DESPITE being absent from the sidelines and training for the past three weeks, former National Under-20 coach Donovan Duckie is still the coach of Waterhouse, says Ricky Chin, president of the Drewsland-based club.

Speaking to journalist after his team's 2-1 win over Tivoli Gardens in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) on Sunday, Chin, said the under-pressure coach was presently on sick leave but is expected to return to work soon.

"This is the third week (since he's been absent)... after the Sporting Central game he called as said that he wasn't feeling well. The chairman and myself spoke with him and gave him some time off, but told him to report on the 19th," Chin disclosed.

"However, he called on the 19th saying he got a report from his doctor that he was not in the best of health, so we gave him a further two weeks," he said.

Problems for the former St George's and Portmore United coach started after just one win and five points from their first five matches.

However, since his absence, the Drewsland club has actually fared better under interim coach Junior Francis and assistant Marcel Gayle, garnering seven points from their last four matches with just one defeat.

However, Chin said they are just hoping their coach gets well soon so he can assume his responsibilities with the club.

"We expect him to be back soon... we just want him to get well," he said.