Boyz banking on balance - JFF boss hoping improved chemistry will help against Mexico

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, believes team chemistry will be crucial for the Reggae Boyz when they face Concacaf rivals Mexico in the quarter-finals of the Nations League next month.

The Reggae Boyz will host Mexico in the first leg of the two-match tie at the National Stadium on November 14 before travelling to Mexico City for the return fixture on November 17.

Ricketts said he was optimistic about Jamaica’s chances but stressed the importance of striking the right balance between youth and experience within the squad.

“We are very excited, and we are looking forward to two good games and getting some good results. It is, of course, a relatively young team. In fact, just yesterday [Thursday], I had some discussions with the coach, and he intends to get a proper blend of youth and experience,” Ricketts said.

“We just need to get the chemistry right, then I am sure we will get some good results. We are excited, and we are looking forward to it. Mexico is always tough, but we are hoping to execute on the day.”

Ricketts added that building the right chemistry will be especially important as Jamaica seek to improve their attacking play and secure positive results against the Mexicans.

“The chemistry is very important, and we just need to get it right. We have struggled over the last few years to get a good attacking midfielder, but I suspect that there is one on the horizon right now. So we are hoping that he will make the transition and that we can score goals and get some positive results,” he said.

The JFF boss also appealed to Jamaican supporters to turn out in large numbers for the home leg, saying their backing could provide an important lift for the team.

“We are putting plans in place, and we are hoping that the Jamaican public will come out and give us some support. We just need that third person in the stands to cheer us on, give us a vibe, and ensure that we get some support. Hence, we could get a good and positive result,” Ricketts said.

He also acknowledged that facing Mexico would be a difficult assignment, regardless of venue, but pointed to the recent performances of the Reggae Girlz against the same opponents as a source of encouragement.

“Mexico is always, whether it is female or male, playing against them is always going to be competitive. The Reggae Girlz would have gotten some good results against them a few weeks ago, and we are hoping for the same when we play them at home on the 14th of November and go into Mexico for the return game on the 17th,” he said.

“I know it is going to be challenging, but we are bracing ourselves for this challenge and hoping that we get a good result.”