MoBay United says Ainstein’s appointment purely coincidental

Montego Bay United (MBU) FC has officially appointed Argentine coach Javier Ainstein as their new head coach. And club chairman, Yoni Epstein, revealed that the opportunity to secure his services came unexpectedly.

Epstein said the club moved quickly to secure the coach’s services, following his abrupt departure from Waerhouse FC.

“It was an absolute coincidence. We really weren't in the market looking, and the opportunity came to us,” said Epstein.

He said that “after looking at his résumé, as well as what he did at Waterhouse for the brief time that he was there”, the club believes that Ainstein possesses the qualities to lead MoBay United into the future.

Epstein also said former head coach Xavier Gilvert, who was recently promoted to technical director, remained part of the setup.

GILBERT’S ROLE

“As we continue to look at the future of the club, Xavier is a part of the team. We like what Javier did and the championships that he has won over his career,” said Epstein.

News of Ainstein’s appointment was announced in a press release by the club on Sunday evening for the 2026-27 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season. The Argentine coach’s appointment takes effect on July 1.

Over the course of his career, largely in Central America, Ainstein won six championships.

He shocked Waterhouse FC when he handed in his resignation. He was expected to return to Panama, where he and his family reside.

The Argentine’s appointment at MoBay United could be seen as a slap in the face of Waterhouse FC, who had brought him here in the first place.

“I can’t speak to that. The situation is between Javier and Waterhouse. What I can speak on is that we are pleased to have this pedigree as a part of our technical staff,” Epstein said, noting that it was a unanimous decision by the board.

‘LEAVE ABRUPTLY’

“There must have been some reasons for him wanting to leave Waterhouse abruptly, but we took the opportunity when that became available,” added Epstein.

Asked about specific objectives for the new coach, Esptein responded humourously, but nonetheless indicating a high level of expectation.

“Win or go home, no pressure. My thing is we need to win the league. I'm still very confident and optimistic that we have one of, if not the best teams, structurally, in the league,” said Epstein.

MoBay United finished second in the standings on 71 points for the season, advancing to the playoffs.

They advanced to the semi-finals but lost 2-1 on aggregate to Cavalier SC.

In the third-place match, Mount Pleasant edged MBU 3-2 to qualify for the Caribbean Football Union Club Shield.

“The goal is to win. It is not to make the playoffs. On and off the field, we have progressively gotten better every season that I have been here,” Epstein added, noting that the club is going into the fourth season under his leadership.

DEFICIENCIES

According to Epstein, the coach and technical director will work together to identify and address deficiencies in the squad.

“Absolutely. That is a job  for the technical director and himself to work through available players and to strengthen the deficiencies we believe we have in the squad currently,” said Epstein.

“You won't see a wholesale change in the team, but you'll certainly see some quality coming into the squad through this window that will strengthen the overall squad, preparing us to be in a position to achieve our goals,” added Epstein.
The chairman gave the reassurance that Ainstein’s appointment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team.

“When I look at Javier's style of play to Xavier’s, there are a lot of similarities. I think we will continue to see more attacking football while strengthening our defence,” said Epstein.

“That was something that really hurt us down the stretch in the league last season. We will strengthen our defensive approach, but we'll still be known to be a very attacking football team.”