Miguel Coley has returned to the national programme with a renewed sense of duty, describing his appointment as Reggae Boyz assistant head coach as an honour and an opportunity to give back to a country still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Coley, who previously served as an assistant coach under Winfried Schäfer, from 2014 to 2016, has been reappointed on a short-term basis and will work alongside Interim Head Coach Rudolph Speid, as Jamaica targets qualification for the FIFA World Cup through the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March.

The 43-year-old has spent the past several years coaching in the Middle East, an experience he believes has helped prepare him for this next chapter. While he is confident that Jamaica has a strong chance of getting past New Caledonia and DR Congo to book its place at the World Cup, he says the call to return home went far deeper than football.

“It is a great honour to be a part of the national team. My country means the world to me, and this is a great opportunity to give of myself, my knowledge and expertise in a way that benefits Jamaica,” Coley told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

He added that witnessing the suffering caused by Hurricane Melissa from afar had a profound emotional impact on him and strengthened his resolve to contribute.

“Witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa was heartbreaking. As I was in the Middle East, I felt compelled to find ways to help, not just financially but also by offering hope,” Coley said.

“Having spent my childhood in St James and Manchester, it was painful to watch my people hurting from afar. The hurricane’s impact on St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Trelawny also resonated with me, as I had the opportunity to coach players who originated from these parishes. This was particularly devastating. I’m here because I believe in my capabilities, and the resilience of the Jamaican people inspires me.”

Though he has been away from Jamaica for seven years, Coley insists he has stayed closely connected to the Reggae Boyz set-up and is confident he can bring fresh insight to the coaching staff.

“I’ve maintained a close relationship with the national team over the years. I regularly speak with players, watch games, and stay connected with the JFF. As a former assistant coach, I’ve analysed the team’s performance and identified areas where I can add value.”

He offered little comment on the specifics of the upcoming play-off opponents but is confident the group will be ready for the assignments next March.

“The play-off will be a tough challenge, but I’ll reserve my comments for now. I am pleased Coach Speid would have considered me to be a part of the staff. The upcoming games will be tough, but the team will be well-prepared and focused on qualifying for the World Cup.”

Asked whether he sees himself leading the programme in the future, Coley stressed that his immediate focus is firmly on qualification.

“My journey to becoming a head coach has been challenging, especially as a Jamaican in a league dominated by coaches from other ethnic backgrounds. Earning a professional licence in a foreign region is a testament to my hard work and dedication,” he said.

“My primary focus is on achieving the best possible results for the Reggae Boyz. Any opportunities that arise from this will be considered in due course.”

Coley, who is currently the assistant coach at Zakho SC in Iraq, confirmed that the club has granted him time off to support Jamaica’s World Cup bid.

COLEY… I’m here because I believe in my capabilities, and the resilience of the Jamaican people inspires me

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz train at Sabina Park in Kingston in September 2025. (Photo: JFF)