Hat-trick hero Foster sets lofty goal
LILIENDAAL, Guyana — Jamaica’s hat-trick hero Craig Foster has credited his work ethic, coach Wendell Downswell’s guidance and the help of God for his impressive showing in Wednesday’s 6-1 win over Grenada.
Foster, who was playing his first game for a national side at any level, displayed uncommon maturity and composure to help sink Grenada in the opening fixture of the Under-20 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Group C Qualifier at the National Stadium in Providence.
“Words can’t explain how I feel right now. I’m very grateful and I thank God because He made this possible. The coach (Downswell) has done a lot for me and has taught me and given me instructions that has helped my development. Mr Downswell is a great coach and I thank him too.
“I have worked hard and played hard and I’ve always taken advice from my coaches along the way,” Foster told the Observer yesterday at the team’s hotel here.
His praise of the national coach is hardly surprising since he also takes orders from Downswell at local Digicel Premier League outfit Reno Football Club. Under Downswell’s mentorship over the past three years, Foster has become one of the rising stars of the Westmoreland-based club.
The speedy 19-year-old forward revealed that his pre-tournament target has been adjusted since his three-goal exploit against Grenada.
“My aim was to score six goals for the tournament — two in each match — but it seems as if I can score even more to help Jamaica win the group, so my aim is now three per match… I’m looking at a total of nine goals,” said Foster, whose father also played for Reno.
Jamaica next tackle US Virgin Islands later today, before closing out against hosts Guyana on Sunday. The winners of the group will automatically qualify for the CONCACAF Championships in Guatemala next year April.
Foster insisted that his ultimate goal is to force his way into the national senior set-up and make a living as a professional footballer overseas.
“My aim is to advance to the senior team and perhaps get an overseas contract, but I know I have to work harder to make all of that possible,” said the former Mannings daCosta Cup player.
