KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has unveiled a 28-man squad poised to take on Trinidad and Tobago in a pair of highly anticipated international friendlies set for February 6 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex and February 9 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
With a line-up predominantly composed of local-based talents, the upcoming fixtures will serve as a crucial proving ground for players vying for permanent spots on the national team.
Among the notable selections is Cavalier striker Jalmaro Calvin, an Antigua and Barbuda-born forward whose blistering form in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) has captured the attention of national selectors. The 21-year-old goal machine, who was joint third in last season’s Golden Boot race and top scorer in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, currently leads the JPL scoring charts with 11 goals. Head coach Stephen McClaren expressed his longstanding admiration for the talented forward, emphasizing his eagerness to see him don the national colors.
“From the first time I watched Cavalier, he was a player I immediately wanted in the squad,” McClaren stated. “Initially, I was told he played for another country, but conversations progressed, and when we learned he wanted to represent Jamaica, we knew we had to give him this opportunity.”
Calvin is just one of 15 players set to earn their first international cap, a testament to the JFF’s commitment to unearthing fresh talent ahead of a demanding international campaign.
McClaren anticipates gritty battle against Trinidad & Tobago
Despite the squad’s wealth of emerging talent, McClaren remains wary of the challenges that lie ahead. With footballing icon Dwight Yorke now at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago, the Reggae Boyz boss anticipates a tactical and physical battle against a team that is bound to be well-organized and fiercely competitive.
“We expect a very tough challenge,” McClaren admitted during the squad announcement press conference. “With Dwight coming in, he will definitely add that experience. He’s a high-profile figure and a very good coach, so we have to be fully prepared.”
One of the biggest hurdles, according to McClaren, will be the unpredictability of Trinidad and Tobago’s tactical setup.
“It will be difficult to prepare for the first game because we don’t know what formation they’ll be playing,” he noted. “That means our focus has to be on our squad, our strengths, and executing our game plan effectively.”
The upcoming fixtures mirror a previous training camp that unearthed future national team regulars such as Richard King, Kaheem Dixon, and Shaquan Davis. McClaren hopes that this fresh batch of talent will seize the opportunity to impress on the big stage.
“Last time, three players stood out and became permanent fixtures in the squad,” McClaren said. “That’s the incentive for everyone involved this time around—show us what you can do, and you could be part of Jamaica’s football future.”
Squad: Goalkeepers – Shaquan Davis (Mount Pleasant), Jahmali Waite (El Paso Locomotive), Benjamin Williams (Portmore United), Joshua Grant (New York Red Bulls).
Defenders – Richard King (Cavalier), Jeovanni Laing (Cavalier), Christopher Ainsworth (Cavalier), Gadail Irving (Mount Pleasant), Robino Gordon (Vere United), Kyle Ming (Mount Pleasant), Fitzroy Cummings (Mount Pleasant), Stephen Young (Portmore United), Sue-Lae McCalla (Mount Pleasant), Maliek Howell (Las Vegas Lights).
Midfielders – Jahshaun Anglin (Mount Pleasant), Demario Phillips (Montego Bay United), Romeo Guthrie (Portmore United), Dwayne Atkinson (Cavalier), Shamar Watson (Cavalier), Daniel Green (Mount Pleasant), Nathaniel Howe (Chapelton Maroons).
Forwards – Warner Brown (Arnett Gardens), Ranaldo Biggs (Racing United), Shaniel Thomas (Montego Bay United), Jalmaro Calvin (Cavalier), Kimoni Bailey (Mount Pleasant), Raheem Edwards (Mount Pleasant), Kimani Arbouine (Arnett Gardens).
A defining moment for emerging stars
With a blend of young talent and experienced campaigners, these two matches will be an important gauge of Jamaica’s depth heading into future competitive fixtures. For players like Calvin and the 14 other debutants, this is a golden opportunity to make their mark and earn a place in the Reggae Boyz’ long-term plans.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Montego Bay and Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, where Jamaica’s next generation will battle a rejuvenated Trinidad & Tobago in what promises to be a high-intensity clash of Caribbean rivals.
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