Dixon By Nodley Wright,
Staff Reporter
WITH just over 24 hours to go before Jamaica's World Cup qualifier against Honduras at the National Stadium, technical director, Clovis de Oliveira expressed satisfaction that preparations are going according to plans.
"It has been going wonderful. Training itself is wonderful," de Oliveira told the Gleaner.
"One of the key things that I have tried to emphasise with the players is their responsibility to the project and the nation and they all seem ready," he continued.
The confidence of the Brazilian is present despite the fact that the team could be without key players in central midfielder and vocal leader Darryl Powell (injury), rightback Tyrone Marshall (suspension due to two yellow cards) and substitute striker Barry Hayles of Fulham (injury).
"I cannot confirm that they will not be here," de Oliveira said unwilling to accept what seems to be a sure thing. Powell was substituted two Saturdays ago in a club game for Derby County and failed a fitness test to play on Saturday last.. There are doubts that they will not be here but we
will still wait until the day of the game to decide."
Jamaica's opponents have one point from two games compared to Jamaica's three from two, the technical director said will be coming in determined to steal the points.
"I know that the Hondurans are hungry for the points in this match and that they have prepared themselves and are coming here to kill us," said de Oliveira repeating a famous line of his.
"The hunger that they have, we have to have three times that. The game against Trinidad and Tobago was won because of the example of Steve Malcolm. We want that example not just for that game but for the whole tournament."
"It is de Oliveira's belief that all his players have bought into the philosophy of the late Reggae Boy who gave his all whenever he played. So confident is he that he believes that if the doubtful players do not show then he could still field a team to take care of business.
"I do not think it (absence of key players) will affect the team. I am very much confident. If Powell (for example ) cannot make it then Jamie Lawrence can play there. At right back Lawrence can also play there and we have Fabian Davis."
While de Oliveira only made mention of Powell and as possible injured casualties, the list could get longer come game day. Captain Linval Dixon has been struggling with a pulled muscle and has been training by himself. His chances of playing were rated as 50-50 but according to a member of the coaching staff the team doctors are optimistic he will be ready. Sweeper
Christopher Dawes who made his MLS debut over the weekend was moving gingerly and could be another cause for concern.
On the forward line which has not been the most productive, de Oliveira said: "I have more than enough people at the moment and people on the street have been asking about Walter Boyd but it is a good problem. We have six of the best strikers to choose from. It is a good problem."
Among de Oliveira's big six most of the goals have been coming from Onandi Lowe who had four of the team's seven goals in the last round. The team has scored just one goal after two matches and it came from the boot of defender Marshall.
"We have been working on the finishing aspect of the game and converting from set plays," explained de Oliveira in a bid to put fears to rest.
"Lowe and Fuller looked good in these exercises," he continued.
He also made a cry for support from the fans.
"We need to be positive. It is not just for the Reggae Boyz it is for the nation. We need to support our team."
Meanwhile the FIFA referees coming in for the match will be accommodated at the Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
According to a release from the Jamaica Football federation the Brazilian referees who will officiate the Jamaica versus Honduras World Cup qualifier are expected to arrive today.
The FIFA security officer as well as the match commissary will also be hosted by the Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus.
