Tweet
Reggae Boyz in MLS play-off to miss game in S Africa
Published: Thursday | October 29, 2009
Three members of the country's senior national team who were invited for the country's friendly international against the 2010 World Cup hosts, South Africa, will not be able to take up the offer due to the success of their clubs in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
The trio, goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy), defender Shavar Thomas (Chivas USA) and attacker Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids), have contributed significantly to their clubs' advancement to the play-offs, which have extended their season.
With the play-offs being at its height in the middle of November, the players will be unavailable for the November 17 South Africa encounter in that country.
"The clubs have expressed the desire to have the services of these players for the play-offs and while we would love to have them representing the national team, we have to try to reach a compromise," said national coach Theodore Whitmore. "Based on the fact that this is not a World Cup qualifier, I find their request to be more than reasonable."
He added: "Their absence will create the opportunity for others to make a name for themselves and if they do well, then the squad will become even more competitive. The fact that the clubs want to retain them speaks positively for our and may open doors in the MLS for others."
Donovan Ricketts, Whitmore added, has been the rave in the MLS this season and was in the running for an All-Star selection. Last season, the Galaxy conceded 62 goals to 31 so far this season. In the 26 that he has played, Ricketts has had nine clean sheets and has been the first- string goalkeeper since joining the club at the start of the year.
A fourth player, Ricardo Fuller, also may not make the as the JFF is yet to receive a response from his English Premiership club, Stoke City. Meanwhile, the home-based Reggae Boyz will return to camp on Monday, November 2, and remain until Thursday, November 5. They will return to camp on Monday, November 9, with the squad for South Africa to be named two days later.
Published: Thursday | October 29, 2009
Three members of the country's senior national team who were invited for the country's friendly international against the 2010 World Cup hosts, South Africa, will not be able to take up the offer due to the success of their clubs in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
The trio, goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy), defender Shavar Thomas (Chivas USA) and attacker Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids), have contributed significantly to their clubs' advancement to the play-offs, which have extended their season.
With the play-offs being at its height in the middle of November, the players will be unavailable for the November 17 South Africa encounter in that country.
"The clubs have expressed the desire to have the services of these players for the play-offs and while we would love to have them representing the national team, we have to try to reach a compromise," said national coach Theodore Whitmore. "Based on the fact that this is not a World Cup qualifier, I find their request to be more than reasonable."
He added: "Their absence will create the opportunity for others to make a name for themselves and if they do well, then the squad will become even more competitive. The fact that the clubs want to retain them speaks positively for our and may open doors in the MLS for others."
Donovan Ricketts, Whitmore added, has been the rave in the MLS this season and was in the running for an All-Star selection. Last season, the Galaxy conceded 62 goals to 31 so far this season. In the 26 that he has played, Ricketts has had nine clean sheets and has been the first- string goalkeeper since joining the club at the start of the year.
A fourth player, Ricardo Fuller, also may not make the as the JFF is yet to receive a response from his English Premiership club, Stoke City. Meanwhile, the home-based Reggae Boyz will return to camp on Monday, November 2, and remain until Thursday, November 5. They will return to camp on Monday, November 9, with the squad for South Africa to be named two days later.
Comment