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Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts has thrown his support behind handing Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby a contract extension amid the mandated coaching review as Busby nears the end of his contract.
Busby’s contract as Reggae Girlz head coach is set to end on December 31, and Ricketts confirmed that the technical committee is currently reviewing his time in the role following his appointment in May last year.
“The normal process is that an assessment is to be done by the technical committee, and that is being done as we speak. After which, their report will be sent to the JFF, and then based on that report, the JFF will proceed accordingly,” Ricketts explained.
“That is the story with all the national coaches. Once your contract has expired, then the technical committee does its review and then submits a report to the JFF board of directors.”
Since his appointment, Busby has overseen 13 games with a record seven defeats and six wins.
Five of his seven defeats came against teams ranked in the world’s top 10, with the Girlz falling to France, Brazil, England and the United States.
Under his tenure, the Reggae Girlz have improved by three places in the world rankings, moving from 42nd, when he was appointed, and now stand 39th.
They also registered their biggest-ever win in World Cup Qualifying action when they turned back Dominica 18-0 in a dominant display last month.
Ricketts said he believes Busby’s record has earned him a contract extension as the national head coach, but admitted the final say falls with the JFF board of directors, who will make their decision in short order.
“I personally would support a re-signing. I personally would, but it is not my say. I am not the only person who gets to have a say, we also have to meet with the board of directors. But from my own personal perspective, I would give him the role and of course, I would have him re-sign,” the JFF president said.
NO DISRUPTIONS
Ricketts said the process will be handled as quickly as possible, to ensure there are no disruptions to the Reggae Girlz’s preparation as they are currently in the middle of their Concacaf W Qualifiers campaign.
The Girlz sit second in Group B with three points, following an opening win against Dominica.
They trail group leaders Nicaragua on six points, but have played one less game than the Central Americans.
The Girlz are hunting a third consecutive berth to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, following back-to-back appearances in 2019 and 2023.
“His contract expires at the end of the year, so certainly, by the first working day in January, we will be in a position to make an announcement in that regard,” Ricketts confirmed.
“Certainly, the process will be expedited to ensure that we can have continued support and stability for the Girlz.”
When The Gleaner sought to reach out to Busby regarding a possible contract, the head coach had declined to speak on the issue, stating he would only do so following the decision made by the JFF.
This is Busby’s second stint as Reggae Girlz head coach, having previously coached the team from 2020 to 2021.
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