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Hounds’ Jahmali Waite makes international debut with Reggae Boyz

by
John Krysinsky
November 9, 2022

Photo courtesy Mark Goodman

From Riverhounds SC report

Riverhounds SC goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, who recently stood out with a strong first season in Pittsburgh, made his international debut, starting for the Jamaican National Team and helping them to a 1-1 draw against World Cup-bound Cameroon this afternoon at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Waite, 23, played all 90 minutes for the Reggae Boyz to add another personal milestone to his first professional season.

.@RiverhoundsSC goalkeeper Jahmali Waite helps the #ReggaeBoyz earn a result on the road in his senior international debut, adding to an assist for @TheMiamiFC's Lamar Walker and 90 minutes for @PHXRisingFC's Kevon Lambert. https://t.co/SYdgrlg5As

— Nicholas Murray (@NJEMurray) November 9, 2022

After signing with the Hounds as a free agent out of the University of Connecticut this spring, Waite worked his way into the starting role and finished 2022 with eight shutouts in 25 games across all competitions. He also played the hero role with seven saves and three additional stops in a shootout to advance the Hounds past Birmingham Legion FC in this year’s USL Championship Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

The match in Cameroon was the African nation’s first of two final tune-up matches for the FIFA World Cup. But Waite and Jamaica — ranked 64th in the world in the latest FIFA World Rankings, and playing their final match of 2022 — came prepared. Jamaica took the lead in the 60th minute on a goal by Justin McMaster before the hosts — ranked 43rd — tied the match in the 74th minute through a Djawal Kaiba strike that was redirected off a defender’s leg.

The Hounds are currently beginning preparations for the 2023 USL Championship season, starting with the team’s preseason camp to commence in late January or early February. The 2023 regular season is scheduled to begin in March.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).