Three candidates interviewed for Reggae Girlz head coach position
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has revealed that three candidates have undergone interviews for the position of head coach of the senior Reggae Girlz.
JFF president Michael Ricketts shared this update, emphasizing that the JFF’s technical committee is currently in the process of formulating their recommendation to present to the board of directors. A final decision regarding the head coach role is expected to be reached by the weekend.
This search for a new head coach follows the conclusion of Lorne Donaldson’s contract, which expired on September 30 and was not renewed.
JFF awaits recommendation from technical staff
Ricketts stated, “Three of them were interviewed on Tuesday, and so we are waiting on the recommendation from the technical committee.” He further added, “So that’s what we are waiting on at the moment, and hopefully by the weekend, we can name the head coach of the team.”
Xavier Gilbert, Ak Lakhani, and Laura Thomas, who previously served as assistant coaches under Donaldson, will continue to hold their positions, according to Ricketts.
Donaldson and his coaching team were appointed in 2022 and achieved a historic milestone by guiding the Reggae Girlz to the round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. This accomplishment marked a significant achievement in Jamaica’s football history.
Girlz gearing up for CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers
During the recent World Cup, the Reggae Girlz secured goalless draws against France and Brazil, recorded a 1-0 victory over CONCACAF rivals Panama in the group stage, and were subsequently eliminated by Colombia with a 0-1 loss in the knockout stage.
In the previous month, the Jamaican team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games were dashed as they lost 1-4 on aggregate to reigning Olympics champions Canada in a home-and-away tie.
The 37th-ranked Reggae Girlz are gearing up for the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, set to commence in under two weeks. They are scheduled to face hosts Panama on October 25, followed by a match against Guatemala on October 29. Subsequently, they will engage in a home fixture against Panama on November 29 and travel for a return encounter with Guatemala on December 3.
