MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – The stage is set for the first of two crucial international friendlies between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, as the Reggae Boyz prepare to showcase their all-local squad in a 7:30 PM showdown Thursday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.
Head coach Steve McClaren has made it clear—this isn’t merely a trial run for local players. It’s a real opportunity for those in the squad to stake their claim for permanent spots as Jamaica gears up for World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminaries.
McClaren issues bold challenge
McClaren has left no room for hesitation among his players.
“This isn’t a group of local players, this is the Reggae Boyz,” he declared at a pre-game presser on Wednesday, emphasizing that every player on the roster must rise to the occasion.
The Englishman has demonstrated that he is willing to reward raw talent, citing his previous swift selections of Jahshaun Anglin and Tyreek Magee, who impressed him with limited game footage.
“I saw [Jahshaun] Anglin for, I don’t know, 45 minutes—the second half of one game in the CONCACAF Cup, and I saw Tyreek Magee on video for about 10 minutes, and I picked them straight away. So it’s about individuals impressing and hopefully being part of the squad going forward,” McClaren stated.
With a fluid national pool still adjusting to McClaren’s style, the former England manager sees these matches as a golden ticket for players to break into the main squad. He has pointed to previous success stories—Shaquan Davis, Richard King, and Kaheim Dixon—as proof that opportunity is knocking.
“Who’s the next one? You’ll be the next one. It’s up to you,” McClaren challenged.
Magee resurgence
The friendly also marks the return of Magee, the gifted yet enigmatic midfielder whose international career has been a tale of unfulfilled potential.
Once considered one of Jamaica’s most promising playmakers, Magee’s stints at Belgium’s KAS Eupen and the USL’s Colorado Switchbacks failed to cement his place as a top-tier international. After four years in Belgium with only seven senior appearances, followed by a more productive 42-match spell in the USL, Magee has now returned to Jamaica Premier League action with Vere United.
His performances in the JPL have been noteworthy enough to earn him a last-minute call-up, signaling that McClaren sees something worth reinvesting in.
For Magee, this is more than a friendly match—it’s a career-defining moment.
T&T’s Yorke focuses on youth development
Over in the Soca Warriors’ camp, head coach Dwight Yorke has a similar vision, albeit with a heavier emphasis on integrating youth talent into his senior squad.
“The experience of going to Jamaica and playing in difficult surroundings can only improve them,” Yorke said.
Among those who will get the Trinidadian spotlight are two teenage prospects, Lindell Sween (18) and Derrel Garcia (17). Yorke, one of the most celebrated figures in Caribbean football, knows exactly what it takes to break through at a young age—he himself debuted for Trinidad and Tobago as a teenager.
“Those two players remind me of when I started playing football for the national team,” Yorke reflected. “Obviously, I started playing [senior football] earlier than (Garcia at 17 years old), but it reminds me that we do have talent. Sweenie is also a young talent that I like.”
The bigger picture
While Thursday night’s match and the upcoming Sunday rematch at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex (8:00 PM kickoff) may be considered friendlies, their implications are far-reaching. For Jamaica, it is about identifying players who can strengthen the squad ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers. For Trinidad and Tobago, it is about blending experience with youth and creating a resilient squad for future regional battles.
Both teams will feature a roster dominated by domestic league stars, offering a valuable glimpse into the quality of local football in each country.
With Magee eager to reignite his career, McClaren setting a fierce standard, and Yorke nurturing the next generation, the clash promises to be more than just a test—it’s a showcase of ambition, talent, and national pride.
Squads:
Jamaica: 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), Tyreek Magee (Vere United).
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).
Trinidad & Tobago: Goalkeepers – Marvin Phillip, Aaron Enill, Jabari St Hillaire.
Defenders – Darnell Hospedales, Jamal Jack, Isaiah Garcia, Justin Garcia, Josiah Trimmingham, Jesse Williams.
Midfielders – Tyeres Bailey, Kevin Molino, Nathaniel James, Joevin Jones, Noah Powder, Steffen Yeates, Michael Poon Angeron, John Paul Rochford, Adriel George, Lindell Sween, Kaihim Thomas.
Forwards – Derrel Garcia, Isaiah Lee, Jariel Arthur, Brent Sam.
