Photo: Hughan Gray on the go for his club Waterhouse FC
While many people were speculating about the future of Winfired Schafer as head coach of the Reggae Boyz, Hughan Gray certainly wasn’t one of them. In fact the Jamaican international is probably happier than most that the German is at the helm of Jamaica’s football.
Constantly overlooked by previous head coaches, the 27 year old received his first senior call up earlier this year when he was chosen as part of the national squad to play against Barbados.
“I received a text message from Roy Simpson, the Senior Reggae Boyz manager,” Gray explained. “When I went in to camp I had a meeting with Mr. Schafer and he told me that I was the fittest player in the country. He said my skill level was good and that my work ethic was excellent.”
Having been a part of a national Under 17 and Under 23 squads, Gray is grateful to finally get a senior nod.
“I am glad for this coach. He gave me my first senior call and this has been a great motivation for me. I used to train hard, I train even harder now. It has given me a real boost in confidence to be a part of the Reggae Boyz, it is a dream come true,” said the Christiano Ronaldo fan.
The graduate of Denbeigh High school played five years of DaCosta Cup, proceeding as far as the quarter finals but never got beyond that stage.
While at Denbeigh, Gray began his club career with Sporting Central Academy at the early age of 13 and went on to play all the age group level competitions before graduating to the premier league team.
Four seasons ago, the Manchester United and Real Madrid fan, made the move to his current club, Waterhouse.
“I am grateful for the chance given to me as a young boy by Sporting, but when I made the decision to move it was because I wanted a fresh challenge. I really don’t have any regrets, the move has been good for me.”
“Since I have been here I have won two titles, the Jackie Bell Knock-Out in my first year and the FLOW Cup last year. Last season we came close in the Red Stripe Premier League, we are hoping to go one better this season.”
While club success is always on his mind, it is the taste of international football that has the hard working utility player gunning for more.
“I always wanted to play senior football for Jamaica, from I was at Sporting. I told myself, that after I make the team I am not coming back out.
“The games against the European teams earlier this year were great. Being a fan of Brazil made playing against France even more special for me. I played 35 minutes in that game and even though we didn’t win I will never forget the experience.”
Playing in his first senior tournament and winning earlier this year, brought Gray to tears.
“The Caribbean Cup was a fantastic experience. I played for ten minutes in the first game, but after that I played every minute for Jamaica throughout the rest of the tournament. It was exciting to win the cup in my first tournament, it was thrilling to lift the cup for my country. I shed tears of joy.
“It is an honour to represent my country,” he declared.
Next year will be a special year in the country’s football and Gray is desperate to be a part of it.
“Based on my performances this year, I am expecting to remain in the national set-up, so the plan is to stay focused and continue to work hard.
“We have the Gold Cup in April and then after that Jamaica will be playing in Copa America for the first time ever. If there is one game I want to play in, it is the one against Argentina.”
Jamaica has been drawn in a tough group in the Copa America including former World Champions Argentina and Uruguay and also Paraguay.
All that he has achieved in football so far has come through hard work and Gray insists that nothing will change going forward.
“It’s all about hard work, that is what has taken me to where I am and it will take me where I want to go. Working hard isn’t new to me and playing in the World Cup is my ultimate goal.”
With a three year old son who also loves the game, Gray has more than enough motivation to keep on excelling for both club and country.
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