Now more qualified, Lewis moves to Portmore

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Armed with his National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) premier diploma, which is equivalent to an 'A licence', Calvin Lewis has joined the Portmore United Football Club coaching staff.

Lewis will need to use all of his knowledge and expertise to help his new club out of their current position, which sees them languishing at the bottom of the 12-team Digicel Premier League (DPL) standings on 27 points after going down 1-0 to Arnett Gardens and 2-0 against Harbour View, in their most recent matches.

Portmore are three points behind Arnett, Sporting Central Academy and Rivoli United, whereas August Town and Humble Lion, with 31 points each, and Village United, on 33, are also well within reach.

Lewis, however, believes Portmore United just need to get it right in front of goal.

"Portmore is a quality team. Right now it is just in front of the goal that we are really lacking, so we are doing some intense work right now in front of the goal because what we need to concentrate on is getting the ball in the back of the net," said Lewis.

Intense course

Lewis, who resigned from Arnett Gardens after returning from Fort Lauderdale where he undertook the six-day course, joined the Portmore United team at the beginning of the year.

"It was an intense 50-hour coaching course which ran for six days. It prepared you that you can coach at the national level and because of my results, they have recommended me to do a masters coaching course," said Lewis. "The Masters coaching course will be for one year and will include trips to European countries," he added.

The course consisted of five areas field practices, field practices session, match analysis, match analysis system and an oral examination.

Lewis got distinction in the three latter areas and good passes in the other two.

"The course has helped me to look at the game in a much bigger picture now because most coaches watch the ball, but I have learnt to watch the shape of the team," he said.

The police sergeant, who also coaches Police National was set to go on a three-weeks stint with England's Crystal Palace at the end of March, but that move is now in doubt as the club is in administration.