Marketing manager of Digicel Donovan White told media representatives yesterday that the match against Cuba this weekend was the first of five friendly international games to be played by the Guyana national team as part of its preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

White said that he expects a very exciting and competitive match between the two teams, adding that this encounter will give the Guyana national side a chance to test their skills against regional opponents.

“I expect two splendid matches this weekend with Guyana competing against a very tough and competitive Cuba side and this match will give the Golden Jaguars some well needed experience as well as a chance to hone their skills in preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.”

White also said: “We at Digicel will continue to support football in Guyana as well as lend our hand when needed to ensure that the Guyana football team reaches very deep in the qualifying rounds of the World Cup.”

President of the Guyana Football Federation(GFF) Colin Klass expressed his satisfaction with the continued efforts toward the development of football by Digicel.

He said further that the GFF is still awaiting confirmation from some of the other territories that they plan to meet in the remaining four friendly matches during the next three months.

Technical director of the GFF Jamal Shabazz said that the GFF has seen the massive development that Digicel has been responsible for in Haiti, not only in promoting the sport but in developing young players.

Shabazz said he feels that Guyana has just as much talent as there is in Haiti along with the capacity to achieve just as much and possibly more.

He recounted that the last time the Guyana team met Cuba in Trinidad they were able to match the side in every aspect of in the game which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Also at the press conference was Cuban coach L