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Cephas could get his big chance against US
March 21, 2024
Renaldo Cephas is hoping Reggae Boyz head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will call on him for the country's crucial Concacaf Nations League semi-final against the United States in Texas tonight. Kick-off time is 6 p.m.
The former Arnett Gardens winger is blessed with lightning pace and is a huge fan favourite among local football enthusiasts. With key attacking players like Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson and Michail Antonio out for various reasons, Cephas is one of the forwards Hallgrimsson is expected to call on as a replacement.
Although unsure of a starting role in the team, the 24 year-old believes they have the mentality to go all the way and win the country's first major trophy.
"It good to be in the semis. I am happy that I am here to try and help make history for Jamaica, as this could be Jamaica's first (confederation) trophy.
"I think that, with the players' mindset and the mentality, that we will do very well in this game," he said.
Cephas has one international cap, which he got against Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League last year, and is hoping that he will get a chance to earn a regular place in the squad.
"That (debut) was a great moment, knowing that the coach believed in me and put me out there. But you know there are great players in the team, so it's really good to be back," he said.
A win today would put the Reggae Boyz into Sunday's final against the winners of the Mexico, Panama semi-final and, like Cephas, captain Andre Blake said their confidence and mental toughness have improved, especially since their quarter-final come-from-behind win over hosts Canada last November.
"It was a great achievement. It's definitely been a boost for us. And you need moments like those when you are forming a team, moments that show guys that things are possible.
"Going to Toronto was not easy. It was very cold and a lot of people believed it was done and dusted. But the guys did an incredible job, they stepped up to the task and put on a show which definitely pushed us in the right direction," he said.
"Obviously, this is going to be a tough game. But we look forward to it and will go out there and give our best," Blake said.
