Young Reggae Boyz take on KSAFA All-Stars

ASHTON BLANKSON, head coach of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) U-17 All-Stars, says his players are ready to take on the U-17 Reggae Boyz despite a lack of training sessions ahead of today’s exhibition fixture.

Ashton said it will be a game of individual brilliance rather than team cohesion as the squad has only been able to train once in preparation for the match.

He said this leaves his team at a disadvantage when compared to the national Under-17s, who have been in training for months now.

“I think we have to bear in mind that a lot of these players are coming off a long season and they haven’t really played together,” he said.

“We actually tried to get one session before the game, so I think we’re going to see a lot of raw talent and ability on the field and not really a cohesive unit to go up against a national youth team that has been training together.”

Ashton, who coached Real Mona this season, said the opportunity to face off against a national team is an exciting prospect for the players.

He said their individual quality has helped with getting the team prepared in their limited time and hopes their talent will help to cover their lack of team cohesion on the field.

“It is a good opportunity for them to go out there and display what they have to show. It is a little bit easier because it is an exhibition game but it is an opportunity for them to display their talent,” he said.

“When you get talented players together, it is much faster for them to understand each other and their roles on the team. They’ll look a little bit more put together than they really are because they are top talents, but there is only so much you can do with the little time they’ve had.”

Ashton anticipates a good showing from his payers but admitted he would not be surprised should his team end up on the losing end of the scoreline.

“I think there is quite a lot of talent that we’ll see and you’re going to see a lot of splashes of brilliance. I think if the group really gets together, then they’ll put up a good game but we want to believe that the national team that has been training together will get the better of us.”

The match is set for 4pm today at the Constant Spring Sports Complex as a precursor to the KSAFA U-17 competition final where Liguanea United will take on Boys’ Town FC at 6 p.m.