Local Boyz thrilled to be part of Copa experience
Portmore United forward Alex Marshall and Mount Pleasant Football Academy goalkeeper Shaquan Davis say they’re hoping to make an impact as two of the four local-based players in the Reggae Boyz squad for the 2024 Copa America.
Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson selected the pair in Jamaica’s 26-man squad following their impressive seasons in the recently concluded Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League season.
The 26-year-old Marshall led Portmore to the play-offs of the league last season and registered three goals and an assist in his 19 games.
The former St George’s College standout is no stranger to the national senior men’s team, having made 14 appearances. But prior to 2024 he had been out of the set-up for two years.
He was recalled by Hallgrimsson for friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago in March and was also called up for the World Cup qualifying squad recently where he came on as a substitute against Dominica in their 3-2 win.
Marshall says he hopes to repay the coach’s faith as he lives out his dream at being at the Copa America.
“I feel like it’s been one of my best years, representing the country consistently. I just want to grasp every opportunity and make it count,” he said.
“I know how big this is, I’m looking forward to playing against great players. [Argentina’s] Lionel Messi and [Brazil’s] Vinicius Jr are in the competition so I’m looking forward to reach that level or that part of the tournament, so we play against them. I’m a huge Messi and Brazil fan, so Copa America is something I watched growing up so being here, I can’t believe I’m here. I’m just going forward, learning and hopefully get to play against the greats,” Marshall added.
Meanwhile, Davis had another successful season with two-time finalists and former champions Mount Pleasant with nine clean sheets in 20 appearances.
The 23-year-old made his international debut against Trinidad in March but hasn’t played a competitive game for the team, despite making the squad for the Concacaf Nations League Finals as well as the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers.
However, Davis says he’s grateful for the opportunity and is looking forward to the tournament.
“I’m here gaining experience and to get a call-up in the Copa America squad being in the Jamaica Premier League, I’m happy. I was overwhelmed [with the call-up] but I kept my composure because I didn’t want to show people my emotions. I was overwhelmed, I remember going home and looking in the mirror and was like, ‘you did it, good going Shaq’,” he said.
“I’m blessed, I see God doing miracles in my life and I just hope I could be faithful and continue to take the opportunities as I get it and continue to perform as good as I have been because that’s what got me here. The behind the scenes work that I’ve been putting in, I hope to continue all that,” Davis added.
With the opening game 48 hours away, Marshall says the team is ready to compete against Mexico.
“It’s been good, everybody seems pumped and ready for the first game. It’s going good, getting to know each player because it’s the first time seeing some of them but it’s been a good camp so far. We have been adapting, I’m trying to get acclimatised to the weather. It’s a bit hot here just like Jamaica but the surface and everything has been good and the boys seem ready for the first game.”