After nine months in charge as technical director of Harbour View Football Club, Waldemar D'Oliviera is heading back home.

The Brazilian, who took charge at the start of the 2008-09 Digicel Premier League season, has been offered a contract by Brazilian Division One outfit Nordica and leaves today to take up the offer.

"I am very sad to leave the club, but happy because I have accomplished my mission. The players have improved a lot and are now on a platform to continue to the title," said a remorseful-looking D'Oliviera, whose last game in charge on Sunday ended 0-0 against Arnett Gardens.

The draw caused Harbour View to drop to second on 58 points, two behind Portmore United. Arnett Gardens stayed seventh on 36.

The club's former head coach, Donovan 'DV' Hayles, who had been D'Oliviera's understudy, will resume duties as head of the coaching staff again.

Sadly missed

Players, coaches and managers of the club said D'Oliviera will be sadly missed, as he brought a certain level of professionalism.

"It's very sad. It's like losing a father figure. He was a great coach, great person. It's like we are losing a family member. The team and everybody feel it dearly," said Lovel Palmer, captain of the east Kingston club, who along with other members of the team were observed in the dressing room exchanging hugs and good wishes with the coach.

"We wanted to win the game (on Sunday) for him today, but unfortunately it did not happen. We just have to win the title in his memory. What he told us is that if we don't win the championship, it would seem as if the nine months he gave us would be useless. We really don't want him to think that way, so we have to win for him," added Palmer.

Midfielder Jermaine Hue said D'Oliviera stressed self-control.

Channel our energy

"He came and taught us that we must control ourselves, control our emotions, try and channel our energy the right way. And personally, I have learnt a lot and other players can speak for themselves. He came here and he taught us how to play football," said Hue.

D'Oliviera, a former head coach of Saudi Arabia, has coached at least five top clubs in Brazil and Japan. This, according to the club's general manager, Clyde Jureidini, was one of the main reasons why they acquired his services.

"It's a great loss, but it was a great learning process for the time he had been here. We brought him as the technical director to give a whole structure, meaning and direction to the whole football programme, starting with the senior programme. He has by and far taken us to a higher level of football development and exposure throughout the club at levels," said Juriedini.