AFTER their 4-0 victory over Bermuda in their opening Group B Concacaf World Cup qualifier on Friday, Jamaica senior men’s national football team Head Coach Steve McClaren praised the blend of leadership and youthful energy that powered the team to a strong start.

McClaren says a vital role was played by goalkeeper and Captain Andre Blake whose pre-match message, despite not being in the squad, set the tone for the team.

“We had a great message from Andre Blake before the game which really summed up what we had to do tonight,” McClaren said after the game.

Centre back Damion Lowe also earned special mention for his leadership and aggression on the field.

“Damion Lowe always provides that,” McClaren said. “He’s a leader, he’s aggressive, he always wants to win.”

McClaren was particularly pleased with the impact of striker Shamar Nicholson, who was also on the scoresheet in minute 90.

“It was important that Shamar came in and got his goal,” McClaren said.

He spoke of the positive influence of seasoned forward Michail Antonio on the younger strikers throughout the week.

“The leadership during the week, conversations he’s had with the strikers, it helps everybody,” he said.

Despite fielding a young squad McClaren is confident about the future of Jamaican football.

“That was a very young squad that we had and, like I said, the future is bright for Jamaican football,” he said.

McClaren also singled out emerging talents like Tyreese Campbell and Ronaldo Webster for their contributions, alongside experienced players who anchored the team.

“The old heads were key to the win – the likes of Damion, the likes of Richard King, who’s really growing in stature,” he said. “He looked immense. Isaac Hayden was very good. Kasey got his goal.”

McClaren praised the team’s attacking style, emphasising the quick and dangerous transitions led by the front three.

“A front three in transitions were very quick and always dangerous,” McClaren said.

The Reggae Boyz arrived in Kingston yesterday and focused on recovery as they prepare to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) at the National Stadium on Tuesday, looking to build on their promising start to the qualifiers.

They lead the group on three points, ahead of Curacao and T&T who shared a point in their 0-0 draw in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Friday night. The winner of the group automatically qualifies for the World Cup Finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada next summer, while the runners-up enter an intercontinental play-off for a second chance to qualify.

Jamaica’s Head Coach Steve McClaren (left) and defender Damion Lowe speak on Sunday, June 15, 2025, before their opening Concacaf Gold Cup group stage game against Guatemala.