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‘We’ve to be at our absolute best’ - Reggae Boyz prepared for tough World Cup qualifier in Curacao
October 10, 2025
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren says his team is ready to build on their strong start to World Cup Qualifying as they welcome back key players ahead of today's crucial encounter away to Curacao. The match will be played at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, starting at 7 p.m. (Jamaica time).
The Jamaican squad has been boosted by the return of captain Andre Blake, Joel Latibeaudiere and Bobby Reid, who all missed the September window because of injuries.
"I have said to them that we are one third of the way through and have got to keep that momentum going. We have gathered that momentum in terms of results, so we have an opportunity here, but it is going to be difficult," McClaren said.
"The surface here and Curacao is a very good footballing team. They keep possession, they have some very good attacking players, so it is not going to be easy. We have to be at our absolute best to get a result."
A STEP CLOSER
With a win today, Jamaica could move one step closer to securing qualification, as a victory would put them on nine points, five clear of Curacao heading into Tuesday's home fixture at the National Stadium.
In the group's other match, Trinidad and Tobago (one point) play away to Bermuda, who are yet to register a point.
McClaren highlighted that the inclusion of experienced players, along with the introduction of new faces, gives the Reggae Boyz squad a healthy balance.
"Obviously, you need your best players. Curacao is a very good team, and you need your best players possible," he said.
"We have also added some younger players, some younger talents. So the squad is a mixture compared to the last one, more experienced, but also some young players who want to move into the national team. Whatever squad we pick is a strong squad, and whoever plays will have to perform."
One of the notable additions in the squad sees Dujuan 'Whisper' Richards, who plays for Chelsea's Under-21 team, replacing injured winger Demarai Gray, who was ruled out after sustaining an injury during training on Tuesday.
'WHISPER' RICHARDS
Commenting on Richards' inclusion, McClaren said, "... We have three wingers in Kahiem (Dixon), Tyreese Campbell, and (Ronaldo) Cephas, and we need another one.
"They have all the energy and are doing all the work, so we need replacements for them, so it is important that we bring in somebody."
McClaren added that Richards' call-up was no coincidence, as he has been closely monitoring the young forward's development at Chelsea.
"I have followed Whisper since I got the job. Last season, he got an injury, and we followed his progress during the summer and the off-season. I have been in contact with Chelsea about his condition every week, he has been getting minutes," McClaren underscored.
"He played 90 minutes last week, and he is somebody who, one, I have always wanted in the squad, two, to have a look at, and three, to assess his character and personality and how he fits into the group. So this was a perfect time to bring him in."
McClaren underlined that losing Gray was a major setback, but expressed optimism that Richards will seize his opportunity.
"Losing Demarai was a big blow because he is one of our best players. He has been playing really well for Birmingham, so we are really disappointed," McClaren said. "But it gives somebody else an opportunity to come in, and Whisper is not bad."
FOUR POINTS
Meanwhile, Curacao have four points after a draw against Trinidad and Tobago, and victory over Bermuda.
They could be without Riechedly Bazoer for this clash because of a muscle injury that is expected to keep him out of action until mid-October, meaning the defender could be fit for their next game against Trinidad and Tobago.
However, Gervane Kastaneer is Curacao's top scorer in World Cup qualifying, with five goals. Head coach Dick Advocaat have brought in reinforcement in his team, with PSV defender Armando Obispo and Middlesbrough forward Sontje Hansen both receiving approval for one-time switches to represent the national team.
