Major Desmon Brown, the General Manager of Independence Park Limited, has provided assurances that the playing surface at Jamaica's National Stadium will be in excellent shape for the Reggae Boyz opening World Cup qualifier against the Dominican Republic on June 6, despite a busy upcoming schedule of events.
The National Stadium is set to host a series of high-profile events, starting with the Jamaica Athletics Invitational on May 11, followed by the Jamaica Premier League final on May 19, and the INSPORTS Devon Biscuits Primary School Championships from May 23-25. Additionally, the Racers Grand Prix will take place on June 1, just five days before the crucial World Cup qualifier.
With various athletic competitions taking place, including throwing events like the discus, Major Brown expressed concerns about maintaining the integrity of the playing surface, particularly due to the potential damage caused by shot put activities.
"The discus and the javelin are not a problem. It’s the shot put that is the problem," explained Major Brown, highlighting the challenges posed by the heavy metal ball which can create deep divots in the field.
“We did it sometime ago for Champs when we had to do it for like four days. What we did is that we took it up every night and put it back in the mornings otherwise it would kill the grass. If they throw the shot put, it takes three to four weeks to sort it out.
“It’s a sand field so (the shot put) compresses the sand and then you have to dig it up so that the grass can grow back through it.”
To mitigate this issue, Major Brown detailed a specialized plan involving the use of plywood and sand to protect the grass from damage caused by shot put. This method, although expensive, is effective in ensuring the field remains playable and in good condition for the upcoming football qualifier.
Despite the rigorous schedule of events, Major Brown emphasized that the playing surface has significantly improved in recent years, thanks to dedicated efforts to control weeds and maintain overall quality.
"We have a group of people who are very dedicated to getting that field back in good condition, so even with the events that we had recently, we are working on it to get it back," assured Major Brown.
Importantly, organizers of the international track meets have confirmed that only the discus will be contested during the upcoming Jamaica Athletics Invitational and the Racers Grand Prix, alleviating concerns about potential damage caused by shot put competition.
With Major Brown's strategic plans and diligent efforts, football fans can rest assured that the National Stadium will provide a suitable and safe venue for the Reggae Boyz as they kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against the Dominican Republic on June 6.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Steve McClaren recalls controversial winger Leon Bailey for Reggae Boyz’ crucial clash against Cuba
Newly appointed Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren has made a bold move ahead of Jamaica's CONCACAF Nations League match against Cuba, set for September 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston. McClaren has recalled Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, whose recent history with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has been marked by controversy.
In June 2024, the JFF temporarily suspended Bailey from the senior Men's National Team due to his public comments and decision not to participate in the Copa America 2024, despite being selected. The federation cited Bailey's expressed desire to take a break from national duties, and the suspension was intended to prevent further miscommunication and manage the situation.
However, McClaren, who took over as head coach recently, has decided to give Bailey a fresh start, offering him a chance to rejoin the national team. The JFF stipulated that Bailey must first clear the air with the federation through a formal letter before being considered for selection. This condition has apparently been met, as Bailey is now named in the squad for the crucial encounter against Cuba.
Joining Bailey in the squad is Demarai Gray, who returns after recovering from injury to strengthen the Reggae Boyz's attacking options. Norman Campbell, who currently plays for Randers FC in Denmark and last represented Jamaica in 2021, has also been recalled. The attacking line-up is further bolstered by Shamar Nicholson and Kaheim Dixon, the latter having recently joined Charlton Athletic.
In midfield, McClaren has selected Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, and Adrian Reid Jr., all of whom will play pivotal roles in controlling the game against Cuba.
The defensive unit includes Dexter Lembikisa, Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Amari’I Bell, Joel Lattibeaudierre, and Ethan Pinnock. These defenders will be tasked with keeping Cuba’s attack at bay in what promises to be a competitive fixture.
The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared among Andre Blake, Coniag Boyce Clarke, and Jahmali Waite, who have all been named in the squad.
This September 6 clash marks a significant moment for the Reggae Boyz as they aim to assert their dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League and move past the controversies that have recently surrounded the team. McClaren's decision to recall Bailey is sure to draw attention, and all eyes will be on the National Stadium to see how the team performs under his leadership.
Mason Greenwood reportedly set to switch allegiance to represent Jamaica's Reggae Boyz
Mason Greenwood seems set to switch allegiance from England to play for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz under new manager Steve McClaren, according to reports.
It has been widely reported that Olympique Marseille winger has started the process after the English Football Association was approached by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to formally request a transfer of Greenwood’s international registration.
The 22-year-old former Manchester United starlet, who made his England debut in a UEFA Nations League game at 18 years old, has not featured for the Three Lions since, as he has endured international exile since being charged with attempted rape and assault, which he denied. The charges were later dropped.
As per FIFA rules, Greenwood can change allegiances as he was under 21 years old when he competed for England in 2020.
The JFF’s initial attempt to get Greenwood to switch his international allegiance was unsuccessful, as the player declined with hopes of reviving his career with England.
However, this latest breakthrough was said to be aided by the recent appointment of McClaren as Reggae Boyz Head coach, as the former Manchester United assistant has persuaded Greenwood, who, according to The Sun, is eligible to play for Jamaica through his father, Andrew, to make the move.
Greenwood, who played one season for Spanish La Liga club Getafe last season on loan from Manchester United, later moved to Marseille, where he scored twice and contributed two assists in a 5-1 win over Brest last weekend.
McClaren’s first game as Reggae Boyz Head coach will be a Concacaf Nations League fixture against Cuba on September 6, followed by an away contest against Honduras. However, Greenwood’s transfer may not come through in time for him to play.
Adidas launches new JFF LFSTLR capsule collection inspired by Jamaica’s sporting heroes
Adidas has announced the launch of its new Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) LFSTLR capsule collection paying homage to Jamaica’s historic 1998 FIFA World Cup team.
LFSTLR blurs the lines between football performance and streetwear culture, re-defining what it means to represent your team away from the terraces.
The collection is designed for all fashion-conscious fans who live and breathe football as much as they value their own individual style.
The heart of the collection is the LFSTLR jersey. A tribute to early 90s football, all the retro details are there.
The jersey boasts a unique blend of dull shiny trefoil engineered fabric, classic puff transfer prints, and refined flat knit cuff details.
This fashion-forward design is complemented by a polo collar, which was a stand-out design feature from the matchday jerseys worn by Jamaica's historic FIFA World Cup 1998 squad.
The full collection also features a supporting capsule of tracksuit, tee-shirt and shorts based on the iconic Adidas Originals Rekive silhouette.
With its vibrant combination of the unmistakable black, green and yellow of Jamaica, the collection’s colour arrangement is inspired by the heroics of the 1988 Jamaican bobsleigh team.
The iconic trefoil logo, rendered in white, stands out against the nation's colours. The collection's launch coincides with the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Jamaican community in London.
Reflecting the link between football and the island’s distinctive musical flavour, Jamaican dancehall star, Shenseea joins the collections launch campaign in a series of exclusive shots.
The adidas Jamaica LFSTLR collection is available from Thursday from adidas.com and selected adidas stores and retailers.
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