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‘Everyone’s ready’ - Dixon says Reggae Boyz fully focused on must-win clash
November 18, 2025
Reggae Boyz forward Kaheim Dixon said every player in the squad is ready to play their part, whether they start or come off the bench, when Jamaica face Curacao in their decisive Group B Concacaf World Cup Qualifying football game at the National Stadium at 8 p.m.
With only the group winners guaranteed a place at next year's World Cup, the Reggae Boyz sit second in the group with 10 points, one behind today's opponent, and need a win to overtake Curacao to secure their second appearance at the global showpiece.
Dixon, who has been one of the team's consistent performers, is not guaranteed a place in today's starting lineup. Nevertheless, the former Clarendon College and Arnett Gardens FC ace says he will be ready any time head coach Steve McClaren calls on him, and so is every other player in the squad today.
"Everyone is ready. The coach will make the decision whether he starts you or not, but you have to be ready. That's what matters most, the balance in the team," he said.
"So always be ready. Even if it's just five minutes to play, just be ready to play.
"I always prepare myself by doing the right stuff on and off the pitch, and on the day it will happen just naturally. You don't really have to prepare for it once you do the right things on and off the pitch," Dixon reaffirmed.
He noted that all the players know the magnitude of the occasion and what's at stake, and that each player is focused and highly motivated to get the job done.
"The Boyz are locked in. They are focused and that's what matters most. We are not just doing it for ourselves, we are doing it for Jamaica, the Diaspora and the people in the west (western Jamaica parishes affected by Hurricane Melissa). They are the ones we are doing it for now.
"But the Boyz are ready. Now is not the time to panic. The game isn't played before, it's played on the night. So let's see on Tuesday who will win, as that's what matters most."
UNDER FIRE
Coach McClaren, who has been under fire for team decisions, especially in the last match against Trinidad and Tobago, said getting the selection right is key, and that they must use the first 20 minutes to set the tone for the match.
"(It's about) Picking the right team and people who can impact. It comes down to 11 versus 11 and a little luck, and God's willing and we get that luck that you need to win games," McClaren said.
"That (Curacao loss) was disappointing. We didn't start the game well, so we must start well tomorrow. That was a big lesson," he pointed out.
McClaren said the fact that they have to win gives them one sole objective to focus on, and he thinks that's better than playing a draw.
"I've said for 16 months that it would always go down to the last game. I said it at the beginning of the group stage and so it is," he said.
"When you play for a draw or a win, you are a little bit in-between (two minds). And I don't think we can be in-between tomorrow. We have to be front foot, aggressive and go for the win. That's our mentality and that's what we'll go for," asserted McClaren.
"They are a very good team. We've seen their quality in this group. And when they beat a team (Bermuda) 7-0, you have to give them respect and that we really do.
"So we've got to start well and the message to the team is to be front foot for the first 20 minutes. We know what we have to do. There is no in-between, we must win," he stated.
