Jamaica's Reggae Boyz held on for a draw against South Africa [Bafana Bafana] today in an exciting match up. South Africa wasted numerous chances and should have won the match by at least two clear goals, but stout defending by the Reggae Boyz dismissed any chances of that happening. The stand out for Jamaica was Shavar Thomas, who stood like a rock in defence.

With the World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa in about 7 months, it seems that Bafana Bafana will need to improve their performances. So far they have looked good going forward, but their finishing has let them down. Their best performance to date was at the Confederations Cup earlier this year, but they have failed to impress since then.

The Reggae Boyz, who failed to make the World Cup and performed poorly at the Gold Cup will be satisfied with this performance. Especially with this draw being away from home. Coach Whitmore utilised his players well, but needs his midfielders to get the ball to the forwards. Devon Hodges was a frustrated man before his substitution. Dane Richards played very well on the right and caused numerous problems to the defenders. However, the problem which plagued Jamaica for many years is coming back. The midfielders are failing to support the forwards, so even when crosses are made, there is no one in the box. This type of play is not limited to the senior team, as this is often the problem at the schoolboy level.

Overall, I would give the Reggae Boyz a C- for their performance, as many of their overseas players were not in the squad, compared to South Africa who had most of their regular starters.