Boxhill's bombshell - Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss will not seek re-election in November published: Friday | August 10, 2007
Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
The much anticipated showdown between the incumbent Crenston Boxhill and the former president seeking re-election, Captain Horace Burrell, for the presidency of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) on November 4, 2007, will not take place.
Boxhill, who has held the post since his defeat of the former army man in November, 2003, yesterday made it clear that he will not be seeking re-election for that post.
In an interview with The Gleaner yesterday, Boxhill cited the increased polarisation of the country's football and the unlevel playing field, with contender Burrell "compromising the process" by his sponsorship of a number of parish associations as major reasons for him to step aside.
"I have had consultation with my family and other football interests and taking into consideration among other things, the upcoming qualifiers for both Olympics and World Cup tournament, I have decided that in the interest of Jamaica's football not to participate as a candidate for the post of president," Boxhill told The Gleaner.
"In light of the upcoming congress, I have two major concerns, which I think are important to state publicly. Firstly, and unfortunately I do not believe that this will be a level playing field. The sponsorship of the majority of the parish associations by one of the candidates, to a large extent, will compromise theprocess," Boxhill said referring directly to the Captain's Bakery, owned by Captain Burrell, swarming most of the parish associations with sponsorship.
Boxhill added: 'Secondly, I have always been concerned about the deep divisions in the sport. The current administration has faced the most consistent effort of undermining than any previous administration and it does occupy my mind that if it is going to continue, how realistic it will be to build on the momentum, if at every step of the way one has to be looking over one's shoulders."
In every January since assuming the position, the Boxhill administration faced, previously unheard of, calls for a vote of no-confidence by factions loyal to the Captain. That, according to Boxhill, caused football followers to lose all sense of objectivity and support for the sport, which brought so much unity to a nation upon its historic qualification for the 1998 World Cup in France.
Groundwork
Despite the challenges faced, Boxhill opined that the groundwork has been laid for the programme to rebound, especially after the expected windfall from the 1998 qualifications failed to materialise.
"This is a very exciting time for anyone seeking the position of president of the JFF with among other things, the youth programme beginning to evolve and have an impact. This I believe has set the stage for the relaunching of the national football programme," he said.
"This is a legacy I hope will be followed. Even though the success of the senior programme is essential to the success of the overall programme, in order to be sustainable, remain competitive and in a position qualify continuously for major FIFA tournaments, the base must be strong," he added.
In addition to the focus on the base, Boxhill also spoke of the rise of women's football to ne and expressed the hope that that would continue. The national football academy he said, "despite the many obstacles, will open its doors before year end in an ideal location with immense possibilities".
He also spoke about the federation's new policy of assisting parishes with "financing and development at the parish level, so important in the sustainability of the sport" but most importantly, he expressed the view that that plans for the Back to Africa campaign are on track.
"The Back to Africa campaign will step up in momentum. Some high-quality sponsorship yet to be revealed, that will support, especially the senior programme, but we expect greater interest in the youth programme from sponsors, especially at this time as we continue to bask in the glory of the success of one of our youth teams at the recent Pan Am Games," he said.
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I guess its still better to walk than being booted. Still some very, very interesting times ahead for Jamaica's football administration, mek sure unnu keep unna eye pon the ball. Even the captain is in for an healthy surprise.
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If exposed to truth long enough, one must face its contagious impact. - Senior Analyst
Is this about Burrell vs. anyone or is this a fair and open election with qualified, competent candidates with integrity and a love for Jamaica and it's football programme wanting to move forward?
Did it ever occur to anyone that years ago Boxhill thought he could do a good job in running the programme, hence his bid for election and not to 'oust Burrell' or even to spite him as most believe?
I know this is a dead-dead horse, but is this about Burrell or Jamaica's football? Is this about having a programme or filling a position? Is this about 'who can win' or about standing proud in your colours when ANY (youth, women, men) team hits to field to represent?
Will we ever get to the point where it's not a political 'war' but a sporting programme to support?
