Hector ready to share experience
Published:Thursday | October 12, 2023 | 12:13 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
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WITH HIS last appearance in the national colours dating back to the group stage of the 2021 Gold Cup, one could be forgiven if one had forgotten the name Michael Hector. However, the 31-year-old was included in the Reggae Boyz squad for two...
WITH HIS last appearance in the national colours dating back to the group stage of the 2021 Gold Cup, one could be forgiven if one had forgotten the name Michael Hector.
However, the 31-year-old was included in the Reggae Boyz squad for two CONCACAF Nations League fixtures, one against Grenada later this evening, and the other against Haiti on the 15th.
The centre half, who has even played in central midfield for Jamaica, said it felt good to be back in the national programme, reuniting with some familiar faces.
“It’s great to be back. There’s obviously some new faces, new staff, but the core of the group is still the same from when I last played, so it’s good to be with the boys and get going again,” said Hector.
Heimir Hallgrimsson, during the announcement of the squad earlier this week, said that while Hector might not be a ‘future player’, he could help the Reggae Boyz at this present juncture.
“He hasn’t played for Jamaica for a long time, but I want to see him play. I want to get to know him as a person as he can help us now. He may not be a future player, but he has been playing well for his club, and he can help us now as it’s important for these upcoming games that we have a strong squad,” Hallgrimsson explained.
Hector, despite not being in future plans at the moment, said he’s more than willing to share his experience with the younger players.
“He (coach Hallgrimsson) told me what he wants me to bring to the team. I’m bringing my experience and letting the players know that I’m here for them if they need any help as I’m easy to talk to and approachable,” he said.
Having made his debut in 2015, Hector has gone on to make 35 appearances for the national team, and it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Those experiences, he believes, will be invaluable for some of the newer players to the squad like Dexter Lembikisa and Demarai Gray, who has become an instant hit with the fans.
“I know how it feels to make your debut at a young age and have a bit of pressure as well. It’s tough to play for Jamaica as the fans are demanding, the country is demanding in sport, let alone football. It’s good to be that older head in the group and just pass my experience on.”