Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Head of delegation, Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis, is flanked by Under-23 players Keneil Moody (left) and Dwayne Kerr after their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. - Photo by Robert Bailey

WENDELL DOWNSWELL, head coach of Jamaica's Under-23 team, has expressed satisfaction with his side's performance at end of the first round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Group B Olympic qualifiers in Aruba. The Young Reggae Boyz went unbeaten throughout the competition and finished atop of the group with nine points.

The Jamaicans whipped Antigua and Bermuda 6-1 in the first game, they edged Barbados 1-0 in their second game and, a couple days later, thrashed hosts Aruba 5-0.

Workmanlike performance

"It was a satisfying performance," said Downswell after the team's arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. "The opposition wasn't all that strong but we expected that."

"However, I think that the youngsters equipped themselves relatively well and we won all three games and we scored 12 goals and conceded only one," he said. "We need to improve our ball possession and I hope we will continue to improve on our team organisation and decision-making. We would very much like to play two or three international games prior to our next assignment which would help to put us in good shape."

Downswell added: "The second game (in Aruba) was a more workman-like performance in terms of the team because traditionally against Barbados, whether at the youth of senior level, it is always a tough encounter with them but we fought gallantly and came away victorious."

Downswell, who is also coach of National Premier League side Reno, said the final game was probably the best the team played.

"We played tactically well in terms of our team organisation and team shape and we will use this game as part of our preparation for upcoming qualifying games that we have in October," he explained.

Technical director pleased

Technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic, who also accompanied the team on the trip, was pleased with team's success.

"The team's performance was excellent," said Milutinovic. "The first step is important because the next competition will be very difficult. I am very confident in the players. They have an excellent attitude and the coach did a very good job so everything is OK."

Jamaica now progress to the second round along with the Bahamas, Cuba, Grenada, Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago, which will be played between October 9-13 at a venue to be announced.