LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

JFF President Captain Horace Burrell (second left), greets former JAAA president Pat Anderson on Wednesday evening.

AAH! IT was just what fervent football lovers have been waiting for - a reason worth spending $1,500 (or a nanny if you're feeling the economic crunch) to watch the Reggae Boyz ply their skills at home.

The football programme seemed to have inhaled a breath of life and the National Stadium was resuscitated as some of Jamaica's best Boyz came out to play.

The busy movement of gold jerseys and the vocal support of the crowd was reminiscent of the 'Road to France' campaign while giving hope that South Africa 2010 is a reality and not just an ancestral sentiment.

Frankly, none of the games were spectacular for the three participating teams, but that was of less importance compared to winning back the hearts of fans and whetting their appetite for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers next year.

The two victories over El Salvador (3-0) and Guatemala (2-0), the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is hoping, would have struck a familiar chord with loyalists and wagonists alike that another glorious invasion of the World Cup finals is possible.

significant game for boyz

The games were particularly significant for youngsters Rudolph Austin, Demar Phillips and Dane Richards, as they look to earn their stripes, and less for the ageing Ian Goodison, who may have filled a few seats, but showed he isn't getting any quicker, particularly against 20-something attackers.

Austin scored the most impressive goal of the two games and Phillips and Richards' pace is sure to trouble a few CONCACAF defenders.

A match at 'The Office' is never ever just about football. Entertainment snapshots included Queen Ifrica, Busy Signal, Morgan Heritage, Richie Stephens and the ultra skilful juggling master Aquel Fonseca, the rasta version of Ronaldinho, or so they say.

So the groundwork has been laid. The National Stadium enjoyed at least a 50 per cent capacity for both games, the most it has been for an international football match in about three years and the nation feels like it is catching the football, bug once again.

All that is left is for the professor (or whoever it may be) to be appointed coach and for the JFF to meet its staggering budget for South Africa 2010.

Of course, a Reggae Boyz' rebirth would not be complete without the man responsible ensuring that you know he is responsible - Captain Horace Burrell. From taking over the post-match press conference to the grand reminders of just how much influence he has in international football circles, the omnipotent one hasn't missed a beat since returning to his throne at the JFF.

Yes captain, we see, and hear, you loud and clear.

Ricardo Fuller celebrates his goal against Guatemala on Wednesday night

Boy Luton Shelton (centre) congratulates teammate Ricardo Gardner after his first goal against El Salvador at the National Stadium last Sunday. Gardner, captain of the Jamaican team, scored twice in the 3-0 victory.

Minister of Education Andrew Holness (left) and the new woman in charge of sport, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, take it easy at 'The Office'. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

New West Indies skipper, Chris Gayle (right), and teammate Marlon Samuels cheer on the Boyz.

Recently retired national netball captain Elaine Davis wouldn't let a foot injury stop her from supporting the Jamaica team.

It may have been damp. but the fans turned out in force on Wednesday night to cheer on the Boyz against Guatemala

Tiger was back on hand to cheer on the Boyz

Above: Cricket great Courtney Walsh was an avid spectator in the stands.