The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has ended its “contractual engagement” with Golden Jaguars head-coach and Trinidad and Tobago native Jamaal Shabazz for the fourth time, according to a press statement from the entity.
According to the correspondence, “Under Coach Shabazz’s leadership, the Golden Jaguars reached significant milestones that will resonate for years to come. His tenure saw the team earning promotion from League B to League A in the CONCACAF Nations League, among other achievements that have elevated Guyana’s football reputation regionally and internationally.”
The GFF thanked Shabazz for his dedication and commitment to the programme, noting that his tenure not only improved the national setup but inspired countless players and supporters across the nation.
The GFF correspondence came on the wake of an earlier article from Stabroek Sport which hinted at the possibility of Shabazz exiting the role.
The release, which did not disclose who will replace Shabazz in the interim, further stated, “Looking ahead, the GFF is dedicated to building upon the foundation laid during Coach Shabazz’s tenure. We are actively seeking new leadership to guide the Golden Jaguars towards achieving our established goals in the next phase of the programme.”
Meanwhile, Shabazz, following his departure, said, “I accept the decision of the GFF to go in a new direction. However, the finer details of my package has not been finalized. The GFF, with a hint of arrogance, has outline what they will put (in place), but this is not in keeping with the contract and fair play. Notwithstanding that small matter, I want to thank the GFF for the period that we worked together.”
He further said, “However, I am not saying goodbye to Guyana. I will continue to live and work in Guyana, and I intend to play a role in the social and political development of the country. I have children and grandchildren in Guyana. I have Guyanese children and grandchildren in Guyana, and Guyana is my home. I don’t have to be the national coach for Guyana to be my home, because it already is.”
Shabazz was appointed for his fourth stint in charge of the senior men’s programme in September 2021 during a press conference held at the National Training Centre, Providence.
Under the stewardship of Shabazz, Guyana made their debut in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League following a perfect 5-0 record in Group D of League B. The Guyanese defeated Antigua and Barbuda [5-1, 6-0], the Bahamas [3-2], and Puerto Rico [3-1, 3-1] to secure their place in the upper echelons of regional football.
Unfortunately, Guyana was also relegated from League A following a record of three losses [3-1, 5-1 Suriname, 3-1, Guatemala] and a draw [2-2, Martinique]. In 2024, Guyana sports an unenviable record of seven defeats, two wins, and a draw under Shabazz.
Overall, in 27 official matches since his reappointment, Shabazz sports a record of 12 wins, 12 losses, and three draws, according to the digital football database ‘Transfer Markt’.
The former Caledonia AIA manager, who has been at the helm of the national setup on three previous occasions (2005-2008, 2011-2012, and 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, also qualified for the CONCACAF semi-finals of the World Cup qualifying campaign for the first time in its history.
Guyana is slated to face off against Barbados in a home and away series as part of the CONCACAF Play-In tournament for a place in the Gold Cup Prelims. Guyana will travel to Barbados for the first leg on November 15th, before hosting the return fixture four days later at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
