Former US captain named new Guyana football coach

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

FORMER UNITED States World Cup captain Thomas Dooley has been appointed head coach of the Guyana senior men’s national team.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) made the announcement on Friday, marking the end of a 10-month long search for a replacement following the departure of Jamaal Shabazz in October 2024.

The 64-year-old Dooley, a former defender and defensive midfielder earned 81 caps for the United States and captained the team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

He was inducted into the US National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010 and helped lead the USA to the round of 16 in the 1994 World Cup.

Dooley also represented Bayer Leverkusen during his professional playing career and holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest global certification in football coaching.

He also has experience in Germany’s Bundesliga, Major League Soccer (MLS), and US youth development.

GFF president Wayne Forde said he was delighted to have Dooley at the helm of the Golden Jaguars.

“I am delighted to welcome coach Dooley to the GFF family. He joins us at the beginning of a new cycle for the senior men’s national team programme and has the opportunity to introduce his coaching philosophy and build a strong technical staff around him.

“As a highly qualified Gaffer with years of experience, he brings a full set of tools and expertise for the change in direction we would like to see. He will have our complete support, and I look forward to meeting with him in the coming weeks to chart a new course for our beloved Golden Jaguars programme,” Forde said.

Meanwhile, Dooley said he was eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to coach a “talented” group of footballers.

“I am truly honoured and excited to take on the role of head coach for the Guyana national team.

“I have been deeply impressed by the talent and potential of this group of players, and I firmly believe they can achieve even greater heights with the right mindset, attitude, and sense of responsibility,” Dooley said.

“There is a bright future ahead for this team, and I am eager to work closely with the players, coaching staff, management, media, and fans to unlock that potential.

“Together, we can write new and inspiring chapters in Guyana’s football story, driven by a shared passion and commitment to excellence,” he added.