Brazilian coach Walter Gama has been appointed the new technical director of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and will be joined in the programme by three other Brazilians coaches.

Captain Horace Burrell, president of the JFF, made the announcement during a press conference, which was held in New Kingston yesterday. The other Brazilian coaches are Alfredo Montesso, Luciano Gama and Joao Brigatti.

He said that all four coaches will be given a three-year contract, with a combined salary of US$50,000 per month.

"I am very happy because these are well-educated coaches, who will be coming to Jamaica to assist with the overall development of our football programmes," said Burrell.

"They are very qualified, they have knowledge of Jamaica, some of them, and all in all, I think it is going to be a very big boost to our football development," he said.

Burrell added that his administration would be seeking additional support from corporate Jamaica to help fund the salary of these coaches.

"I am not too worried about sponsorship for these coaches right now because we are negotiating with corporate Jamaica to get sponsors and we have to be optimistic that something with work," Burrell said.

"We already have some funds from FIFA, which could sustain these coaches for at least six months and hopefully, within this time, we will get some sponsors and we will be able to continue with the programme," Burrell said.

He added: "It is great for nation building that we are able to tie things up with these coaches and I am also sure that the Government before long will chip in and give us some much-needed support."

World Cup campaign

Gama, who will be in charge of all the country's football programmes, is no stranger to Jamaica, as he was an assistant coach to René Simoes during the Reggae Boyz 1998 World Cup campaign.

Alfredo Montesso, who has also had stints with the senior team before, as physical trainer, will now be an assistant coach to Theodore Whitmore with the senior team. He will also be in charge of the Jamaica's Under-23 Olympic team.

Luciano Gama, who is the son of Walter, will take charge of the men's Under-20 team, while Brigatti be take up the position as goalkeeper coach.

All four coaches are expected to arrive in the island next week to take up their duties.