Germans supporting Boyz for 20 years

In a country, as steeped in football tradition and importance as Germany, it should be hard-pressed to find citizens who would have a group dedicated to supporting Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, let alone be active for two decades.

But Andy Wieser and Lukas Glaser have not only been lured by the culture of Jamaica but also the football team through their German Reggae Boyz Supporters Group, a small yet strong group, which over the last 20 years has supported the team through thick and thin.

Both lovers of football, the beginnings of their fandom started with Jamaica the country - Andy was drawn to the beaches and Lukas to reggae music - but both said that the Boyz 1998 World Cup campaign was the moment that made them fans for life.

"I saw the World Cup game against Croatia and Jamaica's first World Cup goal. Robbie Earle scored such a wonderful header. The Boyz lost, but I fell in love with the team and fans. It was when there was no internet," Wieser told STAR Sports.

"I got addicted to reggae music and listened to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, the old reggae legends. On the one, it was the love for football, and on the other, it was the love for reggae. For me, it was clear that I wanted to see what the Jamaican national team was like if they were good or not," Glaser added.

"I was fascinated when they qualified with Renee Simoes. I followed the games, and since 1998 we have been great fans of the Jamaica national team."

An opportunity to see the Reggae Boyz under-19 in Germany five years later planted the seed of what would now be the German Reggae Boyz Supporters Group thanks to another friend who created the webpage to start.

"He showed me that he could make a home page so we formed the German Reggae Boyz Supporters Group. That page still exists. I am the webmaster, and I am glad to say that it still works," Wieser said.

For 20 years, the page has updated the small group with the latest news from Jamaican football. From staying up late to watch the games to being live when they play in Europe, they have been faithful in their support and their potential in a crucial World Cup cycle.

"The talent on the island is there, and the overseas-based players are very talented. The most important thing is to create a team, and I think then, we will qualify for 2026," Glaser said.

The hope for them is not only a return trip to Jamaica to see the Reggae Boyz at the office, but for when Europe gets hosting duties within the next 20 years, they will mobilise enough numbers to create overseas foreign support for the Boyz provided that they qualify.