Former Reggae Boyz coach considering Chapelton role
Published:Tuesday | January 3, 2023 | 1:13 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Former Reggae Boyz coach Clovis de Oliveira could become a part of the Chapelton Maroons setup soon, if he accepts an offer from the Clarendon-based Jamaica Premier League (JPL) club.
The Brazilian was in the island last week, on an invitation from Chapelton President Michael Scott, viewing club facilities, getting to know players and staff, and reacquainting himself with the domestic game. He said Jamaica is close to his heart and he would like to coach here again.
“I have an invitation from the president of Chapelton to spend time here, seven to eight days, just to see the facilities, know the club and know the kids.
“It was a good pleasure for me. I was very happy to be here after 20 years in this island that I love.
“It is my second homeland. So let’s see, we discussed some things, me and Mikey. It is a project to set up one programme of development for the young boys. So let’s see if it happens,” he told The Gleaner.
De Oliveira, who returned to Brazil on Monday declared that he likes the structure of the club and the direction it wants to go in, but he will take some time before deciding if he will accept a role with the JPL debutants.
“They have a very good idea to make a good structure, to bring up the younger players, because they have a lot of younger players.
“That’s why they have these (bad) results. They have to be patient and take their time, because they have good potential, but they need time to get a bit of experience,” the 68-year-old commented.
“I am not sure what is going to happen, but we’ll talk about it. Tomorrow (Monday) I go back to Brazil, stay there for a while, but will keep in touch with Mike here. If I get a chance I would love to come back to Jamaica and work here again.
“Mike is a very ambitious man, with a good mind and good project for the football of Jamaica.”
The club’s current technical director, Lenworth Hyde, said they could learn a lot from the Brazilian.
“It is a good idea. He is an experienced coach, so we can learn from him. He was here (Jamaica) coaching before, so I know him and wouldn’t have any problem working with him,” he said.
De Oliveira was in charge of the Jamaica national team from 2000-2001. He led the team into the World Cup qualifying campaign for Japan/Korea 2002, but was relieved of his duty the night the team lost 0-1 away to Honduras.
The result forced the team into a must-win game against the USA on US soil a month later, a game they lost 2-1, effectively ending their campaign. The team finished second from bottom.
He also guided the under-17 Reggae Boyz to their first youth World Cup in 1999.
On Sunday, the Brazilian coach was in attendance at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, where Chapelton went down 5-0 to Arnett Gardens. The club now sits eighth in the table with seven points from eight matches.