Coach Herrera's future in doubt

Many thanks to James Lewis for the above photo

The Men’s Senior national team has begun its training camp in preparation for next month’s Central American Cup in Panama. Coach Jose de le Paz Herrera (pictured above during a recent training session) has been putting the players through their paces at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, the only FIFA-certified stadium in Belize. However, Herrera’s long-term future as national team coach has been thrown into doubt after it was revealed he has signed a deal to coach his former club, Marathon of Honduras, during this season’s Clausura championship. His contract with Belize supposedly runs out after the CAC tournament, but it is to be hoped that he can continue with his role on a part-time basis, particularly if the team qualifies for next summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. The team has made great progress under his guidance and it would be a huge blow to Belizean football should he leave.

In the Caribbean Motors Cup, double-reigning champions Belize Defence Force all but sealed this season’s regular stage opening championship with a 2-1 win at closest rivals, FC Belize. A penalty kick from defender Vallan Symms just before half-time gave BDF the victory which puts them six points clear of FCB with just two games to play. They have the opportunity to clinch first place on home soil this coming Sunday, with only a draw being required against Belmopan Blaze. Elsewhere, Toledo Ambassadors went into third spot with an impressive 2-0 win over Griga United, whilst the aforementioned Blaze secured a fine 4-1 away victory at fellow strugglers Hankook Verdes.