Dear Editor,
The Guyana senior men’s national team is on the verge of reaching another significant milestone. Their objective for the Saturday, November 18 match against the Bahamas is straightforward: secure a single point to qualify for promotion to League A in the CONCACAF Nations League. This moment has been eagerly anticipated for years. Back in 2015, President Wayne Forde pledged to restore the country’s global reputation and make substantial investments in the national team programme. It’s clear that Guyana has shifted from a history of inconsistency on the international stage, previously marked by frequent absences from regional and global competitions. Recall, this team went without international matches from November 2012 to October 2014, sparking concerns that led FIFA to intervene. The change came about through Forde and his team’s efforts in rebuilding positive relationships with both FIFA and CONCACAF, and making substantial investments in the national team programme over the past eight years.
The male and female teams underwent a striking transformation, sporting newly designed yellow and green home and away kits. This moment marked a crucial turning point in the nation’s footballing identity. Whenever our national players step onto the pitch in their new attire, they carried with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation rallying behind them. These kits symbolised more than just a change in appearance, they introduced a new era of ambition and promise for Guyana’s football. To elevate their on-field performance, new equipment was introduced to augment training sessions, and a coaching team, including a head coach, assistant coach, fitness staff, technical experts, and medical professionals, was brought in under Forde’s leadership. We have seen the results.
From the absence of a facility to building a multi-million-dollar all-weather National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara. National teams, budding future stars, and clubs now have a dedicated space for training. This development, done with the full support of FIFA and CONCACAF, has been immensely beneficial in preparing the Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags for regional and international competitions. Once the cutting-edge facility is finished, national players will have the opportunity to perform in an incredible space, playing in front of their home crowd. This is a collective vision embraced by the entire football community which has been actively pursued by Forde. Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has led the Golden Jaguars to an impressive streak of four consecutive victories, solidifying their position at the top of League B, Group D. This could not have been possible without a substantial investment in an active grassroots programme, from which national team stars like Omari Glasglow and Curtez Kellman have immensely benefited. And, without the structured pathway to the national teams through the club league, notably the KFC Elite League, Member Associations Senior Men’s League and Women’s League Division One.
Times have indeed changed. As of now, the Guyana senior men’s national team holds the 19th position within the CONCACAF region, a placement that will see changes in the coming times. Moreover, it’s not just the Golden Jaguars excelling internationally. Presently, the Lady Jags are leading Group A in League B of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Qualifier. Their upcoming match against Dominica on November 29 carries significant weight: a victory would not just strengthen their group lead but also guarantee their spot in the 2024 playoffs. Under the guidance of new head coach Omar Khan, there’s a rejuvenated spirit within the team. The Lady Jags are currently ranked 14th in the CONCACAF region, and they too are focused on moving up that table. The strides made are indisputable, reflected in the pride and determination of our national teams. The Golden Jaguars embody our nation’s pride. The path to this moment hasn’t been without challenges. However, the transformations made in the last eight years have led us to this point – on the verge of yet another milestone.
Sincerely,
Kay Winter
Proud Golden Jaguars Fan
