MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Argentinian Rodolfo Zapata has been hired as the new head coach of Jamaica Premier League club Montego Bay United (MBU).

The club announced the decision on Tuesday.

The much-travelled 58-year-old replaces Brazilian Neider Dos Santos, who was let go at the end of the season despite a strong second half in which the team just missed the playoffs.

MBU were unbeaten in their last 10 games and missed the playoffs on goal difference.

A release from MBU said the club “has been undergoing a transformation with renewed investment in resources, players, and management. The new coach will further strengthen the club’s capabilities as the team vies to win the JPL Championships within the next two years.”

The release also expressed the club’s hope to build on their finish last season.

“Coach Zapata brings extensive football and coaching experience to the team. He has worked across Africa, Latin America, and the US with a keen ability to adapt training programs to the culture of the country,” expressed MBU Chairman Yoni Epstein, CD. “We are looking forward to capitalizing on his commitment to continuity, consistency, and ambition fueled by a winning mindset.”

Zapata began his career as a professional football player in Argentina before earning a coaching degree and moving to North America, where he worked for the USA Olympic Development Program, coaching and identifying young talent for the US national team.

He has been a head coach for some of the biggest clubs in South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, as well as the Fiji U20 National Team.

“To build a winning team, you must first establish a culture of winning. I want to do something big here, and this will take hard work. I’m here to work hard, not waste my time,” stated Coach Zapata. “This season we are going to start strong and finish strong. I’m here to take MBU to the next level and eventually to CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football).”

— Paul A Reid