Schaefer says Reggae Boyz have spirit

1

Reggae Boyz coach Winfried Schaefer said his team is more than just strength and pace; it is so much more.

His comments have come in the build up to Jamaica’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at the National Stadium on Good Friday.

It is a game the Reggae Boy must win, especially considering that the team will travel to Costa Rica for the return leg four days later.

Schaefer believes the Boyz will be ready for the challenge.

“With us, in Jamaica, it’s not about strength. We have a technique that many in the region don’t understand. We’re more than speed and muscle,” he said.

“You don’t beat the United States on their home soil with brute force,” he said in reference to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final last summer when Jamaica defeated the home team 2-1in Atlanta to advance to the final of the competition for the first time ever.

“Football doesn’t work this way. I know because I’ve been in the game a long time and I’ve seen it all over the world.”

Speaking about the team’s renewed spirit, the German coach said it would be a mistake for a team to overlook the Boyz capabilities.

“We are not Mexico or USA, we are Jamaica. This is reality. We have a strong spirit. You can’t beat my guys for spirit,” he said.

He alluded to the success of Wes Morgan, who will be bolstering the team’s defensive troops. Morgan has marshalled the defence of BPL leaders Leicester City and brings that confidence to his country’s backline.  

“He’s an inspiration to the young guys coming up on the island,” Schaefer said of his skipper. “He’s a part of the biggest story in football right now and you can’t overestimate what it means for a player like that to pull on a Jamaica jersey.”

He also lavished praise on several other players like MLS champion defender Alvas Powell, Giles Barnes, Jobi McAnuff, Darren Mattocks and Adrian Mariappa, who will be key to the team’s success in upcoming games. These players and others, he believes, have brought greater balance to the team hoping to qualify for its first World Cup since France ’98.

“It’s the best team that does big things. We have a balance now. We are building each other up.”