KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Soccer Federation (JFF) has moved swiftly to fill the sudden emptiness on the helm of the nationwide senior males’s group, saying Rudolph Speid because the interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz, following the resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren earlier this week.
The announcement got here Friday afternoon after what sources say was an emergency assembly on the JFF headquarters, the place two candidates had been interviewed for the put up. Speid, one of many shortlisted contenders, obtained the nod and can formally take cost from December 15, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
The JFF additionally confirmed that discussions are at present underway with the agent of Miguel Coley, the previous Reggae Boyz assistant coach who’s now based mostly in Iraq. Coley, understood to be the second candidate interviewed on Friday, is being thought-about for the assistant coach function.
Speid isn’t any stranger to the nationwide programme, having served as technical advisor for the Reggae Boyz over the past 4 months beneath McClaren. McClaren abruptly resigned on Tuesday following Jamaica’s disappointing 0–0 draw with Curaçao, a outcome that value the group computerized qualification for the FIFA World Cup and triggered widespread backlash from followers and analysts.
A revered determine in native soccer, Speid is finest identified for remodeling Cavalier FC into one of many island’s high golf equipment — capturing three Jamaica Premier League titles within the final 4 years and lifting the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
His interim tenure will instantly throw him into high-stakes strain, as he leads Jamaica into the Inter-Confederation Playoffs in March — the Boyz’ ultimate shot at qualifying for subsequent yr’s World Cup. Jamaica will first face New Caledonia of Oceania within the semi-finals. A victory would earn them a spot within the decisive ultimate towards DR Congo, with the winner securing a coveted ticket to the worldwide match.
With time brief and expectations excessive, all eyes at the moment are on Rudolph Speid as he steps into the new seat to maintain Jamaica’s World Cup dream alive.
