Burrell hails Whitmore

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Captain Horace Burrell has described the Reggae Boyz history-making head coach, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, as a very unique person.

Whitmore helped create history on Friday when he guided the Reggae Boyz to their first ever victory over the United States (US) at the senior level at the National Stadium. Whitmore, who has been at the helm since 2008, is now unbeaten in six World Cup qualifiers.

"Theodore is a special person," said Burrell. "He played professional football, he went to the World Cup and scored two goals, he understands football at the highest level, and I am not sure that many of our other local coaches have had the opportunity and the privilege to play football professionally."

In congratulating Whitmore and the entire coaching staff, Burrell, who watched the national team come from behind to snatch the historic win, said he was always confident that the Boyz would have rallied to win after the first-minute lead by the Americans.

free-kick goals

Rodolph Austin and Luton Shelton struck home free kicks in each half to hand Jamaica's Reggae Boyz a 2-1 win after Clint Dempsey had stunned the home fans.

"Coming from behind and then to win the game in the way we did certainly gives us a a great feeling, and this is certainly something that we will not forget," Burrell said shortly after the game on Friday night.

Jamaica are now sole leaders of CONCACAF World Cup semi-final round Group A on seven points. The US have dropped to second on four points where they are joined by Guatemala. The Guatemalans defeated Antigua and Barbuda 3-1 on Friday.

- R.B.