Golden Jaguars international and former captain Samuel Cox has praised the appointment of Jamaal Shabazz as head-coach of the senior men’s programme by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the fourth time.
This was disclosed during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday. Below features the transcript of the discussion in its entirety.
SS: What are your thoughts on Jamaal Shabazz being reappointed for the fourth time as head coach of the Golden Jaguars?
SC: “I think this acquisition is probably the best choice that the federation could have made to elevate and push Guyanese football back in the right direction, back to where it needs to be. Of course having worked with Jamaal Shabazz in 2015 onwards I soon realized not only is he a top coach but a top human being as well and that’s why I feel we have missed over the last couple of years.
“I think we have come off of what makes us as a nation and I think with coach Shabazz’s love for Guyana, his intentions to drive the programme forward, his intentions to give back to the country, I think this is the best possible choice that the GFF could have made. Speaking to players everybody is excited, everybody is enthusiastic about a fresh start with a top man who is now at the helm.”
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Friday officially appointed the Trinidad and Tobago native, as head coach of the Golden Jaguars senior men’s programme at a press conference held at the National Training Centre, Providence.
Shabazz, who recently resigned from the post of St. Lucia men’s head-coach on August 25, replaces Marcio Maximo.
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.
SS: Should this be viewed as a step in the right direction or a stop gap appointment until another suitable and long term appointment is made?
SC: “I don’t think this should be seen as a stop gap at all, I think in Shabazz’s last tenure, everybody was saddened and disappointed when he departed. Everyone was absolutely gutted because he gave many players opportunities and he created history with this nation. I don’t think this should be seen as a stop gap, I think this should be seen as progress and getting back to where we need to be. I think this is an integral acquisition from the GFF that will take the program forward. Everyone is very much excited and looking forward to working with Jamaal again.
“I think Jamaal knows the players, he understands the culture and he knows the potential that this programme can fulfill. With the players we now have within our roster, we have a fantastic opportunity now to blend experience with the great youth that we have coming up locally and overseas. I think Jamaal’s probably the best coach that I have ever worked with throughout my time in the national team and everyone is looking forward to working with him again.”
SS: Similarly, do you think the GFF should have opted for a different individual, maybe a former player who has undertaken the requisite certification in an effort to bring a new dynamic to the programme?
SC: “This is the best decision that could be made in a time where I feel the national programme and the senior men’s side probably lost its identity within the last two years. I think with the experience that Jamaal possesses, I think this is the best possible choice the GFF could have made. Knowing Jamaal as a man, as a professional, he will be doing his utmost to get the programme back to where it needs to be. Now with that there will be plenty of opportunity for players and coaches alive to assist, help out and join his technical team. I think it’s the right decision at this time, it gives people a breath of fresh air and new opportunity under a new regime.”
“I think what you get with Jamaal is a man that eats, sleeps and breathes football. A man that understands the culture, a man that loves Guyana that will do the best for the nation. A proper football man, a proper coach, a proper football manager and a top human being. That is what we need at this point. I just feel Jamaal is the best possible decision at this point. There is no hidden agenda with Jamaal, he is out there to give Guyana the best opportunity possible to compete on the world stage.”
