Is there anything we can learn?
Some thoughts from coach Rene Simoes
Jamaica Observer
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Dear Jamaicans,
ON this first contact with you, I'd like to thank all who have showed me support and friendship upon my arrival, and even before I landed on the island.
However, since my arrival, I've heard a few comments that have concerned me. These were loving comments, but dangerous ones considering the arduous job we have ahead of us in order to reach South Africa 2010.
Some of the comments were:
"Simoes is back, now we'll qualify again." "He's the man. Now we have a complete package; Captain Burrell, Horace Reid, and Rene Simoes, We're ready. The messiah is back."
It is obvious that, as a human being with many faults and some egocentricity, these statements make me happy. They are signs that I represent something to some people. But the truth is, that I don't agree with any of these affirmations.
We did not qualify to France '98 due to individual work, nor due to the work of a select few.
Our qualifying for France 1998 was the result of the sum of quality, the incredible Jamaican potential, and the unifying of a nation in the pursuit of a common objective.
Captain Horace Burrell, Horace Reid, the members of the JFF and myself, were only the catalysts of a people and their potential.
The reason I was so worried about all the comments I heard is I am certain I am like the second man in this story. I don't say this to look conceited. This is just the only way I know how to work, and I believe that success only has any value if it is achieved this way.
The first time I came to "Jamaica Land We Love", it was due to Captain Burrell's refusal to take no for an answer. This time around it is different. I wanted to come.
I'm here now because I believe in the Jamaican potential to achieve things when united. I'm here because I believe in the great Jamaican internal strenght, something I'm yet to see in many nations, including my own.
Jamaicans have a hard time working collectively and my experience has shown that this is a cultural aspect.
Jamaicans are brought up to be proud individuals. When I arrived here in 1994, I went to a game and gave an interview in which I said the teams looked like teams of seals. There were eleven on each side, but each player only played for himself like in a circus. I've never seen a seal throw the ball to another.
My first order of business will be assessing and diagnosing Jamaican football's present situation. Then I will draw up a plan with strategies to take us to South Africa in 2010. I think the programme should be called: "Goal: South Africa 2010 and Beyond".
We must create a new Reggae Boyz fever. A few days ago I read an article by my friend, Tony Becca, that worried me. He wrote about the lack of public attendance at sporting events of all types. The sad reality is that if we don't start giving more value to our sports, then we will lose our children and youngsters to computers.
We must go back to playing 25 games a year. This will not only give the team more experience and market value to local players, but it will also turn players into ambassadors for this country that will bring great rewards for the country's entertainment and tourism industries.
When it's time to select players for the various teams, selection will not necessarily be based on the best players, but by the strongest and most suitable for the family.
In order to strenghthen this family spirit, we must have a house for the players. We can renovate the one we already have, and try and get another. We definatly cannot stay in hotels.
Also we will have to make sure that all the administrative departments of the federation work at the highest level of excellence. At this stage, there is no room for administrative mistakes.
I was very happy to hear that Leighton McNight and Gary Synclair would be taking over the financial aspects of the federation. This is a sign that there will be credibility and transparency on our journey.
All the sponsors of the Road to France project collected their dues. All were winners. The performance of some industry employees improved due to their contribution to the programme. The workers felt pride and that improved their performances. This was told to me by a high executive at GraceKennedy. Running a programme of this magnitude does not come cheap, and it is only possible with the co-operation of the private sector. This cannot be the sole responsibility of the government, but their participation is also essential.
It is necessary that the media feel equally responsible for the success or failure of the programme.
May God, in his infinite goodness, fill us with the wisdom and humility to recognise that, with Him, nothing is impossible.
Yours truly,
Rene Simoes
