Only a Belize win over Panama will convince fans to believe in FFB “process”

Posted: Thursday, June 5, 2025. 2:11 pm CST.

BMNT players during training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday afternoon. Photo Credit: FFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: After Wednesday’s tough 1-0 World Cup qualifier loss to Montserrat in Trinidad and Tobago, the Belize Men’s National Team (BMNT) will arrive home on Friday, just one day ahead of their final World Cup qualifying match against Panama. The game, set for Saturday at 7:00 pm at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, will be their last opportunity to salvage some honour in what has been a difficult campaign.

After failing to secure points in their first three matches—including a 4-0 loss to Nicaragua and a 3-1 defeat to Guyana in July 2024—BMNT, now led by Uruguayan head coach Daniel Bartolotta and his son, Mexican assistant coach Diego Bartolotta, must brace for a challenging battle against Panama, the strongest team in Group D.

Leadership Shake-Up and Unanswered Questions

The BMNT and the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) have faced scrutiny following their recent 1-0 loss to Montserrat, a defeat that dashed their hopes of progressing further in World Cup qualification. While the introduction of a Mexican technical staff was positioned by FFB as a pilot project, many were surprised to see Daniel Bartolotta assume the head coach role, with his son Diego as assistant coach.

Diego’s appointment as assistant coach raised additional concerns among fans, as many only knew him as a player for Belmopan FC in the Premier League of Belize. Reports from within BMNT suggest that Diego had played in Mexico, earned coaching credentials, and came to Belize to play for Belmopan FC as a scout—assessing whether Belize would be a good opportunity for coaching. This has led some observers to believe that the Bartolotta-led staff view their time with BMNT as a stepping stone for greater coaching opportunities.

However, the Bartolotta’s official positions within the BMNT should not have come as a shock. On May 28, the FFB published the official squad and technical staff list on its social media platforms, which included the Bartolottas in these key coaching positions and Charlie Slusher listed as a coach within the setup. Despite this, some members of the media and football observers had not fully realized the shift until the BMNT entered the Panama match under their guidance.

The FFB published the official BMNT list of players and technical staff on May 28, 2025. Credit: FFB

The FFB had previously stated that the Mexican technical staff were brought in on a trial basis, indicating that if the pilot project worked well, they might be offered a more permanent role leading the national team. This conditional arrangement raised concerns among some fans, who questioned why the Charlie Slusher-led Belizean coaching staff had not been fully entrusted with the team’s development.

Despite stepping down as head coach, Slusher displayed unwavering dedication to the BMNT, choosing to stay on in a diminished coaching role under the new setup. His presence has been seen as an act of humility and commitment to the national team, demonstrating his willingness to continue learning from the Mexican staff and contribute to the process.

Keen observers had noted the Bartolotta’s leadership role from the time they were presented in a social media live stream and through images and videos circulated by the FFB on social media. Reports from within the BMNT indicate the Bartolottas have personally invested into the process.

Team Adjustments and Key Players

One of the biggest shifts under the Mexican-led coaching staff was the reinstatement of veteran goalkeeper Woodrow West, who had been sidelined for two years. The decision signalled confidence in his experience, replacing Charles Tillett, who had stepped up in his absence and performed admirably. Other returning players include Jordy Polanco, Nahjib Guerra, and Moises Hernandez, who all delivered strong performances against Montserrat.

Despite some improvements, the BMNT continue to struggle with finishing clear-cut scoring opportunities. Their inability to convert chances in Wednesday’s match cost them dearly. Now, facing Panama—a team considered even stronger than Costa Rica—BMNT must step up their performance. While a competitive showing will demonstrate progress, Belizean fans are growing frustrated with repeated losses, and nothing short of a victory against Panama will truly restore their faith in the team’s development.

Fans Demand Results

At this stage, fans are tired of defeats and the FFB’s “believe in the process” narrative. While a competitive showing against Panama may indicate progress, only a win will truly validate the “process” the FFB have promoted. Without a strong performance, questions over leadership, direction, and coaching decisions will only grow louder.

The BMNT arrive home on Friday, preparing for one last shot at redemption on Saturday night in Belmopan. For many Belizean football supporters, the result against Panama is not just about points—it is about believing in a future for the national team.

If the BMNT fail to deliver, the FFB will have an uphill battle convincing fans to continue supporting a system that, so far, has failed to produce tangible results.

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The post Only a Belize win over Panama will convince fans to believe in FFB “process” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Thursday, June 5, 2025. 2:11 pm CST. BMNT players during training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday afternoon. Photo Credit: FFB
The post Only a Belize win over Panama will convince fans to believe in FFB “process” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.