Haynes embraces national football manager’s role

Renson Haynes, who was last week announced as the interim manager of the St Vincent and the Grenadines senior men’s football team Vincy Heat, is embracing his new role with gratitude.

Haynes, a former national footballer, told SEARCHLIGHT on Tuesday, that he welcomes the appointment.

“It is something that is not new to me, but it is something that I am grateful for, (as) the federation has basically put their trust in me,” Haynes commented.

Haynes feels that his management of events and other experiences have prepared him for the task ahead.

“It is something I have great experience, from the end of things as a player and with me being the head of things with the LOC ( Local Organising Committee) in New York, when St Vincent (and the Grenadines) played the USA in the USA in 2015… in terms of my management experience, I have been there,” Haynes reasoned.

Haynes became the interim manager following the sudden resignation of Rohan Thomas Jr., who parted company in that capacity with St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation on February 8, after two years in the post.

Ready and up to the task, Haynes noted that he plans to put the players’ well-being at the top of his list.

“My first and foremost thing is the well-being of the players… That is my number one thing… I will do what I have to do as the manager to make sure that I do things above and beyond in that regard,” Haynes promised.

Haynes’ first care of business will be put the management machinery in place for the team, as they prepare for two upcoming matches in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Vincy Heat face Curacao in Curacao on March 25 and take on the British Virgin Islands, March 31.

The squad of local players was expected to begin a live-in camp from yesterday (Thursday) at the Technical Cenre at Brighton, with the on-field training taking place at the Victoria Park.

The squad, released two weeks ago, has Erel Hector of Avenues United; Josh Stowe, Jeoval Morgan, Mark Browne and Marlon Simmons, from Bequia United.

Also named were Nigel Charles – Camdonia Chelsea, Dwaine Sandy -Glenside Ballblazers; Terrason Joseph and Zidaine Sam of Jebelle, Oryan Velox of Layou, while Jadiel Chance, Khalique Bowens, Kurtland Williams were selected from North Leeward Predators.

BESCO- Pastures have two selectees in Derron Hamlet and Jahva Audain, with Jomal Yorke Sion Hill’s lone selectee. Kizani Haynes, Garwin Davis, Javid Sutherland, Kishawn Johnny, Azinhno Solomon, Ted Roberts and Renson Sayers, who are from System Three, complete the list of local players.

Some overseas-based players are expected to join the selected players from the local training squad who will travel to Curacao.