Time to review football programme - Grange

KINGSTON:

Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has called for a thorough review of the national football programme.

The minister's call comes as the Reggae Boyz completed their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying fixtures with a two-nil loss to Haiti at the National Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Reggae Boyz had been already eliminated from contention for Russia 2018 on Friday, when they lost by a similar scoreline against Panama in Panama City.

The stadium was very empty, with less than 4,000 spectators and Grange expressed disappointment with the low spectator turnout.

"Like everyone in the country, I am disappointed that we're out of World Cup contention and I'm particularly disappointed with tonight's result at the National Stadium," said Grange after Tuesday's match.

"Many of the fans stayed away at precisely the time when the Boyz needed their support the most.

"It is clear that the players, the coaches and the entire Jamaica Football Federation leadership have some work to do immediately. I'm calling on them to begin a careful and thorough review of our football programme at every level - not necessarily to apportion blame, but to fix problems and improve the performance of our teams. It's time to re-evaluate, recalibrate and reformulate for future success," Grange urged.

"We're out of the World Cup. Let's now review and get ready to defend our Caribbean title."

Jamaica will face Guyana on October 5 in their opening match of the Caribbean Cup.