JFF general secretary bats for Busby
Published:Monday | May 13, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
The reappointment of Hubert Bubsy Jr as Reggae Girlz head coach has raised questions after he went under a cloud following allegations of sexual misconduct in 2021.
However, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) general secretary Dennis Chung contends that Bubsy was cleared of all allegations and should not suffer because of an accusation someone made.
“Anybody can make an allegation against anybody, but the fact of the matter is that we live in a society where you are innocent until proven guilty,” Chung told The Gleaner.
“Do you convict somebody for an allegation that was not proven? You cannot do that. There has to be evidence that something was done. If something arises that points to that evidence then certainly, JFF will act, as it has done in the past,” Chung said.
In November 2021, the allegations of sexual misconduct were made by former Vancouver Whitecaps player Malloree Enoch while Bubsy coached the Whitecaps between 2010 and 2011.
Days after, he was suspended by the JFF. However, Busby denied the allegations, and Chung pointed out that the coach underwent a thorough investigation and nothing was proven against him.
He noted also that time has passed and the JFF technical committee decided to revisit the former coach’s record with the team before recommending him for rehire.
“It has been over two years, and it is not something we would have done without due diligence.
“The technical committee decided to look at it, and based on his performance and his relationship with players, the technical committee made a decision and made a recommendation to the board.
“We think he’ll give them the proper technical guidance as we have seen before.
“He is very knowledgeable, and the technical committee looked at it and is convinced that he can do the job,” Chung said.
Interim coach Xavier Gilbert will resume his role as assistant coach, and Chung added that the federation was indebted to the Arnett Gardens coach for his service during a very torrid period, where the senior Girlz were at odds with the federation and temporarily withdrew their services during a dispute over money.
“The JFF is very grateful to Xavier for stepping into that acting role when we needed it. At a time when JFF needed him to act, he acted, and we are very grateful. Xavier performed fairly well but during that time, the technical committee was doing their assessment,” he commented.
Bubsy will have his first appointment as coach when the Girlz take on Brazil on June 1 and 4 in Brazil, however, he will have to do so without ace striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who is currently injured.
Nevertheless, Chung added that it was good for the coach to have a full complement of players from which to choose.
“The aim is the 2026 Gold Cup and 2027 World Cup, and we have ensured that everybody is available for selection,” the JFF general secretary said.