Digicel's Sponsorship Executive Tracy Ann Thelwell (left) welcomes Reggae Boyz's captain Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner (right) and Deon Burton (second right) home at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. The Boyz came in for the switched Jamaica vs Mexico World Cup Qualifier, which will now take place at the Azteca in Mexico City on Saturday.

Jamaica's crucial home World Cup qualifying game against Mexico scheduled for this Saturday has been shifted to October 11, and instead, the Reggae Boyz will now hurriedly travel to the Azteca for their second consecutive away game on the campaign on Saturday.

The Captain Horace Burrell-led Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) requested the change after the passing of Tropical Storm Gustav last Thursday, and approval was granted by the world governing body FIFA, in reversing the playing dates.

Gustav hit Jamaica between last Thursday and Friday, but the island continued to feel the effects until last Saturday with heavy rainfalls which caused flooding to several areas resulting in the lost of at least 10 lives.

"This we feel is the right decision in light of what has happened. After the passing of Gustav and having looked at the surface of the stadium, we met with the minister of sports and discussed the massive destruction throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica and with the low morale at this time, we decided to ask FIFA for a change of date," Captain Burrell told the Observer yesterday.

"The dislocation to scores of residents in numerous communities, including a lack of electricity and running water, destruction of roads, bridges and houses, would prove extremely challenging for the country," Captain Burrell pointed out.

Ian 'Pepe' Goodison (left) signs on the cast of Digicel's Sponsorship Executive Tracy Ann Thelwell, shortly after his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. Goodison and other overseas-based Reggae Boyz flew in for the World Cup Qualifier against Mexico, now slated for the Azteca in Mexico City on Saturday. The game was originally slated for the National Stadium at 1:00 pm.

"The authorities are far from being confident in having the venue (National Stadium) ready for the afore-mentioned game and especially in light of another tropical storm (Hanna) forecast to affect Jamaica later in the coming week with significant rainfall," he added.

Delmanda Fisher, administrator at the Independence Park Limited, operators of the stadium facilities, concurred with the JFF that the playing field would not be ready for any game.

"As a result of the storm we wouldn't have been able to prepare the field over those two days as scheduled for the event. As such the field is not in any condition for an international game," she told the Observer.

Jamaica opened their World Cup campaign with an away 1-1 draw with Canada and were hoping to utilise their home advantage for their second game to put them in a good position early in the group.

Jamaica had planned the game for 1:00 pm to utilise the hot temperature which they felt would be an advantage.
But Hurricane Gustav threw that idea through the windows and now the Reggae Boyz will have to face the thin air at the Azteca, earlier than they had expected.

In fact, with this change of venue, Jamaica, who will play Honduras next Wednesday, September 10, will now play their first three games away from home.

"What this means is that we would have played all our away games then we would be coming home for the final three games. As professionals we have to be prepared so we just have to go there and perform. I am expecting nothing less," a confident Captain Burrell stated.

But he was more subdued when he thought of the economics of playing three consecutive games away from home.

"There is a big downside to it because we will not be earning any revenue from the away games, so it will be a burden. But we hope to overcome these challenges by asking the government to assist, of which we are confident will come.

"We just want to thank minister Grange, who showed great understanding and gave great support when we explained the circumstances to FIFA," said the JFF boss.

The Reggae Boyz are expected to arrive in Mexico on Friday for Saturday's game and Captain Burrell thinks the timing is just perfect.

"Arrangements are now being made for us to leave as a group on Friday. Getting there the day before is the best option. In other words, so don't get affected by the rarified air which normally affects you after 48 hours. It will not be a factor," he said confidently.

According to Captain Burrell, the JFF regrets any inconvenience caused by the changes taken in the best interest of the country.

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