for two days to play China, we travelled up to Ecuador to play under very trying circumstances and that is part of how to adjust under different conditions. From that stand point it was excellent experience," explained McIntosh.

But he was quick to point out the importance of positive results. "Of course we wanted results, but again we have to understand we are in preparation time and the coaches are testing and looking at different players, so it is an important step in our preparations".

Goals by Teofilo Gutierrez of Athletico Madrid in the 56th and substitute Jason Martinez of Argentinian club Racing in the 90th minute, were enough to see off the Reggae Boyz.

"The truth is, in this last game, we saw an opportunity to actually win the game. If you look at the first half, which was 0-0, shows that you are competing, things fell down in the second half and we will have to analyse it and the coaches will have to discuss it," said McIntosh.

Meanwhile, with Jamaica rattling up the losses, the cries for the English-born overseas players are getting louder to be integrated into the unit early enough.

"One of the things this coaching staff has done is to develop a very deep pool of players. I know that they are committed to that and as I have always said, any player that is good enough will get a chance to play and I am sure the coaches are looking at all their options and that means they will be looking at the English players as well," said McIntosh.

Meanwhile, a surprise may be in store for local fans as international football could return to the 'Office' as early as next month during the next FIFA windows.

"The plan is to try and get enough games on the FIFA dates and I know the president is working on it. One of the possibilities, is to have a home game," McIntosh revealed.

But the head of the Technical Committee is asking fans to be patient with the team and would love to see that culture of passion and love for the team.

"As we continue to develop the culture of football we want the fans to not only support the team when the team is in World Cup qualifiers or the Olympics, you have to cheer for the team at the developmental games and come and support," he pleaded.

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COMMENTS (7)

Jus Irie
9/8/2011

Bwoy, Chris mi bredrin, it ago hard fi find a mental toughness expert since there is no such thing. Never heard of any team having one. Mental toughness is something learned in the trenches, by very ambitious people for whom failure is not an option. Countless Jamaicans have this trait. However, nuff footballa have the skills but lack the work ethic and that never lose attitude. I knew it was a bad sign when they gave up against the US in the Gold Cup after brilliant displays in the group stage.

mario minto
9/8/2011

until we establish a better local "premier" league, we cant expect to produce better local places with "mental toughness" and all the other attributes it takes to compete at an international level.

Chris A.
9/8/2011

In reply to the realest no fakeness you say a vital component for success is missing and we need to find it fast. I believe that vital component for success is a mental toughness expert.

Jus Irie
9/8/2011

I'm finding it really hard to draw a positive from this well-deserved losing streak. Part f the blame lies with the JFF for sending our boys into hostile territory without their best players. The other is the wealt of untapped talent that's already playing in top leagues and are seasoned professionals. I'm beginning to wonder if Tappa and co are following the careers of Jamaican ballers the world over like I do.

the realest no fakeness
9/8/2011

That is why the Reggae Boys keep losing. "Positive in defeat," what a shame. Reggae Boys have been down this road before and u keep seeing the same mistakes over and over. They should be knowledgeable by now. Football is not rocket science.
Jamaica has talented footballers, why cant we put together a strong, mentally tough team, capable of beaten anyone and not just being competitive. A vital component for success is missing and we need to find it fast. South Africa was a no show.

Chris A.
9/8/2011

I agree with Winston that mental and emotional toughness is required for the Reggae Boyz so that they can win their games. They also need to go into each game with the right mental attitude. Just like the JFF have a head coach, doctor, physio, manager with the team, they also need a permanent mental toughness expert to work with the team. This would help the players get over "the tough task they have ahead" and any other challegnes they come up against.

Winston Richards
9/8/2011

There is nothing possitive in losing, there is no working progress, We should be making changes in our approach to the game in tearms of mental attitude and tactics. Stop telling the players they have a tough task ahead playing Europian and American teams we are JAMAICANS afraid of no one world beaters, we need to recognise our many strenghts and play to thier advantages. We need to identify the other teams weeknesses and exploit them, we need to develope mental and emotional toughness.

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Positive in defeat - JFF says Boyz learning crucial lessons for Brazil 2014