It’s the third and final day of the Digicel-sponsored Kick Start Caribbean football clinics conducted by former England player John Barnes and not a day has been spent outside, the weather has seen to that.
And while the players especially are looking forward to impress the former England star today in a much bigger playing area the signs are not encouraging.
Barnes, yesterday told Stabroek Sport that he was looking forward to today’s final day as it would finally give him an opportunity to see the national Under-20 players exhibit their skills on an open field against a select side.
The organizers were forced to abandon the original venue of the National Park for the first two days of the clinic and resort to using the indoor facility at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall due to heavy rainfall.
“There has been a bit of a hindrance with the weather,
having 24 players in a gym, you don’t have a chance to see them take crosses or shots from 30 yards or even a goalie operating in a full goal,” Barnes said.
“We will be having a match outside tomorrow, doesn’t matter if it rains, we will find a pitch and we will be playing a match outside and I’m looking forward to seeing the players out in the open field, playing their regular 11 a-sides.” Barnes added.
Though Barnes was optimist of them finding a suitable ground for the much anticipated contest between the national side and Fruta Conquerors, judging by the many waterlogged grounds in Georgetown, the teams may have to travel out of the capital city to avoid a washout.
Technical Development Officer of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Lyndon France, gave his assurance that the federation was currently exploring possible venues to facilitate the final day of the clinic and that the Blairmont Community Development Centre ground at Blairmont, West bank Berbice, is a distinct possibility as the area has been experiencing fairly sunny weather.
Coach of the Rosignol United FC Keith Ojeer told Stabroek Sport last evening that the entire surface of the ground was predominantly dry and hard with the exception of the outfield which was a bit damp.
But Digicel representatives said yesterday they intended to stick to the original venue of the National Park with the hope of no more showers last evening.
Though a final decision has not yet been made the players are asked to remain in contact with national coach Gavin Brown for any last minute decisions concerning the venue for the match.
