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3:30 p.m., no problem for British Boyz
June 06, 2024
CENTRAL DEFENDER Di'Shon Bernard says the British-based Reggae Boyz can withstand any environment, and are prepared to battle Dominican Republic in their opening second-round Group E Concacaf World Cup qualifier, in the afternoon sun, at the National Stadium today at 3:30 p.m.
The starting time for the game was shifted from to 6:30 p.m., after the lights at the venue failed to meet Concacaf standards.
The list of English-based players in the squad include Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Dexter Lembikisa, Bernard, Greg Leigh, Michael Hector, Kasey Palmer, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Karoy Anderson, Daniel Johnson and Michail Antonio.
However, Bernard pointed out that as players they experience a variety of weather conditions in England, and that playing in the afternoon Jamaican sun will not affect them physically or mentally.
"When in England you don't know what to expect when you wake up in the mornings," he stated. "It can be rain, sun, snow. But I adapt to whatever. We (players) are all built up to withstand whatever. So I am sure we will be fine," he told the pre-match press conference at the National Stadium yesterday.
Like most of the other players, Bernard concluded his league season more than two weeks ago but the Sheffield Wednesday defender said he has kept himself in top condition ahead of today's match.
"It's been good getting back to playing competitive football. As a footballer all you do every day is eat, sleep, breathe football and having a three-week break can drive you crazy. So you need to do your individual bit to keep ticking over for moments like these.
"So coming back to playing now gives you a really good feeling having the ball at your feet again. It has been a really good few days (training) and now I am looking forward to the first game," he stated.
The majority of local football fans expect Jamaica to win comfortably against the Dominican Republic, and Bernard said he is eager to go out and make his contribution.
"Everyone had a good individual season. So we can come together and make a mark for the country. Everyone is excited and raring to go. We are ready whether to start or be on the bench. Everyone is ready to help the team anyway they can. As a footballer you go out to win games, not to lose. So if we win then everyone's happy," he said.
