GFF names 23-member squad for B/dos clash

Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson

Thirty-three year-old defender Ronayne Marsh-Brown, is among eight foreign-born players who will feature in the Golden Jaguars 23-member squad for their opening CONCACAF Nations League clash against Barbados on Thursday.

Marsh-Brown, who once plied his trade for former Eredivisie [Premier Division] side and current Eerste Divisie [1st Division] unit RKC Waalwijk of Holland, currently is on the books of Whitehawk FC, a member of the Isthmian League [eighth division].

The other members of the foreign-born contingent are Goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle [Barnet FC of England], Defenders Terence Vancooten [Stevenage FC of England], Sam Cox [Wealdstone FC of England], Jake Newton [Hamble Club FC of England], Jelani Smith [Sigma FC of Canada], Midfielders Neil Danns [Bury FC of England] and Brandon Beresford [1st Dezembro of Portugal].

The foreign-based contingent is expected to arrive today.

The local and overseas-based players are Goalkeepers Jason Cromwell [Buxton United], Akel Clarke [Fruta Conquerors; Defenders Kevin Layne [NA United], Kevin Dundas [Den Amstel], Kester Jacobs [Den Amstel]; Midfielders Delwin Fraser [GDF], Anthony Benfield [Fruta Conquerors], Daniel Wilson [Western Tigers], Vurlon Mills [Western Tigers]; Forwards Andrew Murray [Caledonia AIA of Trinidad and Tobago], Dellon Lanferman [Den Amstel], Kelsey Benjamin [Western Tigers], Trayon Bobb [1st Dezembro of Portugal], Pernell Schultz [Western Tigers] and Sheldon Holder {Caledonia AIA of Trinidad and Tobago].

The seven member standby list features six local players who were on the Brazilian Tour. They are Sese Norville [Milerock], Cecil Jackman [Fruta Conquerors], Rashaun Ritch [Fruta Conquerors], Curtez Kellman [Western Tigers], Ryan Hackett [Fruta Conquerors] and Delroy Fraser [GDF]. The other player is Domini Garnett [Fruta Conquerors].

“We feel it’s a strong and competitive squad with a variety of options as we look to embark on the Nations League campaign. We have a positive blend of Guyana and international-based players in the squad but they all understand they have to earn the right to wear the badge,” Head Coach Michael Johnson stated in a press release.

“The recently-concluded preparatory “Train and Play” camp in Brazil enabled the technical staff to assess the players in the pool through a variety of exercises including fitness. While it was a competitive process to shortlist the 23-man squad, it was felt that these players had enough of what is required to wear the badge at the highest level of football in Guyana and therefore, are being called to be available in the event of injury or any unforeseen circumstances,” added Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

The Golden Jaguars Management staff will also arrive today ahead of their encampment while the Barbados unit will arrive on Tuesday.  

Guyana will compete in a group which includes Turks and Caicos Islands, French Guiana and Belize. They will host Belize in March 2019, after travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands and French Guiana during October and November this year.