For a professional soccer player, the opportunity to represent your country is one of highest honors you can receive. To get that chance at one of the world’s most historic venues makes the moment that much bigger.
Jahmali Waite learned he would be representing Jamaica on the grandest stage on March 25, just one day before his country’s CONCACAF Nations League match against Mexico. Waite was named the starter and would be playing his third game for Jamaica — and his first in a competitive match — at the famed and illustrious Estadio Azteca, site of the 1968 Summer Olympics and two World Cup Finals.
Since a young age, Waite always had aspirations of representing Jamaica. Playing at such a venue allowed for him to experience one of the most gorgeous and imposing stadiums in soccer.
“As a footballer that’s just something you dream of, and for me to do it at the stadium it means a lot,” Waite stated. “When walking out on the field, it was just a wild moment. This is something I have been dreaming of my entire life.”
Once he got over the initial emotion of being able to start in such a huge game, Waite locked in. The Hounds keeper was kept under pressure by a Mexican team that took an astounding 25 shots and had 70 percent of possession. In the end, he only allowed two goals — one on a penalty kick — to guide Jamaica to a 2-2 draw as heavy underdogs.
“I think I and the team did well. I think we were unfortunate to not get the win. We played well and stuck to the game plan,” Waite said.
Back in Pittsburgh, another goalkeeper knew what Waite was experiencing. Hounds goalkeepers coach Jon Busch is well versed on Mexican fandom and Estadio Azteca, having been part of the United States’ roster for the team’s qualifying match at Azteca leading up to the 2006 World Cup.
“It’s a fantastic experience, I was very fortunate to sit in a World Cup qualifier behind Kasey Keller,” Busch reminisced. “There were 120,000 fans all cheering against you. It was so eye-opening how hostile the environment was. We had to be on lockdown at the team hotel and traveling.”
Remembering his experience, Busch was happy to see Waite get the same opportunity.
“I knew it would be special for him. I was so excited for him to be in that environment with those fans. I am so proud to see him out there. You become very proud when it’s one of your players playing in the game,” Busch said.
He continued: “It builds major confidence. It shows him that he can play at that level. More importantly, it shows what the possibilities are for him in the bigger picture. Our focus for him is becoming a very consistent starter, firstly for the Hounds, but also for his country. He can be one of the best in the USL. He can push for the starting spot for Jamaica, and he knows that. I posed the question to Jahmali why can’t you push (longtime Jamaican starter) Andre Blake? The mentality needs to be: ‘I can and why not?’”
When the match ended, Waite finally had time to reflect on such a special moment that is the dream of many footballers. He reflected on his experience by emphasizing not just how much it means but how much it helps him moving forward.
“To look back where I’ve been to where I am now, I still have a lot of growing to do and a lot of improving,” he said. “It is a step in the right direction, but it’s up to me to keep growing to earn more of these opportunities.”
Waite didn’t get long to reflect, however. The keeper had a quick turnaround with the Hounds’ match at FC Tulsa, 48 hours later. He handled the quick recovery like a pro, helping the Hounds keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw and producing the USL Championship’s Save of the Week in the process.
“It’s just focus, I knew I had to come back,” Waite said. “It’s how to recover and eat well. It’s all preparation.”
After the shutout, Busch acknowledged how Waite has progressed this season.
“He is coming along; it’s about progressing and developing every day. I see him doing that and putting the work in. I bring the same mentality as a coach as I did as a player, and he has bought into that,” Busch said.
And while the focus for Waite and Busch is now back to the Hounds, both made it clear there is no more meaningful experience than to represent your country in the sport you love.
“Any time I could represent our country, it hit close to home. I have a brother who is ex-military, so being able to represent the USA means a lot,” said Busch, who is thrilled now to see one of his players enjoy the same honor.
Story written by Riverhounds staff intern Jack Neiman.
