GUYANA’S Golden Jaguars Technical Director (TD) Jamal Shabazz yesterday told a media briefing at the Raddison Suites, the members of his team badly need a win when they face Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, tomorrow. Guyana lead the group with 10 points, gained from three victories over Barbados (whom they defeated twice) and Bermuda and a win over the Twin Island Republic team which includes the versatile Kerwin Jones would see the Golden Jaguars advance to the next round.
“With just one day’s preparation remaining, we are very happy with where we are at, at this point and time. While we are aware of the off-the-field distractions that have taken place over the past few weeks, I think the players need it badly.
They want it badly for themselves, their families, the future of the sport and also the people of Guyana. When I say that, I know now is a crucial time for Guyana, with elections just around the corner, but it does not matter which government goes into power, the game tomorrow is an historic one for Guyana,” said Shabazz.
The Trinidadian TD called on the politicians to put a pause on their election campaign and for just one day, throw their support behind the Golden Jaguars.
“This is not about election, but more about resurrection. The players are excited in a way they have not been before, when it comes to representing Guyana at football. We have seen this phenomenon in 1998 and eight years later in Trinidad and Tobago, for the World Cup and now it’s Guyana’s time and we are asking all the parties to demonstrate their nationalism.
“Put away all the various colours that represent your party and wear yellow in support of the Golden Jaguars on Friday (tomorrow). The team needs the support of the country now more than ever. As we say in football, the twelfth man is an important man on the day and in this case, the people of Guyana is that person.”
Asked to comment on what needs to be done in order for Guyana to come away with the win, Shabazz, who was also at the helm of the 2008 World Cup qualifying team which lost to Suriname both at home and away informed that the final touches will be applied on game day.
“What we will do is just make the final touches on our preparation. What has been written for us, has already been written and it will come to pass. This is a team of hungry players who, like I said earlier, need the win badly,” stated Shabazz.
He outlined tomorrow’s encounter as a very important one for both teams, saying that the visitors know of the importance of same, since they have close to 500 persons coming to offer their support, along with their media personnel.
Shabazz added that it would be a pleasure for Guyana to close off their qualifier with a win tomorrow, which would ensure their return fixture against Trinidad and Tobago an easy one not only for the team, but the technical staff as well.
“Nobody expects Guyana to be leading the group at this stage of the tournament and certainly Trinidad are not coming to lie down, as they have walked with their supporters as well as media personnel to cover the game, which means that they themselves are not taking Guyana lightly.
“But this team is focused on getting results and this bunch of players understand the importance of this match. In fact, I have very little in terms of coaching to do with this squad.”
He added; “When I compared this squad to the one that was in training from 2005 to 2007, there is a big difference between the two. The squad back then had skill, but this one has the cohesive attitude and the will power to go on and on and on.
“If you can see them in training, you would understand the point I am making. They have lots of energy out there, while the competition for a place in the starting 11 is intense. At times we have to beckon to them to go easy on each other at practice.
“I think this has come about from the maturity of the players, in both their game and character. Some of them looked at players such as Charles Pollard, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore and see what can be achieved from playing football semi-professionally.”
PRAISED GFF
The TD was high in praise for the work being done by the present administration of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), but called on Corporate Guyana and the Government of Guyana to throw more support into the further development of the game in Guyana.
“When I looked at what was there in terms of the development of football on my last sojourn here, and what is in place now, I must say thanks to Allah for the hard work put in by the GFF. They have improved tremendously during that time, but still need help.
They (GFF) should not be seen as a man and his dog walking down the street, but rather as a Sports Association looking to take the sport of football further ahead than where it is right now and I feel that Corporate Guyana and even the Government need to offer more support,” said Shabazz.
While he refused to give a margin of victory in tomorrow’s encounter, the TD who said the score line was not in the hands of his team or even the players, but more the efforts they put out, did say a positive result is the ultimate goal.
