Shavar Thomas

Having recently ended an 11-year-professional career, former national captain Shavar Thomas is ready to begin another journey in the sport.

Thirty-three-year-old Thomas recently agreed a deal with St Jago High school to be their Under-16 coach and assistant Manning Cup coach.

"I haven't signed the contract yet, but have been appointed," Thomas told STAR Sports, confirming that he will be heading to Monk Street.

Thomas was named in a new coaching team led by the experienced Glen Laing, head coach for the Manning Cup group; and including Errol Wint, Under-14 head coach and assistant to the Under-16s; and past student and team manager, Rohan Barnett.

history

"First of all, of all it was not just St Jago. I sent applications to Meadowbrook, Ardenne, Campion, and St Jago. In fact, I sent two resumes to St Jago, and I guessed they got the second one," said Thomas, who represented Excelsior High school, explaining his choice of St Jago.

Calabar High, he said, was another option, but news of Bradley Stewart's appointment ended his interest in applying there.

"I did my research, and I looked at all the schools and looked at their background. They are good academically, but I have never heard of them winning anything major in football, at least, not in the recent history.

"I watched them over the last two years; and year before last, they went to the Colts finals and lost to Wolmer's. I am thinking they must want to get their football close to the level of their track and field," said Thomas, giving more reasons why the St Jago job appealed to him.

Thomas, who captained Jamaica's Under-20 team to the 2001 Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, is one of three brothers to represent the country at football. Elder brother Omar played up to the Under-23 level, Alex played on Jamaica's first Under-17 team to qualify for a World Cup in 1999 and alongside Shavar on the 2001 team. He has limited coaching experience, but believes he has what it takes to get the job done.

"I am very green as a coach, but I have a lot to offer. Some may say it is over confidence, but I know what I can do. I do not have any coaching experience, but I have to start somewhere, and St Jago has given me that opportunity," said Thomas, whose job could see him go head to head with brother Alex, who last season led Wolmer's to the double of Corporate area Under-16 and all-island championships.

Thomas is the holder of a United States B license, which enables to coach colleges, high schools and assist the head coach at the professional level. This, he said, he has submitted to the Jamaica Football Federation for them to evaluate.