Holgate excited after Reggae Boyz debut
Published:Saturday | October 12, 2024 | 12:08 AM
WHEN MASON Holgate received his first Reggae Boyz call-up, he did not expect to play in Jamaica’s match against Nicaragua as he was waiting for FIFA’s clearance. However, the defender was given the green light on match day and relished his 15-minute cameo in the Boyz 2-0 win.
Holgate was a late second-half substitute on Thursday night as he helped the team see out the win in his international debut.
Speaking in his post-game interview, Holgate was excited for the opportunity to make his first appearance for Jamaica despite only being cleared to compete less than 24 hours before the match.
“Twenty-four hours ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d be eligible or not for this game but I came in and the gaffer and the rest of the squad have welcomed me and it feels like I’ve been here for a very long time,” he said.
“I was very excited for the game, whether it would be just watching it or taking part and luckily my clearance came through in time for me to come on.”
Holgate replaced Joel Latibeaudiere at the base of Jamaica’s midfield and rarely put a foot wrong in his brief appearance, tallying a 100-per-cent pass success rate.
The West Bromwich Albion defender said he was impressed with the team’s attitude as they battled for all three points in which he felt was a tough game.
He said where most teams would have made excuses or allowed the pressure to affect their performance, he was pleased to see his new international teammates compete in spite of the challenges.
“I think it is something I relish and look forward to. I think the lads that were out there did well in both boxes, I think they were great today. It’s not an easy place to come, it was not an easy pitch and a lot of teams would have made excuses, but the boys didn’t, the boys just got on with it, played and sorted it out,” he stated.
GETTING THE RESULTS
The win means Jamaica have maintained their position atop Group B of League A in the Concacaf Nations League group stages with seven, ahead of second-place Honduras with six.
Jamaica will next face Honduras on Monday at the National Stadium, a fixture which Holgate believes will be another tough opposition for the Boyz.
He, however, expects the team to get the results needed to advance to the quarterfinals of the Nations League.
“I think there are games where you can play good football and not get results and some games where you get the results and you can say you’ve not played the best football but I know which one I prefer and it’s getting the results.”