Donaldson resigns from national women's football programme

Daniel Wheeler, Gleaner Writer

Two months after Hue Menzies resigned as head coach of Jamaica's senior women's football programme, his former assistant coach Lorne Donaldson has also tendered his resignation to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF). 

Donaldson, who was also in charge of the national Under-20 women's programme, has removed himself from all responsibilities with immediate effect citing irreconcilable differences with the leadership of the JFF.

"After careful consideration, I must immediately tender my resignation from all duties associated with the Jamaica Football Federation Women's Program," said Donaldson, in a the letter addressed to JFF president Michael Ricketts. "This decision is primarily based on the questionable integrity and lack of professionalism within the leadership of the JFF."

Donaldson served as Menzies' assistant in Jamaica's historic campaign at last years FIFA Women's World Cup.

Due to Menzies' unwillingness to coach the team due to unpaid salaries, Donaldson stepped in to lead Jamaica's Caribbean Olympic qualifying campaign in late September. Menzies subsequently resigned from the post in December, with the situation unresolved. 

"I’m honored to have served Jamaica’s Football Community for over 45 years and will continue to do so in many capacities. However, I will not in clear conscience continue to work for an organization that blatantly disregard the sacrifices of the coaching staff and the Reggae Girlz. As coaches, we have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, but jointly we successfully led our Women’s Senior Team to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in History. This was a tremendous feat and one for which we should all be incredibly proud.

"I thank the JFF, Hue Menzies and my peers, Reggae Girlz Ambassador, Cedella Marley and the Bob Marley Foundation who were instrumental in bringing financial support and reviving awareness through Social Media about the plight of the Reggae Girlz. I also thank members of the Reggae Girlz Foundation, our many sponsors and the Jamaican supporters worldwide for their unwavering support," Donaldson said. 

"Most importantly, I sincerely thank all members of the Reggae Girlz teams for their dedication and commitment while overcoming adversity in challenging conditions as without them these accomplishments would not have been possible."