Pearson leading the way
Jamaica’s Under-20 captain, Christopher Pearson, is relishing the role of leading the young Reggae Boyz into the upcoming Concacaf Under-20 Championship, set to take place in Mexico from June 18 to July 4.
The Kingston College midfielder believes in his ability to lead, and he is aiming to do that from the front when the tournament gets underway in Monterrey.
“My chief role in this team is to provide leadership by keeping a level head on and off the pitch.” Pearson said.
He said the experience he has gathered playing in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), the Caribbean Club Championships, and being called to the senior Reggae Boyz squad, has helped him to grow tremendously as a player and a person, and he wants to utilise all that experience at the championships.
“Tarick Ximines is the most experienced player in the squad, but I have also played with senior players in the JPL. I intend to utilise that experience and lead from the front,” he added.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his senior national debut but he believes that, if he plays up to standard at the tournament, it could fast-track his international senior debut, and even lead to greater things professionally.
“The experience of the Manning Cup was a stepping stone. It helped with confidence but the Premier League is the real deal. It is more physical. So, at the championship, I think that experience will help.
“A lot of us are not full professional as yet, and this championship will help us get the exposure and the experience to get to the next level.
“It’s the best stepping stone to develop ourselves as youngsters. It is the best platform for us,” he said.
Jamaica will compete in Group D alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica and Honduras, and, despite their short preparation time, Pearson believes they have the quality, character and experience to go all the way.
“It (the squad) is the best of the best the coaches have chosen. We are more than good enough to not just qualify for the World Cup but compete at the World Cup.
“The next thing is to step out and just give the performance that ourselves and the country expect,” he said.
The tournament’s four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2023 Under-20 World Cup, and the two finalists will seal places in the 2024 Olympics.