JFF, sponsors elated with 'Road to Rio' start

Jermaine Lannaman,Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and a number of sponsors are happy with the positive start to the Reggae Boyz 'Road to Rio' Brazil 2014 World Cup campaign, following the team's 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the National Stadium on Sunday night.

The second win of the campaign, following their 3-1 thrashing of Trinidad and Tobago in Trinidad last month, the Boyz came away victors after Colorado Rapids forward Ryan Johnson overcame the challenge of his marker and remained well composed before firing the ball to score from just inside the penalty area in the 65th minute.

It was a goal that was long in coming and one that was cheered on by the modest crowd, which filled close to one-third of the bleachers and two thirds of the grandstand.

"We wanted a good start at 'The Office' and this was a good result," said JFF president, Captain Horace Burrell.

"My only disappointment was the crowd support. I know it is back to school time and it may have been difficult on the average Jamaican to make it.

"I am, however, hopeful that the turnout will change for the next game here at 'The Office' against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, October 10th," he added.

Programme support

Burrell's sentiments were shared also by David Mais, chairman of the Government's Sports Development Foundation (SDF) and Sonia Davidson, vice-president group corporate communications, Supreme Ventures Limited/Justbet.

"I think it is important that when we play against teams ahead of us in the FIFA rankings and, in this case, a team which ranks 30-odd places ahead of us, we defeat them and, as such, I thought this was an excellent start," said Mais.

The SDF chairman also indicated that they will meet with the JFF to discuss ways of supporting the programme.

"Football is very important in this country and we plan to enter in discussions with the JFF as soon as they return from overseas," he said, as Burrell left Jamaica on Monday morning for Florida, as part of the Jamaican delegation for last night's friendly international against Peru in Fort Lauderdale.

Mais continued: "I am sure that the Government, at the very highest level, is going to take a keen look as to how we can help, bearing in mind the local and international economic realities."

Davidson expressed hope that Sunday's win would boost the confidence of the Reggae Boyz, and also stated that her company is looking forward to support the team.

Said Davidson: "I am happy for the win, even though I think the game could have been a little more exciting. I hope it will boost their confidence going forward."

She added: "We have not received any proposals from the JFF as yet, but we certainly look forward to one and plan to support the team as best as we can.

"We have also been offering wagering on the matches thus far and plan to continue doing the same in other friendly internationals and when the qualifiers begin."