They had a world of a time both in the dinner hall after the meals were consumed. Belly full, but hungry for fun, the young ‘Stars of the East’ demonstrated the spirit that won over everyone
, as Coach Bobby McLaren started shooting group photos in the lobby, that our opponents for the final game, USA-based DC United were the first to instinctively rush their newest best-friends to lend some broad smiles.
That created mass hysteria, as all other teams ran to share precious lens time, photo opportunities with the Jamaicans or duplicate similar grouping that soon had the lobby in a frenzy as if the Hollywood red carpet was rolled out.
Still photos exhausted, the starlets, started a party with singing, dancing and hand-clapping Jamaica style that had every other club, coaches, managers, CONCACAF Officials and Volunteers, Hotel Staff, Employers and guests running to watch, snapping a million photos and videos until time for departure. They held centre court, and enjoyed the truly moment.
Four buses left for the 27 minute drive to the Azteca Stadium with Costa Rica and us in one bus, sharing a trade off song for song, beginning with each National Anthem first verses only. For the full duration of the ride it was a sound clash, you then me, in a friendly sing-a-long banter.
The two teenaged female mexican volunteers assigned to the groups, encouraged it, as they filmed and took snapshots for posterity.
Traffic flow slowed outside the 120,000 seater Azteca Stadium, gave more reason to fuel the Costa Ricans to start making request of popular Reggae songs right after Bob Marleys song of the 20th Century, ‘Óne Love trumped all.
Bob”s Medley of ‘Don’t Worry, about a thing to close with ”Buffalo Soldier,turned up the dancehall styles with hits from Way Up,Stay Up’, ‘Summertime’, in two versions finishing appropriately on parking with the eastern Kingston’s Nannyville resident, Ding Dong’s version on a high.
Arrival at the world famous Azteca Stadium to watch the CONCACAF Champions League game between Mexican giants, Club America outclassed Montagua of Honduras.
Game ended Club America 4 Montagua 0.
An unforgettable day in the lives of 8 CONCACAF clubs, 128 lucky
Under 13 players, 16 Coaches, 8 Managers,16 Volunteers, 4 Drivers and 12 Local Organisational Committee Members will always cherish and share.
A special thanks to our team sponsors for the tournament
