Lyle turns focus to World Cup

National Under-17 player Jamone Lyle says he has put the recent controversy surrounding his eligibility for Jamaica College (JC) behind him and is now focused on preparing for next month’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The 17-year-old has been at the centre of controversy after JC were removed from the final of the ISSA Walker Cup knockout competition because his participation in the semi-final was deemed ineligible.

Lyle was ruled ineligible under the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association’s Amateurism Rule, which states that a player cannot hold a professional contract and participate in any of its competitions.

JC have also been banned from next year’s Walker Cup competition and forfeited their Manning Cup second-round match against St Catherine High, which they had won 3-2. The result was subsequently overturned, with St Catherine awarded a 3-0 victory.

However, Lyle said he was not allowing the controversy to distract him from the opportunity to represent Jamaica on the global stage.

“I am not really focusing on that right now. Right now, I am focusing on what is in front of me, which is the World Cup, and that is my main focus,” said Lyle.

“I am feeling confident, but there is always room for improvement, and I feel like we will get there when the time comes and our performance will speak for itself.”

Lyle, who attends JC, has risen to prominence, having made his senior national team debut against El Salvador in the Concacaf Nations League on October 2. Jamaica won the match 2-0.

He said he was grateful for the opportunity and remained determined to keep improving, despite the recent milestones.

“Everything has been good so far. It is a great achievement to get my senior debut. It has been a great two months, and I have to be grateful and thankful to God,” Lyle said.

“I am definitely not getting carried away. I am staying humble, staying focused and working hard.”

Jamaica have been drawn in Group E alongside Italy, Ivory Coast and Uzbekistan for the Under-17 World Cup. The young Reggae Boyz will be making their third appearance at the tournament after topping their group in the Concacaf qualifying competition in Alajuela, Costa Rica, in February.

Lyle said his main objective was to deliver his best performances and help Jamaica secure positive results.

“When I get to the World Cup, I just want to perform to the best of my abilities and get good results,” he said.

Describing his playing style, Lyle said he considers himself a creative player who can score goals and adapt to different roles on the pitch. He added that he is a Barcelona supporter and regards Argentine great Lionel Messi as his favourite player.

“I am a creative player, a goalscorer, and I can be versatile at times,” he said.