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Mishap goalkeeper Whittaker
June 23, 2023
Former Jamaica Premier League (JPL) and national under-20 and Reggae Boyz custodian Allien Whittaker's initial introduction to goalkeeping was a surprise to himself and his peers after being asked to fill a void during a pickup game, which he gladly accepted.
"I went to Garvey Maceo as a sweeper, as my father (Patrick) was the coach. When the competition (daCosta Cup) reached the inter-zone round, there was a game between the staff and the under-16 team.
"The then track and field coach, Mr Orrett Wallace, now the principal of Foga Road High, realised that his team didn't have a goalkeeper, and he said, 'coach boy go inna the goal'. As they often say, the rest is history," Whittaker stated.
Whittaker, mostly remembered for his exploits during the 2001 under-20 World Cup, where he was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper, is known for his exceptional shot-blocking abilities.
He voiced that former Reggae Boyz striker Onandi Lowe and Greg Gardner were two of the most difficult players he had to deal with throughout his tenure.
"On one occasion, I prepared an entire week just for Onandi Lowe. I was at Village United, and I said to myself that this match was between Onandi Lowe and me. I kept a clean sheet to the 96th minute, and then Kevin 'Pele' Wilson scored.
"Then there was this player at Constant Spring, Greg Gardner, whenever I came up against that team, I would have to make at least three or four saves from him alone as that guy was very clinical," Whittaker added.
The players that remind him of his old self are the duo of current Reggae Boyz custodian Andre Blake and his mentor, former national player Aaron Lawrence.
"I would say Andre Blake for present and past player would be Aaron Lawrence. Lawrence also has always been my role model," he adds.
