Sport

Former Peru star admires Reggae Boyz

By GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor

Honduras' Wilmer Velasquez (left) celebrates after scoring against Costa Rica as Costa Rica's, Michael Umana (behind) and goalkeeper Alvaro Mesen (right) look on during their CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final match in Foxboro, Massachusetts last Saturday. Honduras won 3-2 to advance to tomorrow's semi-finals. - REUTERS

IF THE WORDS of a former World Cup superstar are anything to bank on, then Jamaica's immediate and down-the-road football future looks extremely bright.

Teofilio Cubillas, who netted five goals each for Peru in two separate World Cups to be ranked among the greatest scorers in the competition's history, has keenly followed Jamaica's football progress over the years and was impressed with the Reggae Boyz' showing in the 2005 Gold Cup.

"Of course. I think Jamaica right now, they are doing an excellent job," said the man popularly called 'Nene', who is attending the Gold Cup as a technical consultant for CONCACAF, which is staging the competition in the United States.

And while the performances of countries like Trinidad and Tobago and Panama have been an eye-opener for Cubillas, with both still battling for World Cup 2006 final places, the showing of the Reggae Boyz - with a win, draw and two tough losses to Mexico and the United States - was not unexpected.

"Jamaica I know for a long time. For me (Jamaica's success) is no surprise.

Big impact

"But Trinidad and Tobago for me is a surprise," said the 56-year-old Cubillas, who scored 26 goals in 81 appearances for Peru, playing at forward and midfield, including five goals in the 1970 and 1978 World Cups.

He is familiar with the demands of playing at the highest level, especially as a youngster, having guided Peru to the quarter finals of the 1970 World Cup as a 20-year-old, and the second phase of the 1978 competition. Jamaica, he explained, is geared to make a big impact.

"Jamaica, they can compete. Already they went to the World Cup," said the 1972 'South American Footballer of the Year', who played professionally in South America, Europe and the U.S. and scored twice to beat Brazil in the semi-finals of the South American Championships in the mid-1970s.

"This (Gold Cup) is not new for nobody (in Jamaica). For this tournament they arrive polished."

Cubillas, who in his prime was praised for his speed, ball control and excellent shot, claims he has strong personal links to Jamaica and is also rooting for the Boyz' return to the game's biggest stage in 2010.

"I wish them luck because I have many friends in Jamaica," Cubillas said. "I wish they come back to the World Cup next time.

'Nene' will be watching.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.