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The Reggae Boyz will play an international on home soil for the first time in seven months when they meet CONCACAF rivals Canada at the National stadium on Sunday January 31, 2010.


That game will also serve as the launch of the country’s 2014 World Cup campaign.



The Reggae Boyz, who like their opponents, are still smarting from their failure to qualify for the historic 2010 World Cup in South Africa are eager to put on a treat for the local fans who have not seen them up close for over half a year.


“I am looking forward to a very active year so we could test and evaluate the players who we believe could be a part of the 2014 World Cup campaign. It is important that we start early as we all remember what happened the last time. Now we cannot afford to be left behind,” Theodore Whitmore, head coach of the national team said.


“For this game and the others to follow we will be looking to have the strongest possible group of players available to us,” added Whitmore who was in charge the last time the Reggae Boyz played Canada on local soil. Then the Reggae Boyz thumped Canada 3-0 but came up short on goal difference.



Expected to be involved in the Jamaican squad for this fixture are United States-based professionals such as Donovan Ricketts, Shavar Thomas, Dane Richards and Omar Cummings as well as those who ply their trade in Scandinavia. Rodolph Austin, Khari Stephenson, Demar Phillips, Jason Morrison, Rafe Wolfe, Eric Vernan, Luton Shelton and Adrian Reid are already in the country and should be available for selection. Local-based players such as Devon Hodges, Keammar Daley, Jermaine Taylor, Dicoy Williams, Richard Edwards and Navion Boyd could also feature.

Canada, who recently confirmed the Trinidad-born Stephen Hart as head coach following their creditable run in the Gold Cup which included a 1-0 win over Jamaica, are expected to field a strong squad as well. Prior to the game they will have a two-week camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before flying into Jamaica on January 29.


Whitmore, whose Boyz had 10 international matches in 2009, will also have the Boyz in a training camp starting in early January.


Jamaica Football Federation, 20 St. Lucia Crescent, Kingston 5 Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: (876)929-0484, (876)929-1182, 929 8036, Fax (876) 908-0164

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