The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday officially appointed Trinidad and Tobago native Jamaal Shabazz for his fourth stint as head coach of the Golden Jaguars senior men’s programme.
Shabazz’s appointment was confirmed during a press conference held at the National Training Centre, Providence yesterday.
According to Shabazz, “The journey to achieve success this time around is a collective one.”
He pointed out that the partners in such a voyage include the federation, the government, corporate Guyana as well as the fans.
Shabazz, who recently resigned from the post of St. Lucia men’s head-coach on August 25, replaces Marcio Maximo at the helm of the programme.
The former Caledonia AIA manager, who has been at the helm of the national setup on three previous occasions (2005-2008, 2011-2012, 2015-2016), created history when he oversaw the local unit’s record setting FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign. The local side under the stewardship of the Trinidadian, qualified for the CONCACAF semi-finals of the World Cup qualifying campaign for the first time in its history. He also achieved another first when he led the Golden Jaguars to their best ever FIFA ranking of 86th during the month of November 2010.
Meanwhile, President of Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, stated that several performance objectives have been identified for the new recruit, affirming that the ultimate aim is the qualification for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the other hand, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., disclosed that the government will provide financial support in the form of accommodation and a vehicle during the entirety of the coach’s tenure.
He also stated that the federation’s aim in developing the discipline aligned perfectly with the mission and overall aim of the ministry.
