THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is yet to name a head coach for the Senior Men’s National football team (Golden Jaguars), but at least we know two applicants who did not get the job – former national captains Christopher Nurse and Kayode McKinnon.

“We decided to submit an application based on conversations I’ve had with senior executives in FIFA and CONCACAF who championed the notion of countries giving their young people opportunities in coaching,” Nurse told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview, after receiving an email from the GFF, stating that his joint application with McKinnon was rejected.

“When I saw the job specifications I did not contemplate applying. In fact, I was surprised at the high specifications, based on the financial restraints the federation has when it comes to finances. The job specification asked for Pro Licences coaches and those are a premium and demand six figures salaries and we cannot afford that in Guyana football.
“We lack facilities and a pro league. A six-figure coach would be madness … the always candid Nurse stressed.

“We received acknowledgment of the receipt of the application. Then there was nothing for six weeks until a follow-up email came to say we were not being considered. By this time rumours had already begun to speculate of the federation reaching out to overseas managers, enticing them to apply despite the deadline being closed already.”

Nurse’s résumé includes US Soccer B Coaching Licence. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Sports Therapy, Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) National Diploma in Sport Studies, Sports Business Institute of Barcelona course in Football Management & Marketing, FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, Open University course in the Business of Football and an FA Course in Talent Identification and Long Term Player Development.

McKinnon, the 38-year-old who turned out 60 times for the ‘Golden Jaguars’, holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘B’ Licences and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Level 5 Diploma (2015).
Both players, who shared equally, every historical moment with the Golden Jaguars, are active coaches in the USA and the United Kingdom; taking up the career after wrapping up their professional playing careers.

Nurse, who last played at Sutton United FC in England’s National League before hanging up his cleats, told Chronicle Sport that having watched former New England Revolution defensive midfield player, Shalrie Joseph, take charge of Grenada’s national programme as head coach and doing so without a lot of senior coaching experience, he was “inspired that players in a similar position to mine and Kayode’s were being given a chance to lead their country.”

“The GFF vision is 2026 World Cup. So the coach needs time to develop and grow; a coach using Guyana as a stepping stone for one or two years looking for something bigger is not going to benefit that 2026 vision. I thought everything was aligning perfectly to give two -minded coaches an opportunity,” Nurse opined.

Nurse, 34, further noted, “It would also demonstrate a career path after playing, to other Guyanese players, and give them more hope to pursue their coaching badges in the twilight of their playing days. I reached out to Mr Forde via email; we had not corresponded for years after a long impasse over financial disputes on behalf of the players.”

“For both of us the greatest achievement would be to coach the country we both captained for so long. I believe the Federation has a technical review committee. I imagine that is inclusive of the technical director, who myself, neither Kayode, ever had a conversation with, so how could a decision be made that we were not suitable to lead the same country we gave so much to as players?”

Asked if he’s bitter for not being considered for the job, the former Puerto Rico FC defensive midfield player reasoned that: “It’s not a problem that the federation chose to go in another direction. What’s concerning is that two former national captains with suitable qualifications when compared to other coaches in the Caribbean region did not even get an interview for the job.”

Nurse believes that the job specification eliminated all Guyanese coaches and the job should first seek to employ a national of Guyana, since it is the Guyana National team. There will be an element of pride and patriotism.

Despite the snub, Nurse said he intends to “support the national programme and wish the best for the players and despite the setback remains committed to helping develop the youth and elevating the way we think and operate around football, both on and off the field in Guyana. I believe that Guyanese football is on the border of a huge transition if we can manage this period of time effectively.”

“Primarily the infighting has to cease and we have to come together as bright minds with a collective purpose to grow and develop football for the next generation and not merely seek to increase our own personal wealth and enhance our CVs,” Nurse reasoned.

Samuel Cox, the current Golden Jaguars captain, joined the growing list of players who are preparing for life after the ‘beautiful game’, when he received his UEFA ‘A’ coaching licence, thus becoming one of the youngest in the Caribbean to move one step closer to the acclaimed UEFA Pro-Licences.