Kingston (Jamaica), Nov 5 (IANS/CMC): German-born football coach Winfried Schafer, whose short-term contract with Jamaica ends later this month, is expected to stay on as the head coach.

Schäfer's initial four-month contract is set to expire Nov 20 but comments from Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell suggest that he will remain till the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"We have had discussions with sponsors of the programme and others and things are certainly looking good at this point. Schäfer is willing to stay on as coach and develop our football," Burrell said.

In July, Schafer was announced as the new coach replacing Theordore Whitmore, who was asked to step down after the team’s disappointing loss to Honduras in their World Cup campaign.

"He understands the culture, having coached for several years in Cameroon. We (Jamaicans) are not easy to deal with. He understands the people and that is very important in developing our football. He is willing to do all he can to improve local talent," said Burrell.

Jamaica ended at the bottom of the CONCACAF qualifying table following a 0-2 loss to the United States which ended their World Cup dream.

Jamaica will play two friendly international games against Trinidad and Tobago Nov 15 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex and four days later in Trinidad and Tobago.