Unfit local Boyz disappoint ‘Tappa’

Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore is disappointed with the physical condition of some of the players, who are presently working out at the one-week training camp, which is aimed at helping the technical staff put together the final 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League games on September 6 and 9.

Whitmore says there are specific positions he is looking to fill and believes he can find those replacements locally, but was not impressed with the fitness levels of some of the players, who are actually still in preseason, with the Red Stripe Premier League set to get under way on Sunday.

“The aim (of the camp) is that we have some areas in the senior team that needs filling. We have serious concerns in terms of centre halves and central midfielders, and I think we have enough ability here locally that players can get a chance. That is why we brought in these players to see what sort of condition they are in.

“But I have been very disappointed in what I have seen from some of the players in terms of conditioning. They are in preseason and they are going into the start of the (RSPL), which is the end of this week, so I am a bit disappointed where that is concerned,” Whitmore stated.

The bulk of the squad for the games will come from the core of the Gold Cup unit, while about five of the players now in camp will be a part of the final 23 for the upcoming fixtures against Antigua and Barbuda, and Guyana, respectively.

Meanwhile, Whitmore underlined the importance of being consistent, and says he wants players who realise the seriousness of each game going forward.

“The focus starts now, the Nations League and World Cup qualification are very important to what we do from now until then. Everything have to tie in to what we want to do and consistency is going to be the key, because we are in the hex (hexagonal round) now, and we are currently at fourth and we will have to maintain that.

“So it’s going to be important, and planning and execution are going to be the key, and they (players) are supposed to understand by now, and that is why we are looking at the big picture and we want players that are thinking big,” he added.

After the final 23 players are named, the team will commence training in Montego Bay on September 2 for the two games.