MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Former technical director of Jamaica’s football programme, Rene Simoes, who coached Jamaica to the 1998 World Cup in France, has received a symbolic key to the town of Mandeville, in celebration of 25 years since the national team’s historic qualification.

Political, civic and sports leaders recognised the Brazilian last week during a ceremony in this south-central town.

Simoes, who was described by president of the Jamaica Football Federation Michael Ricketts as a true legend, will return to Manchester on Sunday, July 16 for the Porus Football Festival.

This follows Thursday’s presentation of the key to the town of Mandeville to Simoes by mayor of Mandeville Donovan Mitchell.

“For a child who was born in 1998, it would have been a very short time. For us in the football fraternity it is a long time, because it is a long time we have not gone where we were… we are still basking in the success of 1998,” said Mitchell during a ceremony at the Manchester Municipal Corporation.

“We are positive that this small gesture will go a far way. We are honoured, privileged that you have placed Jamaica on that map where sports is concerned,” Mitchell told Simoes.

Ricketts also lauded the Brazilian, crediting him for unifying the island 25 years ago.

“There are so many stories I could tell about Professor, but what is most profound is the level of camaraderie that Simoes [brought],” he said.

“I remember a Premier League game was being played and the moment Simoes walked into the arena they stopped the game, sang the National Anthem of Jamaica, and he was fully embraced — and I thought this was no ordinary person,” added Ricketts.

The JFF president described Simoes’ contribution to football as long-lasting.

“What he would have done for this nation is second to none. He came here as a total stranger and quickly adapted to the culture of the Jamaican people, and he immediately made an impact on every single individual who had an interest in the sport of football,” Ricketts said.

“When the late Captain [Horace] Burrell announced that he wanted to go to the World Cup, everybody laughed because they thought this must be a joke — but history will show that in 1998 we participated in the global tournament,” added Ricketts.

“I remember Coach Simoes had a shirt and the inscriptions were ‘Jesus Saves’,” said Ricketts as he presented a new kit to Simoes sponsored by Adidas.

Simoes expressed gratitude for the symbolic recognition.

He encouraged leaders gathered at the ceremony to foster young people.

“Please look very carefully for our kids and remember what we have done, what I did I did. But I prepare myself for new things, so this new generation needs us,” he said.

“We have complete difference in achieving. This time they need us or we lose everyone, so I am really thankful for this surprise,” added Simoes.