Howard Walker, Staff Reporter

Milutinovic - file

New technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic's first game in charge of Jamaica could be against Costa Rica early next year at the 'Office' as negotiations are well advanced.

Burchell Gibson, general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), told The Gleaner yesterday that his federation and their CONCACAF counterparts are in discussions.

"We are in discussions and before the week is out we will know," said Gibson.

Wednesday, January 31 or February 4 are the two dates that are being thought of to kick-start Milutinovic's campaign.

Only last Thursday, the JFF officially announced Milutinovic as the person who will lead the Reggae Boyz's Road to South Africa 2010 campaign.

Likewise for Costa Rica, in November Hernan Medfor was appointed head coach, replacing Alexandre Guimaraes.

Losing record

Jamaica, ranked 57, have a losing record against the 68th ranked Costa Rica in 14 meetings. Jamaica have won only three times, lost seven and drawn four.

The last time the Reggae Boyz registered a win against the 'Ticos' was in a 1997 friendly encounter, winning 1-0.

With a poor 2006 behind them, the Reggae Boyz will have to play only friendly games after missing out on the 2007 Gold Cup qualification.

Not until January 2008 when the 2010 World Cup qualifications start will Jamaica be involved in any competitive tournaments.