LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Simoes

Former Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) technical director, René Simoes, released what would most likely be his final open letter to the Jamaican public yesterday, a week after he was fired for the poor performance of the Reggae Boyz in the World Cup qualifiers.

As usual, Simoes was philoso-phical in the circumstances which led to his sacking.

"In this moment of goodbyes, I believe it is very important that we make and understand a detailed, humble and sincere analysis of the situation," read the opening sentence. "This has always been my attitude in my personal and professional life; of never accepting wins and losses, success or failure without an analysis and final conclusion."

After easing past The Bahamas in the first round of CONCACAF World Cup qualification, Simoes guided Jamaica to a 1-1 draw with Canada, but then lost 0-3 to Mexico and 0-2 to Honduras. All three games were away.

Selection

Simoes came under pressure not so much for the losses, but the players he selected.

Young, unproven players were selected over experienced professionals and they played true to form on the big stage. It was an experiment that went terribly wrong.

"I'm humbly saying that I failed where I shouldn't have, in the most important aspect of the programme. I am the guilty party," he noted.

Simoes' support staff - Alfredo Montesso, Chico Santos, Walter Gama and Luciano Gama - was also fired.

Simoes returned to Jamaica in January, against the advice of friends, he later admitted, to replace Velibor Milutinovic. With the memories of qualification for the 1998 World Cup indelibly etched in his mind, Simoes said he truly believed it could be done again, but that it would take the effort of the nation as it was 10 years ago.

"My arrival in 2008 was hailed as the return of the messiah, even though I refuted this numerous times, saying that it wouldn't be my return, but a joint effort from everyone that would be responsible for our qualifying again," he stated.

Simoes, who became known for his 'Jesus Saves' T-shirt and his constant emphasis on prayer, said the God factor was missing from the 'Back to Africa' campaign.

"Placing Jesus in the front and in command of the programme again would be the essential factor for success. This was never done," he said. "We never focused on talking about Him. We didn't follow the steps we had taken in the past, creating integration with the needy and offering time and prayer. We trusted that we, or maybe I alone, would be the great architect of our return to the top of the world."

Needed comfort

After the 0-2 loss to Honduras, Simoes returned directly to Brazil, as he said he needed to be with family and friends. He clearly needed comfort after the regretful circumstances under which he left his "second adopted home".

"I'm sorry I couldn't make you happy again, but I hope you understand that, like you, I also make mistakes and I have to learn that life is an eternal learning ground," said Simoes.

"I could try now to give a series of excuses and explanations for you to look at me differently and not lose the admiration you had for me. But, that would be conceit."