Reggae Boyz

I had a chance to see the Reggae Boyz (Jamaica World Cup Team) in action. They were in a match versus the defending World Cup Champs, Brazil. A lamb going to the slaughter matchup which Jamaica should have been the proverbial Lamb. Except we are talking about Jamaica. We are nobody's "lamb".

The game took place at the Orange Bowl, in Miami Florida, on February 3rd, 1998. On the way to the game there was a sea of vehicles heading South on I95 with Jamaican flags flying out of windows and hooked on attennae. It was as if we were no longer in the US, but back home on the sacred shores of Jamaica. On arriving at the stadium the fever picked up with the steady rhythms of Reggae Music being emitted from passing vehicles. Upon entering the stadium about 2 hours before game time. The Jamaican presence could be felt everywhere. The flags, the people, the T-shirts, the caps, the Paraphenilia, the music and the language. It was a sea of Gold, Green and Black. You knew something special was about to take place. The setting was ripe for our physically small country, to be once again a dominant force among the world leaders. Jamaica has a way of showing the world how to do the extraordinary in a very ordinary way. When the "Boyz" came on the field for warm up exercises the were greeted with a thunderous, and rousing ovation. Yes, they have arrived, the Messiahs to show the world, yes.. "Out of Many, ONE GOAL".

The National Anthem was song by Kimani Marley, son of the late Great Bob Marley. This was a rousing Acapella rendition with accompanying chorus and backup singers from the entire Stadium audience. All sound effects were provided by the very creative Audience members. This was definately another part which showed me that Jamaicans are "Out of Many One People with One Goal, One Destiny... Being the Best and most Resourceful."

The game began with Jamaica winning the open kickoff and proceeded to them taking the first shot on Goal with less than a minute into the game. The first half was full of a lot of skillful play by both teams. The first half however ended in a scoreless tie. Jamaica being very aggressive in defense of their turf.

Attendance was announced at approximately 43,500. Of which, approximately 40,000 seemed to be cheering for the Reggae Boyz. Half time ended with Bob Marley's "Jamming" being played over the PA system. The entire stadium was rocking, swaying and singing to the rhythm.

The second half of the game was similar to first except Brazil came out attacking and bombarding our defenses. But the great play of the defense and the goal keeper thwarted every attempt. The Reggae Boyz however would not go down without a fight and to the chant of "Reggae Boyz!! Reggae Boyz!!", they mounted attack upon attack on the almost invincible Goliath. I cannot go into detail on every strike, but needless to say the Reggae Boyz did us well. The allowed no goals to be scored in the second half either. The game ended in a 0-0 tie.

Which is a victory for Jamaicans and the Reggae Boyz because they went against the best the world had to offer and did not lose. We all hold our heads up in Pride for what our Nationals can do.

All Haile, the Mighty Reggae Boyz....

*** If you would like to get T-Shirts, Polo shirts, Caps, buttons commemorating the Jamaica world cup experience. Send me an e-mail for more information at:

Dexta@mailexcite.com