‘I don’t want to let anyone down’
Mint Reggae Boy Duncan hopes to meet family’s expectations
Published:Wednesday | September 3, 2025 | 12:11 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
AS HE enjoys his first days in the Reggae Boyz camp, defender Kyle Duncan says his parents’ connection to the island was the driving force behind his decision to don the black, green, and gold of Jamaica.
Duncan is expected to make his debut for the national team when Jamaica kick-starts the final round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers against Bermuda in an away fixture on September 5.
The defender, who plies his trade with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit New York Red Bulls, says he has enjoyed his first few days with the team.
“The first training was nice. It was a little bit hot, of course, but that’s how Jamaica is. So I’m just glad to be here,” he said in an interview with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
Born in Brooklyn, Duncan had opted to represent the United States throughout his youth career, turning out for their under-18, under-20 and under-23 squads, respectively.
The defender had also earned a senior international cap for the US, making a cameo appearance in an international friendly against El Salvador in 2020.
Duncan explained, however, he decided the make the switch because of his parent’s connection to the island, particularly his father, who has played a major role in his football career.
“When I first got the call-up, it was all emotional for me because my dad grew up here in Kingston and he’s really done everything for me. That’s why I chose to play for Jamaica in the first place,” he explained.
“My dad is from Kingston and my mom is from Westmoreland. I’ve never been to Westmoreland, but I came to Kingston in January and that’s when I got my passport.”
With this in mind, Duncan said he will be carrying the weight of his family’s expectations and is hoping his performances in the national colours will make them proud.
Emotional moment
He recalled his initial conversations with Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren as an emotional moment.
“Steve [McClaren] actually called me when I was at training, so it was a little bit emotional and hard to process at the time. I didn’t know if I was going to get called up for this camp just because we were trying to do the switch and everything,” he explained.
“At the time, I was just like ‘Wow, I’m going back to my dad’s hometown’. I don’t want to let him down, I don’t want to let anyone down, I don’t even want to let myself down.”
Although a new face in the squad, Duncan said he is familiar with several of the players, as he has been watching Jamaica play in the Concacaf Gold Cup and the Concacaf Nations League.
This, he explained, has helped with him settle into his new environment among his new international teammates.
“It’s a nice experience. I know a few of the players here, having watched Jamaica play in the Gold Cup and the Nations League. [Renaldo] Cephas, Damion Lowe, who I’ve also played with in the MLS, so it’s been good.”
The final round of qualifiers will see teams compete in a round-robin format, playing home and away, with the winners of the group qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The next best two second-place teams will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for another chance at qualification.
Jamaica will face Bermuda at the Dame Flora Duffy South Field Stadium on Friday before playing hosts to Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium on September 9.