Touching distance

AT JUST 21 years old, Reggae Boy Kaheim Dixon is within touching distance of achieving one of his childhood dreams: playing in FIFA World Cup.

“To go to the World Cup is like every young kid’s dream. I have been dreaming of this since I was a kid, ‘Oh, I want to play at the World Cup for my country,’ and to know that I would be one of the youngest in my squad to go to the World Cup, like, no one can take that away,” Dixon told The Gleaner.

To make this dream a reality, Dixon will have to help the Boyz remain on top of the Group B of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying by securing victories over Trinidad and Tobago — against whom he made his Reggae Boyz debut last year, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 friendly — and against Curaçao, who handed Jamaica their first defeat of the round in October.

Getting his first start under coach Steve McClaren during the Boyz 4-0 victory over Bermuda at the National Stadium last week, is proof, Dixon believes, that he is seen as an important member of the squad.

“This start was everything. Starting at home is like I have a different feeling. I don’t know how to explain it. The team won and it is a good day in Office,” he said.

Dixon said his goal is not just to make it to the World Cup but make the opportunity worthwhile.

“My goal is that, hopefully, the team comes out of the group and I have a few goals and assists. That’s the only aim that I have,” he said.

The Trench Town prodigy, who assisted Clarendon College to several schoolboy football titles, went on to represent Arnett Gardens in the Jamaica Premier League before earning a contract with Charleton Athletic. Dixon is now on loan to English club Crawley Town.

The last two moves in England signal his intent to achieve another of his goals.

“I want to play in the top leagues in the world, but it all takes time. I have to accept that, keep learning, (and) keep improving. That’s all I can do until I find my way to the top. One hundred per cent, I guarantee that I will work hard for it. It is not going to be handed over, but I will work for it,” Dixon said.

“There is always room for improvement, but over the past months, I have seen big improvements in my game. I will accept that, but there is always room for improvement,” said Dixon.

Already representing his country at major tournaments such as Copa America and Concacaf Gold Cup, Dixon said going to the World Cup would be another achievement that would help to further inspire young Jamaicans.

“I think the younger generation look up to me, who inspires them to do their best and work hard on and off the pitch to go to the top.”