MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Some veteran local coaches are confident that Jamaica will create history and win the Scotiabank CONCACAF Gold Cup football competition for the first time. Six-time champions Mexico will face first-time finalist Jamaica in the final tomorrow at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Although Mexico are kingpins in the region, the experts believe this Jamaica team is playing well and demonstrated good team chemistry throughout the tournament.

On Wednesday, the Reggae Boyz ambushed the Americans, 2-1, to reach the final, while Mexico edged Panama 2-1, in extra-time in semi-final games. Here are the comments from the coaches:

Geoffrey Maxwell

"Mexico did not take a strong team to the Copa-America tournament, but did so for the Gold Cup. They preferred to take a full-strength team to the regional premier tournament.

For Jamaica to reach the final augurs very well for our football. I can't predict who will win the title, but I really hope that Jamaica will come out winners. I do think the Copa America tournament that Jamaica played as a guest team really opened our eyes. However, I don't think it did a lot in terms of experience.

However, I think if they (Jamaica) win, it would open doors for more Jamaicans to get contracts in professional leagues abroad. I am happy that we have reached the final, as there would be benefits, especially for local players. I am not totally convinced about the backline."

Donovan 'DV' Hayles

"I wish to be very honest. While, we had a very good showing in the Copa America tournament, I didn't believe we could win the Gold Cup. Now, we've beaten USA in the semi-final and will face Mexico in the final on Sunday (tomorrow).

The Copa was the testing ground, and although the team did not win a game during the group stage, it built the team's confidence heading into the Gold Cup. The players in the squad are highly motivated. They believe and Coach Schäfer has done a very good job. He has been realistic. It's not easy as a coach to get a team to happily defend.

We lost to top teams in the world during the Copa tournament. I think he (Schäfer) convinced the players that they could win the Gold Cup. And, now they are just a step away. I became convinced because of how I saw the team beat the USA in the semi-final. The USA was never in the game. This Mexican team is easier to beat than Panama. I would be very disappointed losing to Mexico.

Christopher Bender

"Well, if you look at both teams, you could say, in terms of tradition, it would be Mexico. But, the way Jamaica is playing, they should win. I predict that the game will be 1-1 after regular time and then Jamaica will win 2-1 in extra time.

"The Copa where Jamaica participated as an invited team served as an excellent platform for the Gold Cup. The team showed character. It was more than football, they are playing like brothers, fighting for each other. They believe in each other. This team plays on oxygen once they lead. I'm putting my bet on Jamaica.

Calvert Fitzgerald

"The form and camaraderie that the team is showing is surprising. I really think Jamaica has a strong chance of lifting the Gold Cup for the first time. Coach Schäfer has done a very good job in terms of team organisation, motivation and unity. I think he has gotten it right. The Mexican team is not playing well.