GFF ‘ends contractual engagement’ with Jamaal Shabazz

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will search for a new Head Coach for the senior men’s national team, the Golden Jaguars, after it announced Wednesday that it has “ended contractual engagement” with Trinidadian Jamaal Shabazz.

This comes after the Golden Jaguars’ winless run since their promotion to League A of the Concacaf Nations League.

A section of the press had previously reported the “GFF asked the coach to resign from the programme.”

In a recent press engagement, GFF President Wayne Forde did not refute or confirm the report’s accuracy.

In September 2021, Shabazz returned to lead the Golden Jaguars for an unprecedented fourth time.

Shabazz had previous stints with the national team from 2005 to 2009, 2011 to 2012 and 2015 to 2016.

The immediate focus for the GFF will be the Concacaf Play-In matches on November 15 and 19 against Barbados.

SEE PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION:

“GFF announces departure of Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to announce that it has ended its contractual engagement with Mr. Jamaal Shabazz, Head Coach of the Guyana Golden Jaguars, the national senior men’s football team. Under Coach Shabazz’s leadership, the Golden Jaguars reached significant milestones that will resonate for years to come.

His tenure saw the team earning promotion from League B to League A in the CONCACAF Nations League, among other achievements that have elevated Guyana’s football reputation regionally and internationally.

The GFF extends heartfelt gratitude to Coach Shabazz for his dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment to advancing Guyana’s football.

His work has not only strengthened the national team but has also inspired countless young players and fans across the country.

Looking ahead, the GFF is dedicated to building upon the foundation laid during Coach Shabazz’s tenure.

We are actively seeking new leadership to guide the Golden Jaguars towards achieving our established goals in the next phase of the programme.”