Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren.
Head coach of the Jamaica Men’s National Football Team, commonly referred to as the “Reggae Boyz,” Steve McClaren, spoke glowingly of his squad’s energy and enthusiasm ahead of their 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League opener against Cuba at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.
McClaren, who was most recently part of Manchester United as a first team coach, was hired by Jamaica in July to replace Heimir Hallgrimsson, who has since taken up the role as manager of the Republic of Ireland.
The 63-year-old former Newcastle United and FC Twente coach will open his stint as manager of a Reggae Boyz unit who finished third in last season’s Nations League under Hallgrimsson, their best ever finish in the competition.
“Looking forward to it,” McClaren said in a pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“It’s been a long build-up since I first came over to Jamaica,” he added.
One thing that McClaren spoke glowingly of about his players is the energy and spirit he’s seen amongst the group ahead of Friday’s game, an important factor in any winning unit.
“It was nice to get into camp, meet the players, get on the grass and lose my voice from shouting too much. It’s been great. From the first day the players came in, it’s been great energy and spirit amongst them. They’ve shown that on the training field and we need to transfer what we’ve done this week onto the field tomorrow to get a result against Cuba,” he said.
Ahead of his first game in charge of the Reggae Boyz at home, McClaren, despite his 23 years of managerial experience, is feeling the nerves as is customary with anyone starting a new job in any profession.
“Always. I like that. It means you’re ready for the game. That’s what football is all about, doesn’t matter what level. When you play, you don’t quite know what’s going to happen. It’s football,” he said.
“We can control the controllable which we’ve tried to do. We just have to keep things simple. I’m going to concentrate tomorrow on the performance. If we get the performance from the players, normally you get the win,” he added.
When questioned about the style of coaching fans can expect to see from him going forward, apart from jokingly saying a “winning” coach, McClaren emphasized a focus on the basics and building on what has been done over the last two years.
“I’m quite a flexible, adaptable coach. I like the fundamentals. I like the basics. I like people knowing and doing their jobs, working hard, having a good attitude and being hard to beat. I think that’s the platform of all performances,” he said.
“If you’re easy to beat, too stretched and can’t defend, you don’t win football matches. That is what the team have developed over the last two years and I like that. It gives us a platform. We need to build from that platform now,” he added.
Bradley Jacks is a budding journalist and an avid sports fan. His love of research and sports has led him to SportsMax.tv, a place where those passions work hand in hand to allow him to produce content.
Watson, Whyte take singles titles at JTTA National Table Tennis Championships
Kane Watson and Keeara Whyte emerged as the respective Men’s and Women’s open singles champions at the 2024 Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) National Senior and Junior Championships held from September 6-8 at the National Indoor Sports Center in Kingston.
Watson returned from retirement to claim his sixth national title by a score of 4-3 in a seven-game thriller over 2023 champion Mark Phillips.
Watson won the first three sets 11-7, 11-3 and 11-8 before Phillips rallied to win the next three sets 11-6, 11-5 and 11-9, setting up a decisive seventh set.
It was a close contest throughout but Watson held his nerve to emerge victorious by a score of 11 points to nine.
In the women’s singles final, Keara Whyte got the better of defending champion Tsenaye Lewis in a 4-0 straight-sets win.
Whyte won the first set comfortable 11-4 before two hard fought sets (11-9, 11-9) in the second and third.
The fourth set proved to be the most competitive with Lewis fighting to prolong proceedings but Whyte eventually prevailed 12-10 to secure the title.
Watson and singles semi-finalist Paulton Madden combined to win the men’s doubles title while sisters Tsenaye and Gianna Lewis took the women’s double crown.
As far as the juniors are concerned, the following were the respective age-group winners: Kaylor Dyer (U-9 and U-11 Girls), Shacoil Bird (U-9 Boys), Malone Bird (U-11 Boys), Kira Scott (U-13 and U-15 Girls), Ajani Spencer (U-13 Boys), Gmarco Smith (U-15 Boys), Keeara Whyte (U-19 Girls), Azizi Johnson (U-19 Boys).
Andrea Wadsworth and Phillip Drummond won the women’s and men’s Over-40 singles titles.
Kingston took the title as the top women’s parish team while St. Andrew took the men’s crown.
