October 13th, 2010

Are you fully recovered from your injury (a broken leg) in the spring?

Not fully, I’m probably like 80 percent right now, but I'm working. When it gets cold sometimes it bothers me, but I'm training and I'm getting fit. I've started playing like three weeks now, so it's a work in progress, but I'm getting there.

What is the biggest difference between the Big East Conference and the Manning Cup?

[The Big East is] much more organized and technical. We have quality players in Jamaica who come here and stand out, as you can see, but it's a different type of ball game. The surfaces are different, much better playing surfaces. We traveled across the country to play here while [In Jamaica] it is concentrated. Its just organized and probably little better coaching, more disciplined players too. Its just a much different environment.

Do you have any plans for when your playing days are over?

To be honest, a lot of people ask me but, I would love to play professional when I am finished here—I've been getting looks...I have improved since I got here and I hope to represent the National Team in years to come and I hope to just improve and play professionally in Europe before my playing days are over.

What are your plans regarding joining up with the Jamaica Under-20 team in preparation for the CONCACAF finals in 2011?

Well I was the last national team captain and, I looked on the squad, and most of those players played with me at the U-17 level. They are my very good friends and I enjoy playing with them but I do relish the opportunity to get back and play with them once I get the opportunity. I know the next round is in April and I probably have school at that time but I'll think about organizing it some way so I can represent my country.

What music do you have on your iPod?

Well on my iPod I have a lot Jamaican music, reggae music but I'm a very conscious young man so I have a lot of relaxing music. My dad is always playing Alton Ellis and Frank Sinatra and stuff like that so it may be surprising to hear that I have that type of music on my iPod. I listen mostly to dancehall music—R&B, rap, and relaxing music as well—but I love dancehall music.

Who were you supporting in the 2010 World Cup?

It may be surprising but it was Spain and Brazil—I have a Brazilian friend—but I love Spain. I love watching Barcelona and Real Madrid and I love the type of football they play—passing, transitional, possession football—I really enjoyed watching them play that way at the World Cup.

Which national teams do your parents support?

My dad is Argentina...both of my parents are Argentina. They tried to instill Argentina in me but it didn't work because I really enjoyed watching Spain and Brazil play. In the end my parents are Argentina and France but I'm just Spanish and Brazilian.

In your experience, is there enough communication between the JFF and its overseas based players?

They don't have a lot, but they've spoke with my parents since I have been up here and asked how I've been recuperating. They've been in contact with my dad since the summer about the under 23 national team. But since the previous under 20 qualifiers they have spoken to my father and asked if I would represent the country but obviously I've got to work hard, I'm in school right now, but I'm really looking forward to going back and representing them next year.

As told to Adam Svoboda on October 13th, 2010 after USF vs DePaul, thanks to Ashani Fairclough for the interview. If anyone wants the audio I can upload that eventually too. Thanks also to jamatl and Metropolis of TheReggaeBoyz.com for some of the questions.

Ashani Fairclough is a converted central defender who currently plays for the University of South Florida. He played in every match last year for USF despite being only 17 years old. He has also played for Jamaica at various levels of their underage system, including u-17 and u-20, which he has captained as well.

Image courtesy of the University of South Florida