‘They knew what they wanted’

Since the qualification of the under-17 men’s national team to their third World Cup last week, head coach Wendell Downswell has faced recognition for finding success with a third junior national team.

The 68-year-old Downswell first qualified an under-20 team in 2000, during the Rene Simoes era. He later led the under-17s to qualification in 2011.

He was also a part of the technical teams that qualified for the under-17 World Cup in 1999, with Jackie Walters as head coach, and the historic 1998 senior men’s team. Of all those successes, Downswell finds this one most memorable.

“It must be this one. We went in as underdogs. We are ranked 11 and Canada, number three. So this is considered a very special one,” he told The Gleaner.

“The type of discipline the youngsters demonstrated, on and off the field. They knew what they wanted and went out and took it like warriors.”

He noted that all qualification campaigns have been different, pointing out that there was a lot of enthusiasm in 1999, with Jackie Walters and the U17s, and when he helped the under-20s to qualify.

In 2011, they were more focused on achieving qualification on home soil.

“This time we had a longer preparation period, and we look to create an impact and advance. We probably did not have the most talented bunch of under-17s ever assembled, but the discipline and commitment they displayed was professional.

“The commitment, passion and mentality of the players, and how well they adapted to circumstances was commendable,” he said.

Downswell, who was appointed head coach just two months prior to the qualifiers, said assistant coaches Vassell Reynolds and Altamont Butler had already laid the foundation before he arrived.

“We had limited time – just short of two months. But the experience I brought to the table, along with the other coaches, we really put in the necessary work with the youngsters and the youngsters were very responsive, and that made the difference.”

Although this qualification means more to the veteran coach, Downswell believes that this process of qualification makes things much easier.

“Back then, only two teams [from Concacaf qualified]. Now, we play three matches and advance. So it was far more challenging in previous times.

“I am pleased with this format because we put ourselves in a position where we can create a dynasty by virtue of qualifying for every World Cup, which is now every year.”

A former coach and a life-long member of the Reno Football Club in Westmoreland, Downswell, who recently acquired his Concacaf A licence, is on the brink of retirement from the national programme.

Nevertheless, after his recent achievement, many are calling for him to retain a position with the JFF coaching set-up, and he believes that with his experience and knowledge he can still contribute through an advisory or consultancy role.

“I will probably go in another year or two. I think we now have young coaches with the requisite skill sets that will be able to take it to a next level.

“Yes (I have more to contribute), maybe in an advisory position or something like that. So yes, I am definitely looking to continue playing a role in Jamaica’s football development.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com