MONTEGO BAY, ST JAMES — MAYOR of Montego Bay Glendon Harris has pledged the support of the St James Parish Council to the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Hilton Resort and Spa on Saturday to announce a friendly international against Caribbean neighbours Trinidad and Tobago scheduled for the Montego Bay Sports Complex next week, Harris said it was “a no-brainer” to partner with the JFF in its various projects.

Montego Bay has been thrust into the spotlight over the past week with the staging of the CONCACAF Girls Under-17 tournament from which two teams will qualify for the World Cup in Costa Rica next year. Additionally, the city will also be hosting the CONCACAF Executive Congress this weekend.

The November 15 friendly international between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and Trinidad’s Soca Warriors is the first of a two-game series with the other scheduled to be played in Trinidad, four days later.

Ironically, the games will be played on the same dates that fourth placed CONCACAF team Mexico will play Oceana Confederation champions New Zealand for a place in the World Cup in Brazil next year.

Mayor Harris called on businesses in Montego Bay and other areas to come on board and partner with the Parish Council and the JFF, noting that there are benefits to be gained.

“We all benefit when we contribute to sports,” said Harris, as he urged companies to sponsor tickets or transportation for youngsters to see Jamaica play Trinidad.

He said he was hoping that a large crowd will be on hand to support the game, and promised to expand the present capacity of the car park at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

“Minor problems such as traffic flow would be worked on in time for the game, so things can be as comfortable as possible for everyone,” he explained.

Winfried Schafer, who is expected to be kept on as the head coach of the Reggae Boyz, said at the press conference that his team would be made up primarily of local-based players.

He said the local-based players were “ready” but pointed out that he needs to see how match-fit they are, and how they will acquit themselves against other national teams.