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JUST AS Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren has called for his players to maintain the momentum earned from the Unity Cup in London last week when they turn attention to World Cup Qualifiers, Tanya Lee Perkins, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Ambassador, is calling for the same from fans at the National Stadium on June 10.
While the Reggae Boyz made their mark on the pitch at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, coming within a penalty or two of winning against Nigeria in the final, the diaspora did the same in the stands, filling the atmosphere with energy unique to Jamaica.
Perkins, who was on the ground in London, noted that “Nigerian spectators were heavily outnumbered in the final match by our diaspora community and travelling Jamaicans. The energy was unmistakable, and it made a powerful statement about the strength and reach of our people.”
She wants the same at the National Stadium.
“Wear your jersey. Carry a flag. Buy a vuvuzela. Come out early. Let’s make the National Stadium a fortress,” she said, hearkening back to the days when the Stadium was known as ‘The Office’.
3-2 victory
Jamaica first beat Trinidad and Tobago in a thrilling 3-2 victory, before coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in the final before losing 5-4 on penalties.
“The turnout in the UK was inspiring,” she continued.
“The diaspora made their presence felt from the opening whistle to the final minutes. The players fed off the crowd’s energy and played with a freedom and confidence that we need to replicate here at home.”
With an early kickoff against Guatemala, 6 pm, Perkins is urging fans to get to the stadium well ahead of time, fully geared in black, green, and gold, and ready to support the team with unmatched energy for the full 90 minutes.
“This is the closest we’ve come to qualifying in recent memory. Coach Steve McClaren has been doing a phenomenal job preparing the squad. The players understand the assignment. The Federation is focused. Now it’s time for the fans to show that Jamaica is ready to stand tall on the global stage.”
Perkins, who also has responsibility for raising sponsorships for the campaign, extended gratitude to the brands already on board: Wray & Nephew, Tru Shake, St Mary’s, Stewarts Auto, Powerade, JustBet, and WATA.
“To our early sponsors – thank you for stepping up,” she said.
“To others, this is your opportunity to join the movement. There’s no better time to align your brand with Jamaica’s journey to the World Cup.
“The National Stadium needs to become a sea of black, green and gold on June 10. Let’s fill the stands early, lift our voices, and remind the world that Jamaica is a force to be reckoned with. We’re going to do this together – every fan, every sponsor, every player. This is our time,” said Perkins.
English (US) ·