By Nodley Wright, Staff Reporter
Lowe
NATIONAL striker Onandi Lowe yesterday dismissed claims by newly-installed technical director, Carl Brown, that he has not been considered for the team because he lacks the required level of commitment.
The towering Lowe, who was the country's leading goalscorer in the team's bid to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea, has not played for Jamaica since May 2002 when the team was whipped 5-0 by the United States. Since then the team has played no fewer than 10 games.
"I personally am not certain what Onandi Lowe's whole of concept and idea of representing the national team is about. We have seen on a number of occasions his withdrawal from national squads for one reason or another," Brown told The Gleaner when he was asked about Lowe's non-selection.
He continued: "I believe I need a commitment from Lowe as to whether he wants to be part of this programme or not. I have not got that. I have not got that indicator that he wants to be a part of it."
Brown further stated that only Lowe himself could convince him (Carl Brown) that he really wants to be a part of the national programme.
"I believe that Lowe needs to do that. He needs to convince me that he wants to be a part of it.
"He has to do that. He has to convince me and he has not convinced me that he wants to be a part of the programme," added Brown in an interview with the GLEANER on Tuesday.
Lowe in his response indicated that Brown's concerns were misplaced.
"Ever since I was growing up I always wanted to play for my country and football is what I do best. Over the years I did not fall more than number two in the ranks because football is my life.
"He has said that I am not committed and I can recall playing for my country with my foot broken, Caribana Cup in Canada. I have played with a slipped shoulder and also a broken wrist. It would be better a man tell me say Mr Lowe we don't really need you anymore," said Lowe before adding, "we footballers are like oranges. They just squeeze out the juice and throw it away," said the man who represents Rushden and Diamonds in the English Third Division.
Lowe also said that he could not understand how statements are made about his commitment or lack of it without being spoken to. Brown for his part said he had not spoken to the player recently but will do so.
"Yes I definitely will. I definitely will be talking to him on it," Brown said.
But Lowe believes that his exclusion is personal. He believes that the fact that he did not play a number of games due to injuries are being used against him.
"I was injured (for the Japan game) and after I got over the injury the national team went on another tour and they did not try to clarify with the club if I was available. They just sent a letter to the club for Paul Hall and then that was it. No one checked if I was alright."
Another reason for his possible exclusion Lowe said could be his influence on the other players.
"I will let you in on a little secret about Onandi. When Onandi is not in the camp everything is on a down low, everyone is unhappy. Nothing functions right because Onandi talks for the players. If they want something they just come and say something to Onandi. Onandi is a team player. They say special players are treated differently but the way I look at it all of us are Jamaican. The players are happy when I am around because we try to keep the order," he said.
It is not just players that he has stood up for according to Lowe. Even Brown, he said, has benefited from his willingness to stand up for others.
On one occasion according to the big man former technical director Rene Simoes went to Brazil and left physical trainer Alfredo Montesso, another Brazilian, in charge.
Lowe said he came out in defence of Brown.
"I said to Montesso that if Brown not coaching this team today no man naw (should) lace up and I said to the players any man put on them boots me and them a war," stated Lowe. That matter was sorted out as Brown was allowed to coach.
According to Lowe his commitment to the country has never been in question. While he has witnessed colleagues in England acquiring the English accent, "twanging" and losing themselves he is not one for that.
"I tell them all the time a leopard never changes its spots and that is me.
"At the end of the day I have nothing against Carl Brown because he is the coach and he runs things. He picks the players who he sees fit to do the job so if he does not call me I am not going to hold it against him because I am a big man and it is only salvation that lasts forever. And long after I finish playing football the sport will continue and when he is finished coaching someone else will take over.
"I do not hold any grudge and my ears are open if I am in his plans for the future I will hear," was Lowe's parting shot.
