Angelo Jean-Baptiste confused between shame and resignation
By Peterson Pierre-Louis
In a recently published Note for the Press, the U20 coach finds himself in an embarrassing situation after his poor performance in the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers for this category. Angelo Jean-Baptiste tries to explain.
After this pitiful elimination where our young grenadiers suffered three (3) defeats against Mexico, Panama and Guatemala; we wondered whose fault it was. One thing is certain, the coach Angelo is not exempt from all reproach. But he takes full responsibility.
“As head coach of the Haiti U20 national team, I feel compelled to speak out after our team’s recent disappointing performances. I take full responsibility for this situation. Like many of my compatriots, I share a deep desire for victory and national pride. I grew up in Haiti, where I played for Étoile Haïtienne and Violette Athlétique Club before continuing my career in Canada where I have been a successful coach for 23 years.”
Still, he believes he has made the effort to help in the detection of young talents. In total confusion, Angelo who has never had success even with previous selections throws himself into the multidimensional crisis. “My commitment to Haiti is total, despite the major challenges we face. The country is going through a serious crisis, with persistent insecurity that greatly complicates our work. As a coach living abroad, I have made considerable efforts to organize detection camps, although the situation has made these efforts extremely difficult. Young Haitian talents face many obstacles to travel, and current conditions make travel complex, particularly due to difficulties in obtaining visas and tensions with neighboring countries.”
Regarding his defeat in the qualifiers, the coach does not feel guilty but mentions other problems. While also making a comparative approach to other nations better prepared and organized.
“Our recent results—defeats to Mexico, Panama, and Guatemala—are far from our goals. However, it is crucial to consider the unique circumstances we face: a lack of adequate preparation due to limited resources, clubs reluctant to release key players, and better-prepared opponents with greater resources. Nations like Mexico, the United States, and Panama benefit from numerous gatherings and friendlies each year, unlike Haiti, which typically prepares for a week and a half before each competition.”
Beyond the many bad experiences, the coach is always ready to fight for the country. Moreover, incompetence has no place either. On this conclusion, Angelo remains open to a bright future and ready to continue his bad adventures. “Despite these challenges, I remain determined to continue my commitment to my country. As Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose, either I win or I learn”. This experience is a learning opportunity and I am proud to have tried to contribute positively to Haitian football. If necessary, I am ready to sacrifice everything for my homeland, because, as our ancestors said, dying for the country is a noble act.”
_ »Angelo Jean-Baptiste, Head Coach of the Haiti U20 National Team. »
The coach is expected to resign. Too bad. Resignation has taken over. Shame has crumbled. Angelo Jean-Baptiste believes he has the right to continue after three (3) bitter failures in the youth selection. When will a new era begin after Angelo Jean-Baptiste?