Golden Jaguars’ new head coach plans to make impact
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, June 7, 2018
Local football is expected to soar to new heights as the Golden Jaguars’ new Head Coach Michael Johnson looks to make a tremendous impact on the sport.
Johnson, the most qualified coach to lead the Golden Jaguars team, said he is impressed with the level of football displayed by players and is excited to have the opportunity to guide them further.
The former Jamaica international and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Pro-License holder added that he believes that working along with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), “something special can be achieved.”
“I have watched the games, Mexico, Jamaica, the team (Golden Jaguars) is a good team that needs a little guidance, a little direction and that is why I am here because I really believe we can achieve something”, Johnson noted.
The next major qualifying tournament for the Golden Jaguars is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, in 2019. Johnson stressed the importance of achieving positive results and successfully qualifying for major tournaments.
“I will start working with them (players) as soon as we can, to begin focusing on what they need to do to improve day in, day out; not just on the field but also off the field… I believe the achievable will start to happen”, he underscored.
The new coach plans to announce the names of the persons who will comprise his support staff, including an assistant and a goalkeeping coach among others. Additionally, Johnson will focus his attention on the senior and youth football locally.
President of GFF Wayne Forde said that the move to have recruited Johnson is strategic to improving and professionalising local football. He opined that the process has to begin at the youth level.
“We wanted someone that will come into our national set up and have some input as to what we are doing at the youth level as well. No doubt, we have had a disciplined focus on youth football development over the years. Much of what we are doing is a work in progress but it will evolve and develop over time”, Forde explained.
Johnson was the standout candidate from among more than 200 applications received from all over the world.
By: Isaiah Braithwaite.
Image: Shane Clement.