-
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -
JFF Press Release - 16 Nov. 2009
November 16, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bloemfontein, SOUTH AFRICA - When the Reggae Boyz take the field on Tuesday November 17, 2009 against South Africa, hosts of the 2010 World up, it will be no ordinary game for one of the Reggae Boyz.
This game could see 23-year-old Tivoli Gardens attacking player Navion Boyd earning his fifth cap. Unlike his previous four, Boyd will feel like he is alone this time as in previous matches for the national team he always had a special teammate by his side.
“When I made my debut Oraine (Simpson) was in the team. Now it is the first time that I have been with the group and he is not around so it is kind of hard. He was the kind of person who gave you confidence even you feel down, he would lift you up,” Boyd said of his former club and national teammate who was murdered recently and buried on Sunday November 15.
Since Simpson’s passing, Boyd who has taken over the captaincy of Tivoli Gardens, a position previously held by Simpson, says it is like he is now playing for two people.
“In a way I feel that I am playing for him as well as myself. Since his passing everything that we have done as a club has been dedicated to him. Based on the kind of player he was and the kind of player he could become I am more motivated to do well. It is like I feel his spirit,” explained the former Wolmer’s High school player.
While it is hard enough for any player to maintain his high standards in the League, Boyd is embracing the responsibility entrusted in him and the one that he has taken on – keeping Simpson’s name alive.
“It (the Tivoli Gardens captaincy) makes me feel good. Since taking over we have done well. We have not lost a single game and we won the end of round final. Oraine did not lose any matches as well even though his reign was short and I intend to keep it up.
“Some people would see this added responsibility as a burden but for me it is not even though it is the first time that I have been carrying one of this kind,” he said.
If anything Boyd says it has helped him to be more focused and will help in getting closer to his dream of playing professionally overseas. The responsibility he said has helped him to mature and to realize that he is capable of being a leader.
“What I have done since that time has really helped me to grow up more. With people now looking up to me I have to perform. I cannot afford to let them down or let myself down. There is no room for excuses or reasons for failure I have to do what I have to do.
“I am more confident now that I can realize my dream of playing professionally abroad. A lot of people want to play in England but there is also Norway, Denmark, Sweden or even the US. Wherever the opportunity comes I will play it does not matter,” he said.
That maturity and new outlook appears to be paying dividends for Boyd who apart from leading his club to the end of round title for the 2009-2010 Digicel Premier League. Personally he has also begun to see the results.
“In the Digicel Premier League so far I have scored five goals just three less that I scored for all of last season so I think I am doing well. Now it is time for me to take it to the national team,” said the player who did not represent the country at any of the age group levels.
“I was called up for the Under-23s in 2007 but I did not make the final group. Then you had players like Eric Vernan, Jermaine Taylor, Duwayne Kerr, Rodolph Austin, Bryan Bayliss who are now a part of the group. This makes me feel even more focused to make it now. They are my age group and I have shown that I belong among them and can more than hold my own.”
That confidence is not limited to this group of players as he also believes that the involvement of the likes of Ricardo Fuller and Luton Shelton should not diminish his chances. While he acknowledges that their exposure and experience give them the edge, they also give him the drive to work that much harder.
His immediate concern is Tuesday’s game.
“The coach has been telling us that this game has more than one meaning and that we should dedicate this game to Oraine,” said Boyd.
That should fit perfectly in his plan.
Pluses from Training:
The team spirit is excellent. All the players seem ready and focused on the task at hand.
Jermaine Johnson is on fire. He seems motivated and back to his mesmerizing best and has been finding the back of the net with regularity. Johnson appears also to have improved his decision-making.
The young defensive unit seems to be gelling really well with Jermaine Taylor and Adrian Reid looking particularly good.
Jason Morrison showed no signs of jetlag and should be ready to resume his central midfield partnership with the impressive Rodolph Austin.
Minuses from training: Injuries to goalkeepers Shawn Sawyers and Dwayne Miller. Midfielder Bryan Bayliss also received a knock from a challenge with Johnson. Dr Mark Sanderson said they should all be ready to go. Sawyers himself has indicated that nothing will keep him out of action.
Jamaica Football Federation Limited
20 St. Lucia Crescent
KINGSTON 5
Phone: +1-876/929 8036
Fax: +1-876/929 0483"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Tweet
Comment