Lorne Donaldson out as Reggae Girlz coach despite historic World Cup feat

Despite taking the Reggae Girlz to unprecedented heights at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and its highest FIFA World Ranking ever, Lorne Donaldson is no longer the national team manager.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) announced on Sept. 29 that Donaldson would not be signing a new deal to extend his time as the Girlz coach, with his contract expiring on Sept. 30. The JFF thanked Donaldson for his service and “specially making us proud at the recent Women’s World Cup.” Additionally, the JFF said they will “immediately put the machinery in place to have competent staff in place” to succeed him.

The Jamaica Football Federation and Coach Lorne Donaldson had a meeting to discuss his contract as the
Senior Women’s Team coach, which comes to an end on September 30, 2023. After an extended discussion, both parties came to an agreement that the contract would not be renewed. pic.twitter.com/vItPF0FjR1

— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) September 29, 2023

The Girlz are coming off the greatest footballing achievement of all time as the senior women’s national team earned draws against France and Brazil, as well as a victory over CONCACAF rivals, Panama, helped them reach the last 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. While their journey would end in the knockouts with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia, it was the furthest any Jamaican national team at any level, male or female, have ever reached at a World Cup.

Donaldson took over as Girlz boss in June of last year from Vin Blaine, who left the post following a fallout with his players. The news of Donaldson’s departure comes as the Girlz prepare for upcoming CONCACAF W Gold Cup qualifiers home and away against Panama and Guatemala, which begin on Oct. 25.