Dear Editor,

The performance, or the lack thereof, of the Reggae Boyz in the Copa America 2024 tournament is a reflection/effect of psychological trauma engulfing the players.

Players were clearly emotionally stressed, mentally drained, unsure of themselves, and displayed no confidence in the execution of duties.

There are people who would instantly rubbish this stance on the grounds that these players are predominantly overseas-based, professional footballers who represent clubs in North America and Europe and who frequently play in front of large crowds in large-capacity stadiums, so stage fright could not be a factor.

However, I watched the games keenly on television, with the added privilege of the replays, and I have not seen where the Boyz were outplayed or Jamaica’s national coach out-coached by our competitors. Neither were our players outclassed in technical skills by the opposing players.

As such, I am convinced it was all psychological — players not having confidence in themselves, not believing in themselves.

Accordingly, I am toying with the idea of suggesting to the Jamaica Football Federation hierarchy to engage world-reknown local track and field coaches, Messrs Stephen Francis of the MVP and Glen Mills of Racers track clubs as resource persons/consultants to have motivational talk sessions with the Reggae Boyz. It can only be a plus with these two gurus at the head table.

Also, invite some of our world-class athletes to some of the sessions, on occasion, with the theme being: ‘How does one conquer the best in the world? What is the mindset going into big races?’

Contrary to popular belief that confidence is something we are born with, the fact is that it’s an art to be perfected over time.

I would also urge the small choir of local fans who refuse to embrace the Jamaican players born overseas, to desist from this ugly partisan practice as such behaviour emits negative energy and contributes to negative performance of the players.

Be reminded that living things only give of their best when they feel wanted, when they are embraced, when love is shown. Let’s embrace our players.

Dalgalish Henry Sr

dalgalishja@gmail.com