Donaldson denies it
Former Reggae Girlz head coach says he is not supporting Anderson presidency bid
Published:Wednesday | October 18, 2023 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FORMER REGGAE Girlz coach Lorne Donaldson has denied allegations that he is supporting Raymond Anderson’s candidacy for the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) presidency.
Donaldson, who was seen with the JFF vice president at the Bell/Ziadie football memorial at St George’s College on Monday, where he was an honouree, was in deep dialogue and taking pictures with the candidate, sparking wild rumours.
It left many to assume that Donaldson, who did not have his contract renewed by the current Michael Ricketts administration, was throwing his support behind the challenger.
However, Donaldson insists this was not the case.
“No. It’s just casual stuff. Mr Anderson said ‘hi’ and we just talked a little bit. We didn’t even talk anything about football.
“I know Mr Anderson. I can’t walk away from the man and don’t talk. It was just a conversation about the event going on here,” said Donaldson.
He insists he will leave the presidential race up to those with the power to decide the ballot.
“I will let the public decide that. I can’t too comment on the changes and all that. But I will let the public decide and the people who vote,” he stated.
Even though he and Anderson have family connections, he said will be looking on as a neutral.
“A lot of people don’t know but I will make this public news, that Mr Anderson is married to one of my cousins. So we were just taking a picture to send to my cousin in Canada. So it’s a family thing. It had nothing to do with football. I just want to see football flourish. That is my only wish,” he said.
Donaldson, one of four honourees at the Bell/Ziadie football memorial, was pleased to see the turnout in support of the two past local football heroes.
“This (event) means more than I thought it would. I knew ‘Jackie’ (Bell) and (Nick) Ziadie. I watched them play. (Cornell) ‘Granny’ Marshall, ‘Webber’ (Calvin Stewart). Some great players before me and some with me. So it means a lot that (Clive) ‘Busy’ Campbell has done this for the last 38 years.
“When you look at the atmosphere you can see some real footballers. What I call genuine footballers out there and that is the love of the game and we have to cherish that.
“Some people I haven’t seen in years since I played for Cavalier and a lot of these guys are out here supporting this thing (event). It means a lot that these guys come out and support the honourees and I think it is great and a fantastic event,” he said.