Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Technical Director of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Professor Rene Simoes (right), addresses the media at a press conference in the VIP Lounge on arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport on Saturday. Looking on is JFF President, Captain Horace Burrell. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Newly appointed technical director of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Brazilian Rene Simoes, says he will be paying special attention to the development of youth football during his three-year contract.

Simoes, who was responsible for steering Jamaica to a historic World Cup berth in France 1998, returned for his second stint as technical director and will take charge of the Reggae Boyz as they bid for an appearance in the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

"I am very happy that Tony James is in charge of the Under-17 team because we have to look very seriously at this because in 2012 this team will be playing in the Olympic qualifiers," said Simoes, who was speaking at a press conference upon his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport on Saturday, where he was accompanied by JFF president, Captain Horace Burrell.

"When you are investing in the Under-17 team that means you are thinking, and so I will be very involved with Tony for this venture," Simoes said.

Coaching certification

He also spoke highly of a plan to improve coaching certification with a degree programme, saying those tasked with the responsibility of training teams "... need to think about how they can create better programmes" at all levels.

Simoes also commented on the much-talked-about FIFA Goal Project - the national football academy under construction at Munro Villas.

He said: "If the training centre is for the national team it should be here in Kingston because it makes no sense having it so far away from the National Stadium. If you are going to decide that the training centre is for youth players, then you can put it anywhere."

The position of technical director has been vacant since the new JFF executive terminated the contract of Serbian-born Velibor 'Bora Milutinovic just days after taking office on November 4.

Simoes, who is also a member of FIFA Women's football committee, guided the Brazilian women's team to the silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He also noted that he would be placing a lot of emphasis on women's programmes.

"We can be top of CONCACAF with these girls because what we have here in Jamaica they don't have it in America, which is our technical aspect and the flair of playing football." he said. "We will have to teach them how to read football and how to put their minds to the game," said Simoes, who recently guided Coritiba to the Serie B title and promotion to the top flight of Brazilian football.

He also had high praises for the JFF, regarding its appointments for the new financial committee, which is headed by Leighton McKnight and treasurer Gary Sinclair.

"I cannot see any sponsor putting their money in any country or clubs anywhere in the world that doesn't have any credibility."