New Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McLaren said his first training session with the squad was intense and fun and he is now eagerly looking forward to the fans coming out on Friday for Jamaica’s Nations League clash with Cuba inside the National Stadium.

The 63-year-old McLaren, who was appointed on July 31, was given a two-year contract to guide Jamaica towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States. 

The Reggae Boyz, including the overseas-based contingent, had their first workout at the National Stadium on Tuesday and McLaren said he loved the unity.

“It was great. It’s what football is about — players getting on the grass, training, great energy amongst the players,” said McLaren.

“That’s the first thing I noticed from when they stepped into the hotel last night, having a meal together, greeting each other. It’s great to see. Great spirit amongst them,” he noted.

“Just get out on the grass, loosen the legs, get the jet lag out of the players. We had a good session. Nice and intense, competitive, in the end, fun!” he reiterated.

Jamaica will play Cuba in their opening Nations League A match at the National Stadium on Friday.

Sixteen (16) countries are in League A and they will square off over the next seven months. This is the fourth edition of the competition.

The teams are Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America.

The Nations League A will see the four highest-ranked nations (USA, Mexico, Canada and Panama) advancing directly to the quarter-final round.

Jamaica are drawn in Group B alongside Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Nicaragua and French Guiana.

Group B consists of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Suriname and Guyana.

McClaren, who has spent the past two years as assistant to men’s first-team manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and an earlier spell at Old Trafford as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, is raring to get into action with Jamaica.

“It’s all about preparation and so the thoughts are preparing for the game. That will be completed, probably Thursday evening, Friday morning and then, the excitement of the game,” he said.

“That’s why we’re in football. I am looking forward to the National Stadium. Looking forward to the fans and looking forward to seeing this team perform,” McLaren emphasised.