Media expert calls for increased media training and branding for developing athletes
In today's fast-paced and competitive sports environment, where an athlete’s brand can be just as valuable as their on-field performance, mastering media skills has become essential for career success. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in sports, media expert Stacy-Ann Smith is calling for increased media training and branding for developing athletes, particularly in Jamaica.
Speaking at the recently launched "Malta Holistic Workshop," an initiative spearheaded by Malta in collaboration with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), Smith, with nearly 25 years of industry expertise, emphasized the critical role media training plays in shaping an athlete’s public image and opening doors to greater opportunities.
"Any youngster serious about pursuing a path to success should be keen to show up well—on and off the field," Smith said. "Being able to handle media interviews is just as important as good sportsmanship. In an ever-shrinking world where interviews and videos can go viral at the speed of light, a well-done interview can position an athlete for huge opportunities—be they scholarships, contracts, or endorsements."
Smith pointed to several athletes who have used effective media communication to enhance their brand and public image, such as Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles. "Whether that image is loveable—like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce—or makes them the guy everyone loves to hate—like Noah Lyles—how an athlete presents themselves creates an impression that increases visibility and often translates to bigger, more valuable contracts," she explained.
Beyond the immediate financial rewards, Smith highlighted how strong media skills can extend an athlete's career well into retirement, with many former athletes transitioning into roles as commentators, analysts, or securing lucrative endorsement deals that involve public appearances and speaking engagements.
Smith urged sports organizations and educational institutions to integrate media training into their development programmes, saying, "Athletes and sports organisations need to prioritise media training as a foundational skill. Brands that recognise the value of strong partnerships and endorsement deals should invest in media training to expand the pool of athletes they can leverage for marketing campaigns."
Owen Hill, CEO of the PFJL, echoed Smith’s call for press training in youth development programmes. "Media training equips our athletes with the tools they need to effectively communicate their stories and represent themselves and their clubs with professionalism. With the support of Malta's partnership and initiatives like the Holistic Workshop, we are equipping our footballers with essential media skills. This not only strengthens their brands but also elevates the profile of Jamaican football as a whole."
Looking to the future, Smith envisions Jamaica becoming a global hub for sports commentators and analysts. "If we are deliberate about it, Jamaica can become known not just as the 'sprint factory of the world,’ but also as a ‘global curator of sports commentators’—churning out analysts who are knowledgeable, witty, and engaging speakers that can enthrall audiences anywhere in the world."
With initiatives like the Malta Holistic Workshop, Jamaica is taking steps towards that goal, empowering young athletes with the skills they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Carsley: Only the best should be considered for England role
Lee Carsley said he understands his role as interim England head coach for the next three camps, insisting the best person should get the job on a full-time basis.
Carsley kickstarted his Three Lions tenure with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last weekend, with Declan Rice and Jack Grealish on the scoresheet.
England continue their Nations League campaign on Tuesday against Finland at Wembley, an occasion they will be looking to mark with a win on Harry Kane's 100th international appearance.
Carsley could also become the first manager since Fabio Capello in 2008 to win his first two competitive games in charge.
The only managers to win their first two England games at the helm without conceding a goal are Steve McClaren (2006), Ron Greenwood (1977) and Joe Mercer (1974).
Despite his impressive start, Carsley said he was not thinking about taking on the job permanently just yet.
"I feel like we are a step closer as a team. I try not to think about it too much. The best person should get the job," Carsley said.
"I know my role for the next three camps, and I am comfortable with that."
Carsley also explained his role for the next three camps, saying his full focus remained on the team.
"I think it's quite clear I am doing the three camps," Carsley added.
"I'm really happy with that, if it changes also I'm happy with that. I'm very privileged in the position I'm in, in terms of the Under-21s. I have enjoyed it so far.
"The important thing is the team as opposed to the coaches - they should be the ones in the spotlight and getting the attention."
England's next appointment will be a crucial one, having improved their recent tournament results by reaching the final of the last two European Championships under Gareth Southgate.
Carsley's relationship with the Under-21 team was a pivotal factor in replacing Southgate, having led the side to Euro Under-21 Championship glory last year.
However, the likes of Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola have all been linked with the permanent role as the Three Lions look to end their wait for an international honour.
And after England supporters got a glimpse of Carsley's style of play at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, the former Republic of Ireland midfielder is aiming to continue that same attacking tempo on his Wembley debut.
"It's important that we are exciting to watch," Carsley said.
"I think when fans come and watch England play at home, they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo."
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