The Guyana Football Federation [GFF] has released their 26 man roster for the CONCACAF Nations League clash with Turks & Caicos on October 13th, with veteran player Walter `Boyd’ Moore and newcomer Stephen Duke-McKenna featuring in the squad.
The squad comprises nine overseas-born players from the total of the overseas-based contingent, which stands at 12.
Duke-McKenna plies his trade for Bolton Wanderers U23 outfit, and is expected to earn his maiden cap with the Golden Jaguars.
On the other hand, Moore returns to the national setup following his retirement in 2016. He is currently on the books of AC Oulu of Finland.
The other members of the foreign-born contingent are Goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle [Liverpool 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], Ronayne Marsh-Brown [Whitehawk FC] and Brandon Beresford [1st Dezembro of Portugal].
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], Curtez Kellman [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 Golden Jaguars will be searching for their first victory against the lowly Turks & Caicos from 16:00hrs at the TCIFA National Academy.
In their opening match of the event, the Guyanese battled to a 2-2 draw on local shores with Barbados at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
According to head-coach Michael Johnson, “It’s a game that we know will be tough if we don’t prepare right given their most recent results in previous games. I’m expecting an improvement from them so we need to be ready. The team spirit fostered since our last meeting together has been a huge bonus, which will hold us in good stead for this game.”
Meanwhile, GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood said, “The Guyana-based players have been preparing themselves by following their individual and specific training programme set by our Head of Sports Science alongside squad practices. All the players understand the importance of earning the right on and off the field to wear the badge. The Turks & Caicos fixture offers another opportunity for the Golden Jaguars to build their growing reputation in the CNL.”
Guyana will then travel to French Guiana on November 20th for a key encounter, before concluding their campaign against Belize on local shores in March 2019.
