Chung ready to take JFF to the next level
Published:Monday | October 24, 2022 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
When Dennis Chung begins his role as the new Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) general secretary on November 1, he will have the gigantic task of improving the management and operations of an administration labelled as incompetent.
However, the highly respected administrator believes he has developed a reputation for turning poorly run organisations around and does not aim to start disappointing people now.
Chung, who will give up his role as JFF finance committee chairman to take up his new job, admitted that there have been challenges with the organisation, but maintains he can help improve the operations of the federation.
“I will not be starting from a position that is rosy, but I take comfort in knowing that I have developed a reputation of turning organisations around in a positive way over the years, and I do not intend to disappoint people now,” he told The Gleaner.
“We want to move away from the negative press we have been getting and therefore, transparency is going to be the order of the day.
“I will speak with everybody in a transparent way and let them feel as if they are a part of football development.”
Though many have praised his appointment as positive, he also has critics who say he does not have the experience required for a national football general secretary.
However, he countered that he had no experience in garbage collection management when he was appointed chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Authority, or in the tyre retread business when he was chairman of Jamaica Ultimate Tyre company.
Nevertheless, he was able to turn the operations of those entities around and made both organisations profitable.
KNOWLEDGEABLE
“Good governance and management is consistent across all organisations. If you do not have the knowledge, you have experienced staff and board members who are very knowledgeable people you can learn from until you have gathered that experience.
“I will interact and be transparent with everyone and I am confident that I will learn it, and with the support of everyone we are going to move football forward,” he continued.
Under the previous general secretary, Dalton Wint, who has left the post after members of the senior men’s football team demanded his resignation, the federation was constantly criticised for its tardy travel arrangements and inept management. Chung intends to hit the ground running, starting with the Reggae Girlz’s two friendlies against Paraguay in November.
“We also have the Cameroon match on November 9 with the Reggae Boyz in Cameroon, and there is the FIFA summit coming up in Qatar for the World Cup, which I will accompany the president on,” he noted.
The former Jamaica Cycling Federation president will first assess the internal situation to see what is required to improve operations, but his ultimate goal is to build confidence in the credibility of the JFF.
“People say things, but I want to ensure I have all the facts. We want to make operations aligned with the constitution.
“I will assess where we want to go, and I will set objectives with the president and the board.”
He noted that the JFF has been clearing most of their outstanding debt recently, but is looking to sponsors and support from FIFA and Concacaf to assist these efforts.
Nevertheless, despite the enormity of the task he faces in this new role, Chung declared he will be giving his all to ensure he lives up to his reputation of turning organisations around.
“An overwhelming majority of the directors voted in favour of this. I am grateful for the support and humbled by it. Therefore, I cannot disappoint. I have to dig in and get things done.
“If we market the football properly and get the proper recognition, then everyone will benefit in full,” he added.