German hired as Jamaica's new head coach

Kingston (Jamaica), July 19 (IANS/CMC) The former head coach of the African nation of Cameroon, Winfried Schafer, is the man handed the responsibility of reviving Jamaica's bid to qualify for next year's football World Cup in Brazil.

Schafer, a German with a wealth of international experience, was introduced to the local public during a news conference here Thursday, reports CMC.

Schafer, who coached Cameroon at the 2002 World Cup Finals and led the west Central Africa nation to the African Cup of Nations title the same year, said Jamaica can salvage their fading campaign.

"We cannot make any mistakes and we have to change our mentality, we have to have the mentality to win. I go to win not for a draw," said the former Bundesliga coach.

"We have key matches against Costa Rica and Panama and we are going to need good preparation to win these matches, and we have a good chance to atleast make the play-offs."

Schafer has been offered a five-month contract which has taken effect as Jamaica prepares to resume its campaign with its next World Cup qualifying match away to Panama.

The 'Reggae Boyz' are currently at the bottom of the CONCACAF six-team group on two points from six games and with four matches remaining, but still have an outside chance of finishing in the top four.

"What we need is 100 percent fitness, tactical discipline and 100 percent motivation," said Schafer.

"I will select players that are proud to play for Jamaica. First of all these players must be happy to wear the shirt of their country".

Jamaica has been without a head coach after Theodore Whitmore resigned following their 0-2 defeat to Honduras which left them with a slim chance of qualifying for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

--IANS/CMC

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