BY GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor
Waterhouse's Jermaine Grey (right) runs to the ball ahead of Portmore United's Onandi Lowe (second right) during their Wray and Nephew National Premier League football match at Drewsland Mini Stadium on January 8, 2006. Waterhouse won 3-1. - FILE
JAMAICA'S TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Wendell Downswell had more than a passing interest in Portmore United's return clash with Club America in the CONCACAF Club Championship yesterday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico.
With an expected slew of friendly internationals on the horizon for the Reggae Boyz, including an April 11 clash with the United States, Downswell has been monitoring the progress of several of Portmore United's young players on the cusp of national selection, such as Rudolph Austin and Jason Morrison.
The coach was keen to see how they cope with the challenge of Mexico's richest club at testing high altitude and facing vociferous home fan support. But there's also intrigue surrounding Onandi Lowe, the 31-year-old with more than 60 caps and 19 goals for Jamaica.
According to Downswell, Lowe's resurgence on the playing field during his current stint with Portmore United is a positive sign that the big striker, who has also represented Jamaica in midfield and defence, may again become a factor in the national programme.
Lowe has been absent from the Reggae Boyz for over a year, due largely to his link to a drug trafficking charge in Britain which he was eventually cleared of. The technical director said the door is open for Lowe to return if he satisfies the criteria set out by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
"I don't think you could question 'Nandi's ability as a player. He has probably one of the best records internationally for Jamaica," Downswell told THE STAR last week.
"It's to whether or not he will...abide by those conditions (laid down by the Jamaica Football Federation) and be an integral part of (the national programme and) can make a healthy contribution to Jamaica's football."
Downswell was in Bermuda with Jamaica's under-20 squad and missed Portmore United's 1-2 loss to Club America in the first leg played in the U.S. late last month. But at the time he spoke to THE STAR he was aware of Lowe's participation in that match.
The striker was consistently hounded by multiple defenders, a clear indication of Club America's respect for Lowe's presence on the pitch.
That respect is not restricted to the Mexicans. U.S. national coach Bruce Arena once described Lowe as the most difficult of all the Jamaican players to deal with because of his ball skills, strength and agility for a man his size. Those abilities also intrigue Downswell, who is convinced that Lowe can still contribute for the Boyz.
"Yes, he could earn a place in the squad," the technical director said.
DESIRE
However, Downswell insisted that first Lowe would have to prove his desire to play for Jamaica. That he plans to find out by having a discussion with Lowe.
"...Since he has restarted (to play competitively again), I think this year, I'll invite him, have a little talk with him, just to see what he has in mind and see if we can be on one accord," Downswell said. "...because we are all Jamaicans and, no matter what happens, rehabilitation is a must. Whatever we can do to ensure that we can provide the best for him."
The technical director did not ignore the doubts surrounding Lowe's possible return to top international form or his attitude towards the programme.
Prior to the drug case, Lowe had run-ins with football authorities over disciplinary issues and he has been suspended by the JFF. He also lost out on possible lucrative opportunities with clubs in England linked to the fallout from the drug case. However, Downswell said Lowe deserves the chance to turn his career around.
"Yes, you might have a little gut feeling about certain things," the technical director explained, "but sometimes you have to brush that aside and then look at your personal development and then look at the broader scale, Jamaica, and what sort of other contribution one can make for your country."
Last year, it was reported that the striker requested a huge sum of money from the JFF to guarantee his return to the national set-up. According to the reports, Lowe said he needed the money to pay legal bills. The JFF declined Lowe's request and he was not included in the national team for internationals that followed, including the most recent game, a 0-5 loss to Australia.
INFLUENCE
Downswell is hoping Lowe is willing to dispatch that disappointment in the same way he often shrugs off defenders and, instead, use his experience to positively influence others, particularly the country's younger players.
"Based on what transpired with 'Nandi (the court case etc.) I'm just hoping that this can be a turning point for him...and that youngsters will see this and learn from experience of this nature...and for him (Lowe) now, as an individual, to sort of come out and probably be an advocate then, so to speak...in the sense that he can probably share his experience with other younger individuals in such a forum that the youngsters from Jamaica can benefit from him," Downswell said.
"He has gained tremendous experience over the years and a number of the youngsters have looked up to him based on his performances with the Jamaica national team. So, with the sort of image he has created over the years, and the impact that he can create, I think now he can use this in a very positive way and move in the light of a role model for youngsters by turning a new page."
In the end, it appears a return to the national team will be Lowe's call.
"We might say we might consider 'Nandi (for selection)," Downswell cautioned, "still he might not consider himself wanting to be part of the team".
The ball is now at the big man's feet.
Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.
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