JFF presidential hopeful wants wall of fame for Reggae Boyz
Won’t close doors on return of Donaldson to head coach post
Published:Wednesday | October 18, 2023 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA FOOTBALL Federation (JFF) presidential candidate Raymond Anderson said if elected to office, he will ensure that players and those who have contributed to the development of the sport locally receive the recognition and honour they deserve.
Anderson, who will challenge incumbent Michael Ricketts for the presidency, was in attendance at the Bell/Ziadie football memorial on Monday, where four stalwarts were honoured for their contribution.
He said his administration would host an annual event and established a wall of honour to recognise those who have played their part in the growth of the sport.
“If you do not know where you are coming from, you do not know where you are going. So what we will do is ensure that there is an annual ceremony that will be fitting for the JFF that will highlight past players, administrators and officials who have done a lot of things for football.”
Past JFF administrations have been criticised for not honouring those who have played their part and who have had significant achievements, and Anderson said he hopes to change all that and recognise all the persons of interest over time.
“Because we would have it (ceremony) at the same time every year, over time we might really catch up.
“To ensure that we really catch up, we want to put up a wall of fame that includes all past players, male and female,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anderson would not be opposed to Lorne Donaldson returning as Reggae Girlz head coach.
Donaldson’s contract ended at the end of September and was not renewed by the federation against popular opinion.
“If I am to run the JFF there is no way my door would not be open to all coaches. I would ask my technical staff to ensure that we look at all coaches.
“We want to get the best at a reasonable price, so must have consideration to cost but there is no closing of doors tor any coach,” he said.
“I know there are a lot of cries (for Lorne Donaldson) but as I said there is no closing of doors to any coach. If there is an opening and the coach is willing to apply, there will be a system and the system will take care of that,” he said.