Dear Editor,
The recent article in the Stabroek News on September 9 titled ‘Matthias must explain his “Toothless Jaguars”’ by Orin Davidson can be categorized as very disrespectful to the efforts of those young Guyanese players. They played their hearts out for their country, not Mr Matthias, and for them to be disrespected and labelled in such a manner is regrettable and should be condemned by all Guyanese, especially football patrons.
There is nothing, in my opinion, that is embarrassing about the bold and gallant efforts the young Jaguars exhibited in their three-match sojourn in the Caribbean Football Union qualifying competition, if one is to take into consideration the federation’s economic position.
Firstly, Mr Davidson posited, “except [for] Walter Moore, the Jaguars… were devoid even of any of the local born and bred professionals who ply their trade overseas.” A team, Editor, that comprised all locals without international exposure, except for one; a team according to the author that was an unholy mess in being assembled and equipped for a vital competition, was able to draw in their debut match and was able to restrict the goals to two in the matches where they were defeated by teams with a plethora of experience and some well-travelled players. Shouldn’t the efforts by those young Guyanese be applauded? Did they not do well under those unfortunate conditions?
Did they not do much better than Alpha United FC which had a multitude of international players, including the likes of Mills and the seasoned Richardson who according to the author have a proven affinity for finding the net? Not forgetting the most qualified, experienced and arguably the ‘best coach’ in Guyana, Mr Wayne Dover. Were these not aces? Was their performance better than that of the “Toothless Jaguars”?
Secondly, the author posited that “instead of admitting he [Matthias] was unable to raise the money necessary to properly fund the Jaguars for the CFU series he and his people have been sprouting lots of balderdash about developing local players instead.” Wow! If this is indeed so, Editor, what is wrong with advocating and making representation for local footballers’ development?
It is no secret that the GFF is in a financial abyss and raising money for football is no easy task. The prominent owner and president of the Alpha FC several weeks ago vehemently spoke of the difficulty he was faced with in garnering financial support from the business community to help offset expenses for his team during their quest to qualify and advance in the CONCACAF Champions League.
If one is cognizant of the GFF’s financial position and posits that competing internationally requires solid funding to pay players and cover transportation expenses from their bases abroad, how then can they in the same breath chastise the administration for not having overseas players? Is this not confusing?
In a country where sport is not given the needed support from the powers that be to aid the various administrations in achieving their set goals and objectives, all of the efforts to advance the various disciplines should be encouraged. Moreover, when our fellow countrymen and countrywomen leave our borders to represent this land, their efforts should be celebrated and respected by all Guyanese. In closing I’m reminded of the words of my friend Gordon Moseley, one of Guyana and the Caribbean’s most prominent news personalities who said, “There is need for the redevelopment of national pride, there is greater need for love of country and all countrymen and there is a great need for self-respect.”
Well done Guyana Jaguars.
Yours faithfully,
Jermaine Figueira
