The Cayman Islands Football Association has announced that Joey Jap Tjong is no longer serving as head coach of Cayman’s men’s national team, days before the team is scheduled to play two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association said the upcoming qualifier matches, where the Cayman team will take on Bermuda and Honduras, will be managed by Colin ‘Dougie’ Rowe, who will serve as acting head coach.
Jap Tjong had been head coach of the Cayman team since February last year. During his tenure, he led to team to an historic World Cup Qualifier win against Antigua and Barbuda.
The football association has not commented on why Jap Tjong is no longer in the head coach role, but in the statement, association president Alfredo Whittaker said, “On behalf of the Association, I would like to thank Joey for his contributions and commitment to the national program. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.”
The release noted that Rowe will be “supported by a full complement of assistant coaches and national team staff”.
It added, “CIFA remains confident in the team’s preparation and ability to compete with pride and determination in the upcoming matches. We continue to stand behind our players and staff as they represent the Cayman Islands on the international stage.”
The Cayman men’s national team, which is ranked 191st by FIFA, is in Group A amongst Honduras, Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda and Bermuda for the 2025 qualifiers.
Cayman is set to open the second round of Group A qualifying matches in Bermuda on Wednesday, 4 June, before hosting leader Honduras in its group stage finale at 2pm on Saturday, 7 June, at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
