Vassell’s Goal Is To Convince Whitmore
Local players under scrutiny in Bermuda friendly
Peter-Lee Vassell has another shot to make an impression on head coach Theodore Whitmore after the 22-year-old was named in the Jamaica squad for tomorrow’s friendly against Bermuda (11 March).
The midfielder, who has bagged half-a-dozen goals from 16 international appearances, is named in the 20-player squad that exclusively comprises of those based on the Caribbean island.
Yet he is without a club following last year’s release from Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC (LAFC), and recently turned out for a pair of friendlies for Danish second division team HB Køge on trial – but failed to win a contract.
Vassell, who kicked off his professional career with Harbour View FC, is short of match practice but will be keen to make an impact against relative minnows Bermuda at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay (7pm ko local time).
Harbour View FC’s Jahshaun Anglina, a promising 18-year-old midfielder who has effectively replaced the gap following Vassell’s departure, is among the trio of new faces called up for the Reggae Boyz.
With Whitmore keen to bolster his squad ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying, and this month’s friendly against Spanish regional side Catalonia postponed because of the threat of Coronavirus, this match offers local players a golden opportunity to show off their silky skills.
The Jamaica squad was only revealed last night, after the Bermuda squad arrived on the island, with Whitmore playing his cards close to his chest.
Although Bermuda languish far behind world ranked no.48 Jamaica, their last competitive match was a 2-1 defeat to mighty Mexico. Bermuda were only beaten after conceding a last-gasp goal in November.
Kyle Lightbourne, the Bermuda head coach, has brought an 18-player squad but is notably missing regular captain Danté Leverock. The defender signed for Polish second-tier outfit Radomiak Radom last month and is unavailable due to club commitments.
Bermuda also has a trio of regulars – who ply their trade in England – absent comprising midfielder Milan Butterfield (Kidderminster Harriers), goalkeeper Dale Eve (Spennymoor Town) and striker Justin Donawa (Darlington).
However, three professionals have been drafted into the squad, namely midfielders Willie Clemons (FF Dalkurd, Sweden) and Reggie Lambe (Cambridge United, England) as well as forward Jonté Smith (Cheltenham Town, England).
Whitmore unquestionably has his work cut out to continue Jamaica’s unbeaten record against Bermuda, three wins and three draws, and his eager squad are out to cement their inclusion in the head coach’s plans.
With the final stage of their World Cup qualifying campaign kicking off in June, the CONCACAF Hexagonal round comprising six sides in a league format with the top three automatically winning a berth to 2022 Qatar, this friendly is a perfect chance for the island’s top talent to stake their claim.
The European- and North American-based players will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the progress of the Boyz against Bermuda, as any star performances in Montego Bay could ultimately mean they could slip down Whitmore’s pecking order.
JAMAICA SQUAD: Kemal Malcolm (Arnett Gardens), Chevone Marsh (Cavalier SC), Jahshaun Anglina, Ajeanie Talbott (both Harbour View FC), Andre Clennone, Dennis Taylor (both Humble Lion FC), Renaldo Wellington (Montego Bay United), Kemar Beckford, Jourdaine Fletcher, Kevaughn Isaacs, Ladale Richie (all Mount Pleasant FC), Lamar Walker (Portmore United FC), Peter-Lee Vassel (Unattached), Javoy Belnavis, Fabion McCarthy (both UWI FC), Akeem Chambers, Andre Fletcher, Shawn Lawes, Colorado Murray, RicardoThomas (all Waterhouse FC),.
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