Guyana’s national U15 football team Sunday defeated hosts St Martin 1-0 to win the Soualiga tournament from nine participating teams.
Jermaine Garrett netted the only goal of the game in the final.
In the semi-finals the Guyanese defeated Dominica 1-0 with Omari Glasgow netting the game winner.
They had earlier defeated Martinique 1-0 with Troni Semple the goal scorer, blanked the British Virgin Islands 5-0 with Orville Daniels, Ronaldo Rodrigues, Tyrel Khan, Ken Salvador and Omari Glasgow the goal scorers and drew 0-0 with both Barbados and Guadeloupe.
Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Ian Greenwood praised the players and the technical staff after the victory.
“The players and staff of the U15 national team have done a fantastic job in the Soualiga tournament, bringing home the trophy back to Guyana,” said Greenwood.
He praised the defence of the team which allowed it to complete the tournament without a defeat, nor concede a goal.
“Defensively we’ve been extremely solid keeping six clean sheets,” he declared.
Greenwood also singled out defender Wayne DaSilva and goalkeeper Shawn Adonis for special mention.
“Wayne Da Silva has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the competition along with our goalkeeper Shawn Adonis who marshalled the backline fantastically well.
“In possession, the players have looked a lot more relaxed, been very composed and looking to try and play the ball through the third.
“In the final third we’ve shown a lot of creativity. Ronaldo and Orville Daniels along with Omari Glasgow, have offered a lot of attacking flair throughout. The boys have shown a desire, a heart and a willingness not to be beaten throughout the tournament.”
According to Greenwood, the key objectives before the commencement of the tournament were to focus on defensive shapes, pressing from the front creative play in and around the box and set pieces.
“Throughout the tournament, the boys have developed these skills, wave looked to try and press teams.. and looked to remain extremely solid at the back,” stated Greenwood.
He also spoke of the defence saying that the defence worked extremely hard to stop any penetrative process and praised the attacking capabilities of the players.
“In possession they looked a lot more composed, looking to move the ball, looking to create space.”
Greenwood said that there was still a long way to go with the group of players.
“But we know throughout the academy training programmes and further national camps that we will get there. We’ve got to ensure that the boys remain focused and continue on the objectives which is for this group of players five years down the line and for these boys to be national team members with the Golden Jaguars.”
