FC Tucson goalkeeper loanee Amal Knight has become a regular in the renowned Jamaican National Team since his international debut in 2018. Knight, on loan from USL Championship’s San Diego Loyal, is looking forward to being a pivotal player in what many deem Jamaica’s “golden generation” with standout players such as Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey and Anderlecht defender Kemar Lawrence. Knight is in a talented, select group with Donovan Ricketts, Andre Blake, and Ryan Thompson as Jamaican goalkeepers to take their talents to the United States professional leagues.
In this sit-down, Knight candidly talks about his role and experience with the Jamaican National Team, 2022 World Cup hopes, and about his relationship with national team teammates like Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake.
How has the off-season treated you so far?
Amal Knight: It has been pretty good. My off-season is just now beginning since I got back from Saudi Arabia.
What was it like being in Saudi Arabia for the first time?
AK: It was pretty good, I didn’t get to explore a lot because of all the COVID-19 restrictions. Saudi Arabia is a very strict country when it comes to COVID-19 and trying to limit the number of cases. I just stayed in my hotel room most of the time and chilled.
What was it like stepping onto the field for the Jamaican National Team?
AK: It was a wonderful feeling putting on the jersey with the national colors, and then getting the opportunity to play. I felt good in warm-ups and they told me that if I’m feeling ready to go I will come in. I was mentally prepared and went out there to shut out the Saudi Arabian National Team. This game was big because we are in the top 50 for FIFA rankings and if we lost we might have slipped out of the top 50.
What does it feel like to be a part of a Jamaican National Team with what many expect a bright future ahead?
AK: It feels good to be a part of the project. It has been a long time coming and it will be challenging, but with all the special players we have, I think we can only get better. We have players like Leon Bailey who is playing well at Bayer Leverkusen and Daniel Johnson who made his Jamaican National Team debut on November 14th. We have a few guys who are playing in the major leagues in Europe who are adding depth to our team. I think we need to keep building on what we have and continue to work hard. This was our first international game since March, so to come out after training for a few days together and then play as well as we did is a good sign.
How have you helped all the new faces on the national team get acclimated with the team?
AK: They are all funny guys. Most of them live in Jamaica during the offseason. They all know the Jamaican roots; Daniel speaks Jamaican and English. When I first met him I was shocked he knew Jamaican. I think it is good that a lot of these young guys can go to Jamaica, understand the culture and know how to get around. Because of this, it wasn’t hard for those new guys to adapt to the team during camp.
What would you say the culture is like with the Jamaican National Team?
AK: At first everyone was nervous because we had a few players test positive for COVID-19, but after that everyone settled down and we went back to the normal routine. All the guys were a lot more chilled and laid back, especially once we got back to training. We wanted to make sure we got a positive result in the second game.
What was it like making your Jamaican National Team debut back in 2018?
AK: It was special knowing that I could represent my country. We played a friendly game against an Austrian club team in Turkey and I started that game. After the game, the coach told me I was going to start in the next game against a South Korean team that was heading for the world cup. The only player that wasn’t on the roster was Son Heung-min from Tottenham. It was a big game for me and when I walked onto the pitch, I cried because everyone wants to play for their country, especially in Jamaica. It was a dream come true and I embrace being able to represent my country, family, and friends when I step onto the pitch.
What role are you looking to provide for the national team in 2021?
AK: It is a crucial year because we have World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup. I just want to be in selection every time the squad calls up players. I always tell myself I need to be on the 20 man team roster or the starting 11. At the end of the day, I just want to be a part of the team.
What is a typical match day like for the national team?
AK: For this year it is different. We get up, breakfast is not mandatory, lunch is mandatory, and pre-game meals are not mandatory. We don’t get to eat as a team because everyone is in separate hotel rooms with the food being delivered. The only time we are all together is team meetings and training. When there were no restrictions we would have breakfast, lunch, and pregame meals as a team. The coach would be giving us tactics and the starting lineup. Then we would play the game, after in the locker room we would have fun, while singing and dancing. Finally, we would have dinner as a team. After we won the second friendly the locker room was really fun with chill vibes.
Who would you say are your go-to people to hang out with on the team?
AK: Normally I room with Andre Blake, but I get along with everyone. We are always vibing as a team. I’m mostly with Andre because we are both keepers. We are really close, even our birthdays are only two days apart.
Were you excited to see Andre Blake win MLS Goalkeeper of the year?
AK: I am happy for him, he has been excellent this season. It is a major accomplishment for him and Jamaica because it goes a long way. He is doing this for not only himself but also all the young goalies in Jamaica who may think they will never make it out. I remember before coming to the U.S. that someone had a young goalkeeper come to them and say there is no hope for Jamaican goalkeepers because there is no way for them to get out of the country. With Andre doing so well in the MLS and myself getting my first contract overseas, we are building a path for young Jamaican goalkeepers to have a chance.
What do you think will be the keys to success with the 2022 World Cup coming soon?
AK: I think we need to start on a positive note. Next year is going to be crucial. We have the Gold Cup and the World Cup Qualifiers and I think once everyone is playing consistently we will be very competitive. The coaches will have a lot to do and a lot of headaches when it comes to lineups and call ups. If everyone is on fire come next year, the coach will have a hard time picking the 11 and even the 23. I think we just need to be consistent and mentally prepared for anything that can happen. It’s going to be the US, Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama fighting for World Cup spots so it’s going to be an interesting year.
