The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Trelawny stadium impresses FIFA official

Adrian Frater, News Editor

FIFA venue inspector David Sabir (left), points out something to JFF boss, Captain Horace Burrell (centre) during his FIFA-mandated inspection of the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Tuesday. Looking on is Major Desmon Brown, general manager of Independence Park Limited. - adrian frater

Following an inspection of the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Tuesday, FIFA's venue inspector David Sabir all but fully endorsed the US$30 million facility as a suitable venue to host the second leg 2010 World Cup qualifier between Jamaica and the Bahamas in June.

"What I have seen is very encouraging, in fact it is very pleasing," said Sabir, who toured the facility alongside a top- level Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) delegation led by Captain Horace Burrell, the federation's president. "It is a good facility and by the time I am finish writing my report to FIFA, it might be an even better facility."

Rave reviews

During the tour of the stadium, which got rave reviews after hosting the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony, Sabir could be heard regularly remarking, 'very nice, very nice' as he toured the south stand, the press boxes, the changing rooms and the medical area, before stepping out on to the impressive-looking playing surface.

"I think the choice of this facility by the JFF is an excellent one as it is the desire of FIFA to spread the game around," stated Sabir. "We will certainly do all we can to ensure that the stadium is looked upon in a favourable way by FIFA."

Approved by FIFA

Encouraged by Sabir's positive assessment of the Trelawny facility, Captain Burrell said should FIFA approve the use of the facility, it would be "a dream come true" for him. According to Burrell, it would fit perfectly in his plan to bring back top-flight international football to western Jamaica.

"I am happy that my board supported me in this decision to bring this game to western Jamaica," said Captain Burrell, noting that he was encouraged by Sabir's comments. "I have had the pleasure of visiting several venues throughout the region and this certainly will have to be ranked as one of the better facilities."

Incidentally, Jamaica's selection to host both legs of the World Cup qualifier against the Bahamas came about as a result of FIFA's unhappiness with the playing facilities in that country, which were deemed as substandard.

Should FIFA give the green light to the Trelawny stadium, Captain Burrell said it would be the beginning of a major resurgence for football in the region, as plans are already in place to play some games of the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Cup at the facility.

"I think great times are ahead for the fans in western Jamaica," said Captain Burrell. "I am looking forward to great support from the fans if FIFA approves the game because once we get the support, we will continue to bring major games to the west."

Major Desmon Brown, the general manager of Independence Park Limited, which has management responsibility for the Trelawny Stadium, said they were ready to embrace international football at the 15,000-seat stadium.

"We are all for this game once FIFA gives the requisite approval," said Major Brown. "We have been hoping for something like this for a long time."