Following their participation in the inaugural Courts Caribbean Classic in Trinidad and Tobago, the Guyana Senior Men’s resumed training at the National Training Centre in Providence ahead of their participation in the Concacaf Nations League in June.
This was confirmed by an official release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). According to the correspondence, head-coach Jamaal Shabazz said that the focus is on ensuring the team is well prepared for the tournament, adding that while he is pleased with the team’s performances, he is not getting carried away with the results.
Guyana mauled Barbados 5-0 in their opening match, before drawing with Trinidad and Tobago 1-1. Shabazz said, “We are happy to see things taking shape, but we have a lot more work to put in for the Concacaf Nations League.”
He further said, “In the two games in Trinidad, the most important achievement was getting overseas and locally based players on the same page. They gelled really well. We drove home the point that it’s not about where we were born as Guyanese, but who we are and who we represent.”
“UK-based veterans Neil Danns and Sam Cox made a sensational return to the fold, while Romania-based Terell Ondaan, AFC Bournemouth’s Nathan Moriah-Welsh and the Jamaica Pro League’s Kevin Layne and Akel Clarke completed the overseas contingent. Forward Omari Glasgow, one of the stars of the tournament, has also just signed professional papers with Chicago Fire II. Captain Daniel Wilson, Trayon Bobb, Quincy Adams, Clive Nobrega and Jeremy Garrett were among the domestic-based players who also excelled during the tournament”, the release stated.
According to Shabazz, “Marcus Garvey said as a tree without roots is dead, so too is a people without knowledge of their roots, history, and culture. Everyone played their hearts out: a reflection that they value the opportunity to represent Guyana.”
The Trinidad and Tobago native praised the efforts of his technical staff, which included Assistant Coaches Wayne Dover, and former national captain Charles Pollard, as well as strength and conditioning coach Englishman Dylan Palmer.
He explained, “The staff has shown tremendous commitment and passion. Trainer Dylan Palmer has been a great addition, and the players are getting stronger and fitter under him.” The draw for the Concacaf Nations League takes place on April 4.
