Sat | Nov 23, 2024

Gilbert still part of Frazsiers Whip’s Caribbean Cup plans

Published:Monday | June 10, 2024 | 12:09 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Xavier Gilbert
Xavier Gilbert

HAVING GUIDED Frazsiers Whip to their first Jamaica Women’s Premier League title in 2023, veteran local coach Xavier Gilbert says his love for the club means he has to find ways of helping them, especially given their bow in the Concacaf Women’s Caribbean Cup this year.

Gilbert had announced his departure from the club in March, citing the workload at Arnett Gardens and the Reggae Girlz senior team.

Despite that workload though, Gilbert is now taking on the role of technical director. Frazsiers Whip’s head coach is Everald Campbell.

“I still assist from a far as I’m the technical director, adviser and provide some level of assistance when it comes on to the team with my expertise,” said Gilbert.

The reigning champions are in preparation mode ahead of the Women’s Champions Cup, set to kick off on August 20. Gilbert believes the competition will provide a tough challenge for Frazsiers Whip.

“They’re excited, however, it will be tough for us in the tournament. We have a lot of young players and while the exposure will be good for them, when you look at level of the team compared to the other teams, it’s going to be a stretch for sure. A lot of players will be going to college, which starts in August, and that also will pose some challenge, so I’m expecting it to be tough,” said Gilbert

Frazsiers Whip were drawn in group A of the tournament alongside the likes of Gotham, Tigres, Monterrey and Alajuelense.

As technical director, Gilbert said a part of the preparation will be monitoring all that his opponents have to offer.

“You have to know what your opponent has to offer and that will determine how you’ll prepare and the tactics that you deploy in each game will be crucial,” said Gilbert.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com