Confident Boyz bow into action at Concacaf U17 World Cup qualifiers
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:48 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica’s under-17 Reggae Boyz will begin their quest to qualify for a third World Cup tournament today when they take on St Lucia in their opening game in Group H of the Concacaf Under-17 World Cup qualifiers in Guatemala. Kick-off time is 5 p.m.
The young Reggae Boyz have been placed in a group with Cayman Islands, St Lucia, and El Salvador, and assistant coach Vassell Reynolds said they are not taking anything for granted but are confident of making a winning start.
“We have been preparing for almost a year, since last April, so we are satisfied with the period of preparation and with what we have accomplished over the period.
“We have done all we can, and it’s now up to the boys to execute. We arrived yesterday (Saturday) in Guatemala and got in two light sessions, and the boys seem to be settling in, and I think we ready,” he said.
Reynolds said their only focus now is on St Lucia.
“We are hoping to get off to a positive start as we are approaching each game like a final and will not be taking anything for granted. We have done our homework, and the real aim is to win all three games in the group,” Reynolds said.
The winners of the eight qualification groups will advance to the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November, and the battle for group honours is expected to be between Jamaica and El Salvador.
However, Reynolds said they must guard against complacency in the first two matches against St Lucia and The Caymans Islands.
“On paper, one would think the El Salvador clash, which is our last game, will be the decider. But we will have to get the other two games out of the way. That last game against El Salvador can only be the crucial game if we win the first two.
“But the aim really is to win all three games as that is the only way you can guarantee a spot to Qatar,” Reynolds said.
He added also that they had a full complement of players to choose from.
“From the squad that was selected we have all of the players at our disposal and the boys are in good spirits. There are no injury concerns, and we are just hoping for the best come tomorrow (today).”