In a recent press statement, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) stated that numerous applicants have been identified to fill the position of head coach for the Senior Women’s National Team, the Reggae Girlz.
The vacancy occurred as after the JFF’s Friday announcement that Lorne Donaldson’s contract would not be renewed.
“The interviewing process will begin this week, as we have received a number of applications from experienced and qualified individuals,” the release stated.
Shortlist to be finalized soon
It added: “Soon, a shortlist will be selected for final interviews. Importantly, this also includes the reengagement of members of the coaching and technical staff.”
Donaldson was the assistant coach to Hue Menzies when the Reggae Girlz first qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. He took over the reins on an interim basis when Menzies stepped down shortly after the France World Cup, only to resign shortly afterwards, citing an inability to work with the “unprofessional” JFF.
When Vin Blaine was unceremoniously forced to resign as head coach at the behest of the Girlz, Donaldson returned and successfully guided the team to a second-consecutive World Cup Final appearance in Australia and New Zealand earlier this summer.
Girlz make historic run to Round of 16 at World Cup
The former national defender piloted the team to the Round of 16, eliminating South American champions Brazil on their way to the historic achievement.
However, the Reggae Girlz recently lost a two-legged Olympic Games qualifying tie 1-4 on aggregate, after losing the first leg 2-0 inside Kingston’s National Stadium, and 1-2 at the sold out BMO Field in Toronto.
The loss to Canada in the Olympic Games qualifying playoff puts Jamaica to the W Gold Cup Qualifying Group A which includes Panama and Guatemala.
The three teams will play home and away starting October 25 with the Reggae Girlz facing Panama away. Four days later, Jamaica hosts Guatemala.
On November 29 Panama will play its return game in Kingston, with Jamaica playing away to Guatemala on December 3, 2023.
The winner books an automatic place in the W Gold Cup, while the runner-up earns another shot during a playoff next February.
The JFF says it is committed to ensuring that the women’s program is given the best opportunity to succeed and continue the significant accomplishments that have brought much pride to Jamaica.
