Brazilian is MBU’s new Red Stripe Premier League coach

WESTERN BUREAU:

Brazilian Leonardo Neiva will assume duties as head coach of at Montego Bay United (MBU) Football Club.

However, his association with the club will be short and hopefully successful, said club owner Orville Powell.

Neiva, who was in attendance at the club's Wespow Park home game in the Red Stripe Premier League on Sunday against the University of the West Indies (UWI FC), will take charge in the team's match this Sunday.

His appointment marks the fifth foreign coach and the second Brazilian to hold down the top coaching position at MBU, which recently parted ways with American Timothy Hankinson.

"He is here for the remainder of the season, but the goal is the same, and that is to win us back the Premier League title," Powell said.

"This was never meant to be permanent, as from the beginning, it was understood that he would be in charge of the team until the season ends," Powell added.

EXPERIENCE AN ASSET

Powell told The Gleaner that he was in negotiations with another candidate on a permanent basis, but feels that Neiva's extensive coaching experience will be an asset.

Neiva has coached in his native Brazil after calling it quits on his playing career to concentrate on coaching. He has also coached in Bahrain, Zimbabwe and Asia.

"Irrespective of who is our coach, we have one aim, and that is to become champions and to dominate the sport, so I believe Neiva will do a good job given the time he has to work here with us," Powell stated.

MBU are currently second in the League standings on 25 points, trailing leaders Portmore United (27 points) after 13 matches.