Football Federation of Belize names Charlie Slusher as Head Coach of the Belize Men’s National Team

Posted: Monday, July 29, 2024. 5:37 pm CST.

New BMNT Head Coach Charlie Slusher – Photo Credit: FFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Bowing to public pressure, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) on Monday announced the appointment of Carlos ‘Charlie’ Slusher as the Head Coach for the Belize Men’s National A Team (BMNT).

Recently, on Friday, July 19, the FFB announced they had cut Spanish coach David Pérez after a two-year stint that produced more losses than victories and the relegation of the BMNT from the Concacaf B League to the C League.

The BMNT are in the middle of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, and though the country no longer has any hopes due to the two losses against Nicaragua (4-0) and Guyana (3-1), at least some face can be saved in the next two games slated for 2025 against Panama and Montserrat.

Additionally, the BMNT needs a new leader for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League in which they will try to return to the B League.

Slusher, who was assistant BMNT coach under the late Costa Rican coach LeRoy Sherrier Lewis, and later interim BMNT coach, recently led Port Layola to win the Premier League of Belize’s (PLB) Closing Championship, leading the Belize City club to the Concacaf Central American Cup. In fact, he should be coaching them on Tuesday, July 30, in their first match against Guatemala’s Antigua FC at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan.

Before taking over at Port Layola for the 2023-24 season, he led Progresso the PLB playoffs.

Coach Charlie Slusher signing Port of Layola contract in July 2023 – Photo Credit: FFB

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos ‘Charlie’ Slusher as our new head coach,” FFB President Sergio Took said, according to a statement released by the FFB on Monday.

“His extensive experience as a player and coach makes him the perfect choice to guide our national team. We are confident that under his leadership the team will grow and achieve great things.”

The FFB further added that Slusher’s experience should prove invaluable to the National Team process.

“With a distinguished career spanning over three decades as both a player and coach, Slusher brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role,” the FFB said.

“Slusher’s commitment to developing talent and his proven track record in both coaching and playing make him an exceptional addition to the national team. We are confident that his leadership will steer the team towards new heights and inspire both players and fans alike.”

Slusher, who has been at odds with the FFB for keeping Pérez so long, has, however, not missed the opportunity to take courses offered by the FFB. In May 2023, he completed the Concacaf ‘B’ License course. Additionally, he has taken a UEFA coaching course in the Netherlands and a national course for coaches in Brazil, to name a couple.

Coach Charlie Slusher with Progresso management team after winning Orange Walk Amateur Championship in June 2022 – Photo Credit: FFB

As a goalkeeper, who loved to also play as a striker, he gained five Semi-pro League Most Valuable Player awards and ten Best Goalkeeper awards, apart from winning countless championships with the likes of Verdes and Juventus.

Recently, he said he wasn’t interested in the job because he was dedicated to coaching Port Layola during their Central American Cup participation. But any avid Belizean football fan would know that Charlie, as he is popularly known, just couldn’t say no to the BMNT if the conditions were right.

For now, more than likely, he will be allowed to lead Port Layola before taking over the BMNT full-time.

Charlie Slusher (left) with the BMNT along Shane Orio (middle) and Woodrow West (right).

BMNT Head Coach Charlie’s Slusher coaching and playing career as posted by FFB:

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.