Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

National technical director Rene Simoes (left) drills Roen Nelson during a Reggae Boyz training session at St. George's College on Tuesday. - Ian Allen

There has been no mention yet of the nine local players that will join the 14 overseas-based players to take on the "Ticos" of Costa Rica on February 6 at the National Stadium, but technical director Rene Simoes continues to be pleased with how things are progressing so far.

"I am impressed with talent of squad so far and have no doubt that with time they will become competent local team, because we don't depend on only overseas-based players," Simoes said at the team's fourth training session at the National Stadium yesterday.

Tight-lipped

However, the local players whom will be picked to join the foreign players, the majority of who will arrive on Sunday, is still pretty much anyone's guess as the coach is tight-lipped on the issue.

"I have idea, but still I have to talk to other coaches before any decision can be made," Simoes explained.

In his first game back at The Office as technical director, the Brazilian said he is hoping for a packed house on Wednesday, with the hope of the fans catching the football fever as it did when the country qualified for the World Cup in 1998.

"I am encouraging everyone to come out and support the team. I want to see a sea of black, gold and green that was there when the team qualified in 1998," he said. "Everyone should get involved. We must all look to pull together. The Office must once again be a tough place to play; teams must not like playing here.

"I would love to see numbers like when we qualify for 98 - everyone has to work together," he added.

The nine local-based players making the cut are expected to be announced by at least tomorrow and will join English-based players Marlon King, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Omar Daley, Claude Davis, Ricardo Fuller, Ricardo Gardner, Ian Goodison, Demar Phillips, Donovan Ricketts, Luton Shelton, Tyrone Marshall, Shavar Thomas and Damion Stewart. A full training session with the 23-member squad is expected to take place on Monday.