Rudolph Speid, Reggae Boyz interim head coach, said today’s international friendly against Grenada will prove a good exercise for both the players and the coaching staff ahead of the intercontinental play-offs in March.
Jamaica will face Grenada at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.
Speaking ahead of the match, Speid said the priority will be to get a good look at several players, who could play a key role in Jamaica’s upcoming World Cup play-offs.
The play-offs are set to begin March 26, where Jamaica will play New Caledonia and DR Congo for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Our objective is what we’re keeping focused on. We want to look at some of these players to see how they can help the team going forward in the future and also to see the development and strides we could make,” he explained.
“Even the players who have played in the past and have been out of the national team for a while. Again, it gives us a chance to look at them up front, close, and personal to see what they can bring to the national team.”
The opportunity will also prove vital in testing the coaching staff, who are taking charge of their first match as a unit.
Speid and his coaching staff were appointed as interim coaches last year follow the abrupt resignation of Steve McClaren.
McClaren vacated the role just minutes after Jamaica failed to secure automatic qualification to the World Cup.
Speid said the friendly will be important to test the working relationship within the management staff, ahead of the play-offs.
“One of the most interesting points is that we’re synchronising our coaching staff and how they work together,” he explained.
“We’re looking at everybody’s strengths and weaknesses, so this is really a good exercise as we prepare to go to March play-offs.”
Speid is looking forward to a positive showing from his players, who he said have settled in well at the camp.
GOOD RESPONSE
He said the players have responded well to the work being done, and highlighted the blend of both youth and experience.
One of the key experienced players in the squad is defender Damion Lowe, who The Gleaner understands will wear the captain’s armband.
“They have settled in very well. Couple of them are very interesting additions and they all bring something different to the team, which we need to get a first-hand, close-up look at,” he said.
“Some of the young players need that guidance, so it’s good that we have them to give that guidance to the younger players and hope they can contribute to the cause.”
Speid said a positive result is not just important for the team ahead of the play-offs, but will also be important for the Jamaican fans.
He is hopeful the team can start the year on a positive note after the disappointment they suffered last year and the difficulties the country faced in 2025.
“Everything we do here is for Jamaica. Jamaica has been through a lot in the past year and, if we can give the public something to smile about, that is good for us.”
