Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) has appointed Jess Ibrom, the current academy director, as the new head coach for the Cook Islands men’s team.

Ibrom will lead the team until 2026 (in line with the World Cup cycle) thus providing a long-term strategy and stability to the pathway structure underneath, CIFA said in a statement.

Ibrom, a luminary in the world of football, brings with him a rich tapestry of experience spanning 23 years across three continents and six countries.

His distinguished journey in football is adorned with prestigious roles within national associations and globally-renowned football clubs such as Chelsea FC, Wellington Phoenix, Houston Dynamo, and the New Zealand National League.

Ibrom’s prolific credentials, including UEFA “A”, USSF “A”, and OFC “A” licences, coupled with an extensive experience in nurturing elite talent throughout Oceania, make him an invaluable asset to Cook Islands football.

He has quickly set the wheels in motion, with team selection plans already underway.

“Every day counts as we build towards the final selection prior to the OFC Nations Cup qualifying tournament in Tonga from March 20th – March 26th,” Ibrom said.

By this week, he aims to have reached out to all potential players for selection.

From Monday, January 15, 2024, training sessions will commence, scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

In a strategic move, a promising selection of U19 players will be immediately inducted into the senior environment.

Ibrom firmly believes in providing opportunities for emerging talent, stating, “Our young players have consistently demonstrated their prowess and they deserve to showcase their skills in this environment for potential selection.”:

When asked about the involvement of Cook Islanders identified by Russ Gurr and Alastair McLae from the International Football Consultancy for the national men’s team, Ibrom responded: “We have been actively implementing a robust international scouting strategy since July of this year. I am already in talks with potential players identified through this strategy and anticipate more as we progress.”

As the national men’s coach, Ibrom is poised to usher the team into a transformative year. His immediate focus is the OFC Nations Cup Qualifying Tournament in 2024, where the team will face strong competition from Tonga and Samoa. Yet, with the right recruitment and groundwork, Ibrom is confident that the team can approach the tournament with spirited determination.

Ibrom underscores the importance of pride and dedication in representing the national team. He envisions a team that embodies hard work, organisation, and dedication, a team that the people of the Cook Islands can be proud of.

Ibrom expressed his deep honour to lead the Cook Island national men’s team. “We need to be better prepared to perform at the international level and bridge the gap with other neighbouring countries. One of our biggest advantages is how small we are as a nation, and we can use this to maximise the potential here in the Cook Islands.”

With Ibrom at the helm, the Cook Islands national men’s team is set to embark on an exciting journey, reaching for new heights in the world of football.

• CIFA Media