The 2.6 million people of Jamaica rejoiced last November when
theirs became the third Caribbean nation ever to qualify for the
World Cup. Lately, though, coach Rene Simoes has drawn
increasing criticism from the home folks for pursuing a
time-honored strategy: recruiting soccer mercenaries. After
bringing in four English-born players of Jamaican heritage
during World Cup qualifying (including forward Deon Burton, who
scored four goals in five matches), Simoes has tried out four
more English imports for spots on the Cup roster.
With domestic players being cast aside, some Jamaicans have
become hopping mad that their Reggae Boyz are acquiring a
British accent. Tony Becca, the sports editor of the country's
largest daily, The Gleaner, has written several columns
attacking Simoes. "I had no problem with using the four players
from England during the qualifiers," Becca says, "but as a
Jamaican I would feel much better if the team was a product of
Jamaica, not England."
"Everybody is a coach," says Simoes, a Brazilian. "I look for
quality, and we play at a higher level when our England-based
players are on the field." No kidding. On April 20 against lowly
Macedonia, Simoes started a team of native Jamaicans that gave
up two goals in the first half. He sent in his Brits after
halftime, and Jamaica nearly pulled off the comeback, losing
2-1. After Jamaica fell 1-0 to Iran last week with four
mercenaries in the lineup, it was clear that Simoes still needs
reinforcements. That's why you can log on to the team's Web site
www.uwimona.edu.jm/sports/football/links/japlayers.html and
see soccer's version of a milk-carton plea: "Do you know of any
other players with Jamaican heritage overseas? If so click
here."
Issue date: May 4, 1998
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