LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Technical director 'Bora' Milutinovic (right) shares a light moment with Jamaica Football Federation president Crenston Boxhill (centre) and general secretary, Burchell Gibson, at the Jamaica Pegasus yesterday. The occasion was to officially announce Bora as coach and technical director. - ricardo makyn

Jamaica's new head coach and technical director of football Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic declared that he's a realist, not a magician, and that the country's qualification to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will require the efforts of the entire nation.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) confirmed yesterday what had been known for weeks, that Bora, as he prefers to be called, would lead Jamaica's World Cup qualifying campaign. He had officially been acting as head coach as he recently returned from trips to Asia where he was securing matches for the Reggae Boyz, and England, where he met with several English-based players.

Salary unconfirmed

What the JFF did not confirm, however, was the coach's salary, reported to be US$4 million for a four-year contract.

When Bora addressed the media and sponsors at a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus yesterday, he was sober in his delivery and stayed away from superfluous plans and expectations. In his unconventional manner, he even began speaking before he reached the podium and stated, "I don't have a speech".

He then responded to the representatives of some of the sponsors who had earlier referred to him as "The best man" and the "Magician".

"I am no magician," said the 62-year-old Serb. "I just love soccer. Soccer is my life. I have a passion for the game and I have a passion to share my knowledge of the game."

'The Magician'

Bora was of course being hailed as a magician because of his unprecedented feat of qualifying five different countries for the World Cup. 'The Magician' is also one of his nicknames.

JFF president Crenston Boxhill said he was always impressed with Bora's international accomplishments and his knowledge of the CONCACAF region, having coached the USA, Honduras and Mexico.

"We are also happy that he agreed to work with local coaches for the first two years, and this was key in us choosing him," said Boxhill.

Bora is scheduled to have a familiarisation meeting with several local coaches this afternoon, but Boxhill noted that the coach has already suggested his assistant.

"He has been impressed with one particular coach and referred him to the federation," Boxhill pointed out.

Bora is aiming for his sixth World Cup and believes he will get there. The last time he was here, Bora watched several matches in the high school competition and the National Premier League and yesterday pointed out that Jamaican footballers' greatest quality is their speed.

Realistic quest

He said in the country's quest for qualification, however, it must be practical.

"We need to be realistic. Mexico is the strongest, the USA a little bit less. So we have to fight for the third spot with eight or so teams," he said.

"But we can do it and the people need to believe in the coach, everyone must work hard and everyone must be committed."

"I want to go to my sixth World Cup. I remember when Jamaica qualified in 1997, the Reggae Boyz, the people, everyone was so happy," added Bora who was coach of Mexico at the time when Jamaica drew 0-0 with Mexico at the National Stadium to qualify for the 1998 World Cup in France.

Bora said this time he is looking to celebrate a World Cup qualification with Jamaica in October 2009.

As the JFF welcomed Bora, it paid respects to the two past local national coaches, Wendell Downswell and Carl Brown. Boxhill thanked Brown for his unconditional commitment to Jamaica's football saying, "At a time when the programme needed direction, Carl answered the call", referring to the three-month period Brown filled in as an interim until the JFF found a full-time coach.

And in paying tribute to Downswell, the president hinted that the Reno coach could be back in the national programme.

"One is certain that you will have a role to play in the future," said Boxhill.