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Henry’s coaching credentials under the microscope
July 15, 2024
The coaching credentials of newly appointed Harbour View coach Jason 'Buju' Henry have come under scrutiny since the former physical trainer turned coach was surprisingly named to lead the stars-of-the-east into the new Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season.
Henry, a graduate of the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, holds a diploma in sport massage therapy and a degree in physical education.
However, in terms of coaching qualifications, Henry noted that currently he only has his G.C. Foster physical education degree with a major in football and has no Concacaf B licence.
Nevertheless he was quick to point out that he is on course to completing his UEFA C licence. Before the start of the JPL season, and then his UEFA B licence before the season concludes.
"I am now on my path to obtaining my UEFA licence and by the time the season is done I should at least have a UEFA B licence," he told STAR Sports.
"But by the time the season starts I should hold a UEFA C licence. I do not hold a Concacaf licence. I do not know if having a G.C. Foster physical education degree with a major in football is equivalent to any of the Concacaf licences.
"But what I can tell you is that before the season starts I will complete my UEFA C licence, and before it ends I will complete my UEFA B licence."
Henry is due to finish his UEFA C licence course in the second week of August. He will then start the theory aspect of his UEFA B licence course in October before travelling to Europe in January for the practical.
"The opportunity (to do B licence) came along and I had the opportunity of working with one of the main instructors in one of the countries that I am doing my UEFA coaching licence.
"Even before I had the mindset of becoming the head coach, I wanted to upgrade my qualifications. So I spoke with Mr (Ludlow) Bernard and I told him I was going to do it and he gave me his support," he said.
Meanwhile, due to his responsibilities in his new capacity as head coach, Henry said he hand over his duties as physical trainer to assistant physical trainer Shavan Bailey.
However, he pointed out that his experience in the field means that he will have high standards with regard to fitness.
"I will not be the person dedicated to that (physical trainer) job. I always had an assistant (Bailey) with me when I was in that position. So he is going to be the one taking the reins on that. But I will keep on supporting him in the same way other coaches have supported me," Henry said.
