FFB Still Pondering Fate of Head Coach Ian Mork

Ian Mork

Since suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Cuba during the Jaguars’ do or die match in the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, nothing has been heard from head coach Ian Mork.  In the days following Belize’s debut in the annual competition, speculations were that Mork would not be returning to coach the national selection.  Despite calling the Jewel his second home, it is unlikely that Mork will be back to continue his work with the team.  He is currently exploring other options in the United States but will voluntarily assist in raising funds for the Football Federation of Belize.  Today, News Five spoke with F.F.B. President, Ruperto Vicente, about Mork’s fate in Belizean football.

Ruperto Vicente, President, FFB

Ruperto Vicente

“We have not come to a real conclusion about the fate of Mr. Ian Mork.  What I can say to you is that the executive of the federation is still reviewing his terms and conditions with the federation.  But one of the things that I can say to you as well is that the federation is seriously looking at working with local coaches rather than bringing foreign coaches to Belize.  We believe that if we develop our talents from grassroots through our talent schools and engage our young people in competitions, you know, and properly develop them.  The local coaches can then be trained and take these young men to another so that we may not have to be spending all of these monies on foreign coaches.  So, we are more interested in developing coaches and working with our local coaches with our national team.  And, for this reason, we are now sending three coaches to Aruba next week, you know, for training and that’s Mr. Edmund Pandy, who now trains the Belmopan Bandits, as well as Mr. Dennis Serrano, who is still a player but also working with young people, you know.  He was the assistant coach for the U-fifteen team, as well as Mr. Muschamp, who you may now as T-Bone Muschamp, will also be going as a potential coach for our U-fifteen national team.  So we are investing more in local coaches rather than foreign coaches.”

Isani Cayetano

“Speaking of the development of local coaches, where does Charlie Slusher stand in all of this?  I know that you guys had a bit of a contention prior to leaving for the Gold Cup 2013.  Where does he stand now with regards to the relationship with the FFB?”

Ruperto Vicente

“Well Charlie Slusher, as you may be aware, was suspended momentarily by the federation and so, once his situation with the federation and his relationship with the federation improves then we will welcome Charlie Slusher back to the federation and become one of the coaches for our national team as well.”