Golden Jaguars captain Chris Nurse said while he expects a tough 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign match against St. Vincent and the Grenadines he is confident Guyana can emerge victorious due to their recent performances.
Guyana is set to open its 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign against the ‘Vincy Heat’ on June 10th at the Arnos Vale Stadium. They will then play the critical return leg four days later on local shores at the National Stadium in Providence.
Under the guidance of Trinidad and Tobago native Jamaal Shabazz for the third time, the Golden Jaguars have begun preparations in a positive manner, securing 2-0 wins over Caribbean Football Union (CFU) rivals Grenada and St. Lucia while drawing 2-2 with Barbados recently.
Speaking exclusively with Stabroek Sports, the Carolina Railhawks member said:” I believe it will be a very even match up, we are aware of St. Vincent’s strengths and they are a dangerous team so we will need to be well organised and disciplined. But this is a fixture I think we can and should win given recent performances and the direction the rebuilding process is heading”.
Questioned if the programme can reach the heights previously attained, he said:” I believe with the correct preparations we can do well to challenge the heights we achieved previously, we have taken a few steps forward and need to ensure we remain grounded and progression is gradual.
“It will take time to develop a stronger team and it will take time to close the gap on some of our neighbours who have been continually strengthening and progressing over the past three to four years.
“What’s most important is that we are preparing the best way that we can and everything else will take care of itself from there forward,” added Nurse.
According to the midfield hard-man: “Regular domestic football and a consistent local league is critical and there needs to be more full-time professional clubs domestically.
“Tournaments are great, but after you are eliminated what is next? Consistency is key, players need exposure to high level intense training and game environments consistently,” he stated.
“Of course it goes without saying we need the assistance of sponsors and corporate Guyana to support the program and we desperately need investment in good quality training facilities” he added.
Asked if the recent acquisition of England-born and based duo Neil Danns and Matthew Briggs will attract more overseas players to the setup, he said: “Without a doubt since there inclusion there have been a lot of enquiries from overseas based players. It is important for the coaching staff to assess the suitability of these individuals to add to the programme.
“Briggs and Danns bring a wealth of experience and a very humble persona and character which blends well with the local players. Talent is important but the mentality and character of the player is just as important especially at this fragile stage of rebuilding Guyana football currently faces.”
