Mock exam for Reggae Boyz

Nodley Wright, Staff Reporter

SIX DAYS before the Reggae Boyz take on the United States - their toughest opponents to date in the World Cup qualifiers - the Boyz will face Caribbean neighbours Cuba in a mock test today at the National Stadium.

At 4:00 p.m., the Reggae Boyz, with the strongest squad assembled in about four years, take on a team they last met almost a year ago on July 2 2000, also at the Stadium.

Currently, the Boyz are in fourth position on goal difference in the CONCACAF standings. Mexico and Costa Rica are also on four points but with superior goal differences.

The US, on the other hand, lead the group by a long way with a maximum nine points from three games and this game against the US could decide whether Jamaica advance or not. Cuba's team, known for its organised brand of football - also an important asset of the US team - will be used to get the Boyz ready for the 'big day' this coming Saturday.

"We're taking Cuba very seriously as a preparation for the US because Cuba is not easy. We played against them last year and it was 1-1. Now is the time for us to see, after one year, what we did. It's kind of a test," technical director Clovis de Oliveira said.

"Probably I'm going to start doing what I'm planning (for the US) during the game. I'm going to use the strategy that we're planning to use (against the US) either at the beginning or during the game, at some point.

The game will serve as a test for the Reggae Boyz in a number of areas. One will be that of that popular word "chemistry". For this game the technical director will re-introduce three players who have not been a part of the equation for at least six months.

Of the three, the most notable name is that of charismatic forward Walter Boyd who has not played since November. The other two, Fitzroy Simpson and Frank Sinclair, had a falling out with de Oliveira last July and have not been featured since.

Simpson, with his leadership and powerful play, is expected to add some bite to the midfield while Sinclair, who is comfortable either in the centre of defence or at wingback, is expected to provide some competition for Tyrone Marshall.

Squads: