Reggae Boyz channel ’98 qualification
Published:Thursday | November 16, 2023 | 12:08 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
ON THIS day in 1997, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz historically qualified for the FIFA World Cup and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) plan to highlight the achievement at tomorrow’s Concacaf Nations League playoff tie against Canada at the National Stadium.
General secretary of the JFF, Dennis Chung, said the federation has been leading up to the occasion with videos of former coach Rene Simoes and former players, including 1998 hero Deon Burton, who recall different aspects of the historic accomplishment.
However, one local member of the ‘98 team insists this administration attempt to remember the heroics of 1998 is mediocre.
But according to Chung, the JFF understands the importance of remembering 1998, citing the greetings and comments from past players on their social media page as evidence of this.
“We want to highlight it and let people know about it. So we have been putting things out about the history and what it means to us.
“We want fans to come out and support the Boyz on Friday because this will be another historic occasion if we make it through,” he said.
He disclosed that they want to use the Canada game to honour the cast of the ‘98 World Cup team and recount some of the memories, but that Concacaf broadcast restrictions limit what they can do.
CHALLENGE
“We are not sure as yet what we will do. We are still trying to work on something. One of the challenges we have is that this is a Concacaf broadcast game and there are broadcast rights, so we do not have the type of flexibility that we would normally have. But we are trying to see what we can do.
“So we are trying to do something. We are looking to bring some kind of nostalgia around the game,” said Chung.
However, one of the leaders on that ‘98 team, who refused to speak on record, insists the JFF’s effort to remember the only senior men’s team to qualify for a World Cup has been uninspiring.
“They are planning but who are they planning with? Who have they reached out to and spoken with? This current administration doesn’t make it even worthwhile to remember 1997 when we qualified, so I have nothing to say,” he commented.
Meanwhile, two of the heroes of 1998, coach Simoes and striker Burton, recalled the occasion on JFF’s Instagram page and called on fans to come out and support the Boyz against Canada to help mark the achievement.
“I want to remind you of November 16, 1997. That day we qualified for the World Cup in 1998 in France. Do you know how we did that? Because of you and your support,” Simoes commented.
“The National Stadium was full every time. Your extra man gave us fuel. As a David, we could face Goliath, anyone. We could beat them and we did because of you.
November 17th our beloved Reggae Boyz will face Canada. They cannot face Canada alone, they need you.
“I want to encourage you to make the stadium full completely and cheering strongly, loudly. Gives extra miles to them, and I am sure they will beat Canada and keep the hope of qualifying for the next World Cup. The place for Jamaica on the 17th is the National Stadium, and remember, Jesus saves,” he said.
Burton, who scored four goals in five final-round matches to secure Jamaica’s qualification, expressed similar sentiments.
“I want you all to come out to the National Stadium on November 17, the office where I use to do the business. Support our new crop of stars the day after the anniversary when we qualified for 1998.
“Memories! Memories! Good times and we have to bring the good times back. I will be supporting from afar and you have to support the new stars of the future and help them to beat Canada like we did back in the day. So give them your support,” he said.
Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner, who, for more than a decade after qualification, plied his trade with Bolton Wanderers in the English Championship and then in the English Premier League, also voiced his support for the initiative and asked that Jamaicans follow suit.
“Mi just want mek a walk down memory lane. Just to remind all the fans just how important your role was to us qualifying and creating history,” said Gardner.
“Together we have driven fear into every opponent that came up against us inside the office because of the atmosphere that you, the fans, created throughout our campaign.
“This Friday, the 17th, the day after our anniversary, our current Reggae Boyz will be coming up against Canada and I am encouraging all the fans to full up the stadium. Unnu fi full up the Grandstand, unnu fi full up the Bleachers. Come mek wi support the Reggae Boyz victory.”