As the Jamaica National Football Team embarks on its 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign to make it to the ‘promise land’, fans are beginning to question the capability of the Reggae Boyz’ ability to qualify for the big dance in South Africa.
To some the team has been performing inconsistently over their recent encounters, most notably drawing 1-1 with Trinidad and losing 1-2 to a much lower ranked team, Grenada, as they prepare themselves to battle The Bahamas in a World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, June 15 ‘at the Office’.

The embarrassing lost to Grenada, have many questioning the mindset of coach Rene Simoes for maintaining players such as Ian Goodison, Andy Williams, Deon Burton and Donovan Ricketts - members of the 10 year old successful World Cup campaign, playing important starting positions. He is also using Ricardo Fuller in a prominent role on the frontlines ahead of recognized strikers, Marlon King and Luton Shelton – a move that is mystifying a section of the fan base.

In fact, it was Shelton the English-based, Sheffield United player, who scored against Trinidad after being brought down in the box by goalkeeper, Clayton Ince to force the draw against the Caribbean Football Union top ranked team.

But in going to a 3-5-2 line up Simoes seems to feel more comfortable with is veteran players playing key roles, especially, in the early round as he continues to develop the program.

It appears Simoes is trying to rekindle Burton’s 1998 form when he scored 4 goals from 5 games, to lead Jamaica in their 1998 Road to France campaign. However, to many, the more ‘on form’ player right now is Wigan’s striker King, who is known for his goal scoring prowess and is being underutilized, sharing playing time with Burton, the 32 year-old Sheffield striker who was recently called back to the squad.

With regards to the 35 year-old Goodison and 30 year-old Williams, public sentiments are that they are way past their prime. But for now Simoes seems locked in with his ‘old veterans’ and they are tapped to start on Sunday.

It will be a very interesting 2010 campaign, as since the return of Simoes to coach the team, expectations are running high for the home fans who have been wanting to go ‘back to Africa’ since the days of Marcus Garvey.

The Jamaicans start their campaign for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa with a two-way series against The Bahamas in Jamaica on Sunday at the National Stadium and Wednesday at the Trelawney Multipurpose Stadium. Bahamas had to surrender their home turf as FIFA authorities declared their venues unsuitable for World Cup qualifying competition.