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Montego Bay United’s Odain Nish (airborne) eludes a sort out by Harbour View’s Odorland Harding through the Jamaica Premier League soccer match at Montego Bay Sports activities Advanced in St James on Monday, September 23, 2024. (Photograph: Paul Reid)
MONTEGO Bay United (MBU) Chairman Yoni Epstein has expressed his unhappiness over the sudden departure of Head Coach Rodolfo Zapata, a call that has left many followers in western Jamaica surprised. Zapata led the staff to a file of 13 wins, six attracts, and 4 losses of their 23 matches to this point this season.
With MBU sitting third within the standings on 45 factors, trailing league leaders Mount Nice (55 factors) and Arnett Gardens (48 factors), Zapata’s exit comes at a important stage of the season for the membership. Nonetheless, Epstein has made it clear that the membership should transfer ahead.
“It’s a choice that each the coach and the membership really feel is the best one right now,” he stated. “It’s unlucky as a result of we imagine he has executed a extremely good job with the staff to this point. However, generally there comes a second the place adjustments should be made — whether or not in-season or low season — and that is a kind of moments the place Montego Bay has to pivot as a consequence of a mutual choice.”
Whereas acknowledging the affect of Zapata’s departure, Epstein says MBU stay centered on their final aim of profitable the league and qualifying for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
“Choices like these are by no means straightforward however we must regroup and implement plan B. Our assistant coach, Dillon Thelwell, will step in as interim and we might be making additional bulletins quickly concerning who will take over the place completely.”
Though followers could also be shocked by the event, Epstein revealed that the membership was not caught off guard as discussions about Zapata’s future had been ongoing.
“No, it didn’t catch us abruptly as a result of we’re a really concerned group,” he stated. “We meet with our technical employees weekly so we noticed the potential of this occurring. Now we have an awesome relationship with him and the remainder of the technical employees so we perceive what is nice, what wants enchancment, and what’s detached inside our membership.”
Epstein expressed gratitude for Zapata’s contributions, highlighting the progress made below his management.
“He has executed effectively for us,” Epstein stated. “We’re sitting third within the desk, and whereas there’s nonetheless work to do, he has actually made a constructive affect. I’ve thanked him repeatedly for the job he has executed.”
The gamers have been knowledgeable on Friday evening.
“The gamers have been solely made conscious final evening once we knowledgeable them, and whereas they have been a bit shaken, skilled footballers perceive that these items occur,” Epstein stated. “On the finish of the day they play for the badge, no matter who the coach is.”
Regardless of the uncertainty, Epstein firmly believes MBU can nonetheless win the league and obtain its aims.
“In fact Montego Bay can win the league! Our aim is to complete within the high two and safe that bye into the ultimate. We absolutely intend to compete for the championship and earn a spot within the Caribbean Cup.”
Thelwell’s first sport as interim head coach is on Monday night when MBU host Tivoli Gardens at Montego Bay Sports activities Advanced at 7:45 pm.
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