… Guyana open campaign tomorrow against Windwards
ADRIAN Amsterdam, coach of the National Under-15 team who departed yesterday morning for Trinidad and Tobago where they will contest the West Indies Under-15 competition, told Chronicle Sport he was pleased with the team’s preparation.
In an invited comment at the farewell dinner which was hosted by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) at the Waterchris Hotel, Amsterdam said the one-week camp held in Essequibo enabled the coaching staff to identify and iron out some of the players’ weaknesses, as well as work on their fitness and stamina.
He praised the work ethic of national women’s coach and junior chairman of selectors, Michael Franco-Hyles. He stated that the team, led by Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s Shawn Pereira, stands a very good chance of winning the title for the first time since 1999.
Amsterdam is looking to the pugnacious Brian Sattaur to lead the batting lineup, with valuable support from Pereira, Kamesh Yadram, Quincy McPherson, Romario De Jonge, Shalendra Shameer and Vishal Narayan.
With four genuine all-rounders in Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai who is in his fourth year at this level, Devon Lord, fast bowler Dexter George and wicketkeeper/batsman Prince Roberts who are all capable lower order batsmen, Amsterdam feels that Guyana should have nothing but glory at the end of the one-week tournament.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GCB, Terrence Holder, charged the team to aim high, letting them know it was an honour for them to be chosen from among the numerous Under-15 cricketers in the country, to represent Guyana, and promised that they will be well rewarded if they return home with the trophy.
He reminded them of the efforts of some players before them, including West Indies middle order batsman Narsingh Deonarine along with national players Sewnarine Chattergoon and Assad Fudadin, who all went on to play for the West Indies Under-15 team.
“You have achieved your place in the side and all you have to do now is go out there and perform to the best of your ability. There are great hopes in you and we don’t want you to let us down. I urge you to follow in the footsteps of those who were there before you; that’s a great example for you.’
Acting president of the GCB, Faizal Bacchus, who is also a national youth selector, told the youths that he expects them to do well since they were the best bunch of Under-15 cricketers in the country and urged them to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying.
Former national Under-19 off-spinner cum journalist/cricket commentator Sean Devers was invited to give brief remarks to the departing team and without hesitation, he urged the youngsters to stay focused and play as a team, as with such, success can be achieved.
Manager Elroy Stephney moved the vote of thanks on behalf of the team. He took the opportunity to introduce the players and vowed to return with the trophy on April 5, as the guys knew what was expected of them.