Maybe it's just me, but even stating Burrell is in for a surprise is indicative of our view of the programme.
While Lincoln, Jamatl, 'Sass, Karl and others work tirelessly in providing useful info on future prospects, researching facilities, etc. the rest of us just sit in the wings waiting to see when is the next 'touch a button' bout.
Can anyone name the President of the US, Dutch or English Federation? I'm sure all of unu get my point, before unu start come up with some line a reasoning to shut mi down!
I would love to read an article by Sean Williams, Nodley Wright and others about our programme without a line "Horace Burrell, former President of the JFF who was ousted on such-and-such a date".!
We spend more time arguing about 'who going to be in power' than about the programme.
Shatta, when you come back, deal wid di Black on Black issue fi me. Feel free to use any African Country as example in your essay.
<KISS TEET>
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South Floridians for Asafa
The sponsorship of the majority of the parish associations by one of the candidates, to a large extent, will compromise theprocess," Boxhill said referring directly to the Captain's Bakery, owned by Captain Burrell, swarming most of the parish associations with sponsorship.
Quote:
In every January since assuming the position, the Boxhill administration faced, previously unheard of, calls for a vote of no-confidence by factions loyal to the Captain. That, according to Boxhill, caused football followers to lose all sense of objectivity and support for the sport, which brought so much unity to a nation upon its historic qualification for the 1998 World Cup in France.
Given the above quotes by Mr. Boxhill, these are credible reason for him to step down. It's useless trying to make 2 step forward and a man de behind a tear it down with 3 steps.
I respect Boxhill for this move, he put the country first rather than ego and power.
Finally, there needs to be an ammendment to the JFF constitution that preclude any sponsor to be affiliate to it's body, P-E-R-I-O-D.
Ah Captain, nuh tink sey yu ago just waltz in ah keep up the sed ALMSHOUSE from the past. Like CNN, wi watching YU!!
It does not matter who is president. As long as Burrell is on the outside looking in, there will always be destabilization in the ranks. This guy just won't go away. The reason why our presidency is so political as compared to say the USA is that they made it so by being too vocal, upstart and arrogant at times. Hence drawing attention to themselves rather than the program.
I hope the next president will learn a lot of lessons and do things (administratively) quietly behind the scenes and let the TD take the reigns. Stop traveling with the team and confuse the hell out of the players and coaching staff. Being diplomatic while efficient is the key.
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Big Mountain, agree 10000%, we need a good adminstrator. If he wants to save travel money, only travel when our teams reaches the finals of any competition.
"I categorically deny any and all rumours that I'm running for the post of President of the Jamaica Football Federation", the West Coast Ras announced in a telephone conversation a few minutes ago. When this reporter asked why was there a need to make this announcement, the Ras had this to say:
"Have you ever seen those athletes state that they are not going to another team?". Yes, but then they eventually move. At which point I heard a muffled laugh at the other end of the line.
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South Floridians for Asafa
I guess its still better to walk than being booted. Still some very, very interesting times ahead for Jamaica's football administration, mek sure unnu keep unna eye pon the ball. Even the captain is in for an healthy surprise.
I hope to goodness you're right. Definitely do not want to revert. I shall pray.
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Obama/Biden 2012 - We need people who actually think in charge, though they should learn to lead!
Boxhill, who has held the post since his defeat of the former army man in November, 2003, yesterday made it clear that he will not be seeking re-election for that post.
Will he put his name on the ballot for another position?
"I have had consultation with my family and other football interests and taking into consideration among other things, the upcoming qualifiers for both Olympics and World Cup tournament, I have decided that in the interest of Jamaica's football not to participate as a candidate for the post of president," Boxhill told The Gleaner.
Who are these other football interests? Will these "Interests" put forth a canidate for the presdency or a full slate of nominees.
My take on this is that Boxhill is either giving the "Interests" time to formulate a plan or if no one put their hat in the ring he comes back and says the some "Football interests" tell him things are going in the right direction and to run is the best thing for Jamaica Football.
