New football 'boss' for JFF

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Brazilian Walter Gama was announced as the new technical director of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) yesterday.

Captain Horace Burrell, president of the JFF, made the announcement during a press conference at the federation's head office in New Kingston.

Gama, who is due here next week, will be assisted by three of his countrymen, Alfredo Montesso, Luciano Gama and Joao Brigatti.

Burrell announced that all four coaches will be given a three-year contract, with a combined salary of US$50,000 per month.

"They are very qualified, they have knowledge of Jamaica, some of them, and all in all, I think it is going to be a very big boost to our football development," he said.

seeking support

Burrell added that his administration would be seeking support from corporate Jamaica to help fund the salary of these coaches.

"I am not too worried about sponsorship for these coaches right now. We already have some funds from FIFA, which could sustain these coaches for at least six months, and hopefully, within this time that we will get some sponsors and we will be able to continue with the programme," Burrell said.

Gama is no stranger to Jamaica, as he was an assistant coach to Rene Simoes, during the Reggae Boyz's 1998 World Cup campaign.

Alfredo Montesso, who has also had stints as a physical trainer with the senior team from as early as the 1998 World Cup campaign, will now be an assistant coach to Theodore Whitmore with the senior team. He will also be in charge of the Jamaica's Under-23 Olympic team.

Luciano Gama, who is the son of Walter, will take charge of the men's Under-20 team while Brigatti will be goalkeeper coach.