Ollivierre to focus on technical ability

Recently announced technical director of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation Keith Ollivierre sees the improvement of players’{{more}} technical ability as the focal point in the short term during his stint.

Ollivierre, a former national utility player, was listed as the technical director, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines senior men’s team travelled to St Lucia, two weeks ago to participate in group two of the Caribbean Football Cup.

Ollivierre told SEARCHLIGHT of his plans last Friday at the E.T. Joshua airport, as the team returned from its sojourn, in which they placed second behind Guyana.

He said he was more convinced of his focal point and immediate goals after making his observation in St Lucia.

“Basically we have to start from the foundation level, from grass root, primary school come right up, because if we do not do that we would not get anywhere … we just looking down the road to short term, because what I have observed and learn is that our players are not technically sound and that is because they are not taught it over and over as a skill … if we can, maybe do that from the grassroot come right up, it will be easier at the national level … it will be easier for the coach to do his thing,” Ollivierre said.

Happy with his new role in the national football landscape, Ollivierre thinks he can deliver.

“The position I am in gives me a better opportunity to put what I have learnt over the years into practice, so that football in St Vincent and the Grenadines can benefit … I think we can do wonders in terms of football and competing at the regional and if possible the international level,” Ollivierre stated.

“My vision since I have been playing football and coaching is to see St Vincent and the Grenadines win the position for the World Cup finals,” Ollivierre said.

Purposing to remain humble, Ollivierre said “I am not a person who likes to show my face, depending on the position I have and maybe shout … I just want to continue do what I do best and try to take football to a different level.”

Ollivierre replaces Englishman Colwyn Rowe, who resigned in November 2011, following SVG’s unsuccessful participation in the World Cup qualifiers.

Ollivierre is the second Vincentian to be installed in the post. Before him was Sammy Carrington, who had two stints.

A trail of foreign personnel has held the post of technical director of SVG football.

Among the them were Brazilian Jorge Ramos, Jamaican/American Lenny Taylor, Trinidadian Bertille St Clair, Kittian/Englishman Ces Podd, Serbia Montenegro born Zoran Vranes, as well as Jim Conway and Stewart John Hall from England. (RT)