EAST WANTS IN

NATIONAL STRIKER Javon East says he is eager to earn a recall to the Jamaica senior men’s football team, stating that he can play a crucial role in helping the Reggae Boyz secure qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Jamaica will face New Caledonia of the Oceania Football Confederation in the semi-finals of the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next March. A win would send the Reggae Boyz into a decisive final matchup against the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

The winger, who now plies his trade with top-flight Israeli club Hapoel Haifa FC, has been in outstanding form this season, scoring eight goals in 14 matches.

The 30-year-old made his senior national debut in 2018 and has earned 20 caps, scoring twice. However, his last call-up came almost four years ago when he was included in Jamaica’s Gold Cup squad though he did not feature due to injury.

Despite the long absence, East noted that his strong desire to wear the national colours has never faded, and based on his form this season, he is hoping for a recall to the team.

“I always want to represent my country no matter what the situation is, and even if it is a friendly game, I want to be part of it,” said East.

“I want to represent my country, and with these playoff games coming next year, I would love to be part of it. I am one of the players who is ready to represent and go there and fight like a warrior for my country,” he said.

East pointed out that the upcoming playoff matches will be demanding but he will be preparing himself mentally and physically once he is called.

“These games aren’t going to be easy. They are going to be tough, but we just have to focus on the first game as the first game is most important for us, and then we can think about the Congo game, which is going to be the final.”

East, a former Calabar High School stand-out, has attributed his prolific form to improved discipline and a greater emphasis on off-the-ball contributions.

“I am feeling great about the form that I am in right now. I am very grateful, and so I can’t complain,” he said.

“I have been doing a lot of off-the-ball work because sometimes it is not all about on the ball. My off-the-ball work has improved, and that has helped my goal tally ratio per game,” East explained.

“My target is 15 or more goals from January, and I have been working towards that. I am even more focused, and I am also a hundred per cent fit - no injuries - and I am thankful for that.”

East also underscored that playing in Israel’s top division has pushed him to elevate his game.

“This is a tough league to play because there are a lot of top teams that play in Champions League and the Europa League, and there is a good atmosphere with a lot of fans in the stands, so you always have to be on top of your game at all times.”