Guyana has commenced preparation in Cayenne, French Guiana, for their two-match international friendly series which starts tomorrow, in an effort to ramp up their preparation for the CONCACAF Nations League in June.
This was disclosed by an official release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). It stated that Guyana will end their tour on Monday following their second match against the 16th-ranked Concacaf side, adding that the team comprises primarily locally based players.
The squad, which made the trip overland, reads: Ronaldo Blair, Sese Norville, Jeremy Garrett, Quincy Adams, Marcus Wilson, Leo Lovell, Nicolai Andrews, Shemar Fraser, Daniel Wilson, Clive Nobrega, Job Caesar, Javier George, Darron Niles, Jemar Harrigan, Ryan Hackett, Trayon Bobb, Kelsey Benjamin, Ian Dooker, Jermaine Beckles, Jamal Pereira, Pernell Schultz, and Osafo Simpson.
The management team comprises: Jamaal Shabazz (head coach), Rawle Adams (team manager), Wayne Dover (assistant coach), Charles Pollard (assistant coach), Dylan Palmer (fitness coach), Dexter George (physiotherapist), Trevor Burnett (equipment manager), and Keeron Tanner (video/IT technician). Guyana recently competed in the inaugural Courts Caribbean Classic in Trinidad and Tobago. The Golden Jaguars ended with a record of one win [5-0 Barbados] and a draw [1-1 Trinidad and Tobago] to finish second to the host nation due to an inferior goal differential.
Prior to the aforementioned event, Guyana competed in a tri-nation series in Suriname, which also featured Barbados. The Guyanese finished second, after losing to the home side 1-2. Their opening match against Barbados was abandoned due to a COVID-19 outbreak amongst several Barbadian players.
“It’s great to get two more matches and to keep the core of the squad active. I like the improvements we are seeing individually and collectively. The attitudes are improving and even the most stubborn egos are bringing themselves into line,” Shabazz was quoted as saying.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago native, “No doubt the overseas lads set a high standard in their effort, attitude, and discipline, in the recent matches in Trinidad. However, as we widen the pool, this game creates an opportunity for others, and plus we brought in a couple new faces. Thus far, I love how the senior guys in the squad like Trayon Bobb, Quincy Adams, Jeremy Garrett, and Daniel Wilson have stepped up. I look forward to their leadership in these two matches.”
Shabazz noted that the players know the importance of wearing the national colours, adding that pride and an overall sense of responsibility must be engrained when representing the program.
“It’s a long road trip, but I see smiling faces, I see lads ready to give everything to fight for places in the team. So, yes, it’s difficult to drive for a day or more, but it gives the opportunity for us to learn to rise above adversity and still battle.”
Guyana were drawn in group ‘B’ of League ‘B’ in the CONCACAF Nations League. The Golden Jaguars (21st), has been drawn with the likes of Haiti (7th), Bermuda (19th), and Montserrat (27th).
The Guyanese ended their inaugural campaign with a record of three wins, two losses and a draw. The Golden Jaguars defeated Aruba [4-2, 1-0], as well as Antigua and Barbuda [5-1]. However, they suffered defeats against Jamaica [0-4] and Antigua and Barbuda [1-2]. Guyana recorded a draw against Jamaica [1-1].
