ATLANTA, USA — Winfried Schaefer can’t say it often enough.

With every opportunity, the Jamaica coach boasts about the unity in the camp, the work ethics, tactical discipline and the character on display.

He, like everyone with a vested interest, believes that the qualities being exhibited are the hallmarks of a strong team and the ingredients for success as the Reggae Boyz prepare to face the USA in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Georgia Dome here. Game time is 6:00 pm (5:00 Jamaica time).

“I have trust in all players, all 23 players. I don’t take a player in my team if I don’t trust him… character is also important and the team spirit is good,” Schaefer noted.

As a coach, he claims he does not operate as a one-man band, but keeps his ears available to listen to any member of his team

“I listen to all players, not only the leaders.”

Against Haiti where Jamaica won 1-0, thanks to a Giles Barnes seventh-minute goal that catapulted the Boyz into the semi-finals, Schaefer praised his players for another disciplined and gutsy showing.

“I am very proud of my team as we played without two (key) players who have problems, but the best thing is that we played as a team… teamwork is very important, and the best defence won.

“All the players go over the limit as they fight for the ball and I am happy about it. We know this team (Haiti) is good on the ball and we had to close them down quickly,” he added.

— Sean Williams