In an interview with CNW, Carl Brown former captain of Jamaica’s national soccer team, and former coach, said he believes the planned CONCACAF League of Nation will definitely improve the quality of football in the region.
“This format will require teams to better prepare themselves if they want to compete with the best of the region. The idea of Caribbean teams competing with teams from North and Central America mean that they will be exposed to these teams on a regular basis.”
Replaces CFU Caribbean Cup
Recently, CONCACAF’s president Victor Montaglianni announced the draw for the inaugural CONCACAF League of Nations will take place on March 7 in Miami, Florida. The new League will replace the CFU Caribbean Cup and the COPA Centro American tournaments. This new formatted tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup with the 41-member associations divided into three groups
More effective competition
Brown is optimistic the dissolving of the CFU Caribbean Cup and COPA Centro -American will allow teams across the region to compete with each other regularly. “Just look across Europe how often the European Nations compete against each other forcing teams to better prepare themselves to be competitive. There will be teams across the region that will find themselves being left behind so the respective Association will have to find local competition to keep them active,” he said.
“I have been suggesting for a long time that the teams in the Gold Cup finals should be increased, as a matter of fact I suggested in 2013 to then CONCACAF President Jeff Webb he needed to do this before FIFA increase the number of teams at the World Cup. We have had twelve teams at the finals since 1991 and needed to encourage teams that were losing hope of one day playing in what could be the highest competition they were able to participate at. I am glad they have finally increased the number.”
Brown said teams unable to make it to the Gold Cup competition were like teams in Major Leagues around the World that play in competitions without ever being able to win them. “There are several reasons why some teams will never participate in major competitions, but the main two reasons are lack of financial support and lack of real talent.”
Jamaican football isn’t struggling
On the subject of Jamaica’s football, Brown said he doesn’t support the notion that Jamaica’s football has been struggling. “We reached the finals of the Gold Cup on the last two occasions. Never before were we able to do that. We haven’t qualified for the World Cup since 1998 and people tend to see this as our football struggling. We are not the only country trying to repeat qualification. I would love to see the new Federation continue on their new path of allowing the Jamaican team to play as often as possible. This is one way of ensuring players keep active and current with development around them.”
Germany should win World Cup
Brown believes Brazil will be “one of the main contenders” for the 2018 World Cup. “This time around it should be no different, but the favorite should definitely be defending champions Germany after winning the Confederation Cup with a very young set of players. The surprise team could be Belgium. They have had a number of players playing outstanding in Leagues around the world, but I am wishing Argentina wins the World Cup just because of Messi.”
Currently, Brown isn’t involved in Jamaica’s football, but said, “I will always be available to play a role in the development of the game if asked.” He presently coaches at West Pines United F.C., and is one of the directors at the club responsible for the girls football program.
