Iconic former Reggae Boyz coach Rene Simoes, in a video on social media, offered his services to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) with a proposal to establish a ‘crisis cabinet’, with him at the head, to oversee the Reggae Boyz through the Intercontinental World Cup Playoffs in Mexico next March.
The Reggae Boyz failed to secure automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup, after playing to a 0-0 draw with Curacao in their final Group B Concacaf World Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday, when only a win would suffice.
Simoes, currently in Brazil, said he expected the Boyz to qualify without ‘major difficulties’. However, he is confident the team can still qualify, and that a coaching panel with him at the head, and with people in specialist roles to implement his philosophy, will give Jamaica the best chance of reaching the promised land.
“At this moment, I’m offering my services and experience in having directed five national teams and qualifying Jamaica for all the World Cups (U-17, U-20, and senior).
“This experience tells me that we have a team that can qualify in the playoffs. Or are teams like New Caledonia, Iraq, or DR Congo better than the opponents we faced in the 1998 qualifiers, like Mexico, the United States, and others, or are they more motivated than us?
“I believe, from what I’ve seen, that we have a squad both within and outside the country that, (if they) work with my philosophy, can qualify,” he said.
He then went on to explain his suggestion.
“My idea is to establish a crisis cabinet [coaching panel], just like the Prime Minister must have at this moment, after [Hurricane] Melissa.
“My cabinet would be composed of an experienced specialist in qualifiers and World Cup in each sector of the field,” he said.
Former players during Simoes successful 1998 stint such as Durant Brown would oversee defence, Ricardo Gardener would be in charge of wing backs, Theodore Whitmore and Altimont Butler for midfielders, Deon Burton for strikers and Warren Barrett for goalkeepers. While Neville ‘Bertis’ Beill would be responsible for strategies and communication.
“All of them know about my philosophy and my way of seeing football,” he pointed.
“I think only one coach couldn’t solve what we need to transform in such a short time (for playoffs). We have to do as they do in American football, putting specialists by function and the head coach setting the philosophy. That’s called disruptive innovation, doing something different where it hasn’t been done before.”
The 72-year-old, who is in Brazil guiding coaches, young players, and professionals, declared he is not looking for a job, but that it is time for ‘reconstruction’ and believes he can help to make a difference with the team for the March assignment.
“It’s not the time to know whose fault it was. It’s time for reconstruction, and help is always welcome when it comes from people who can make a difference.
“I don’t believe we don’t have other talents on Jamaican soil. The great Ian Goodison came from the second division, and Bibi (Gardner) from the school championship.
“Goals without methods are preparation for chaos. I believe in impossible dreams to human eyes and unbelievers. But I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
“May the federation know how to make the most accurate decision for everyone. Sponsors are here, and maybe heavy, as the ticket to the World Cup was big. I tell them with humility but with great conviction, ‘Don’t give up.’ May God bless us all. Jamaica, land we love,” he concluded.
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