NATIONAL Under-20 football Head Coach, Gordon ‘Ultimate’ Braithwaite is willing the Nation to support the Youth team which has a 2nd opportunity to qualify for the CONCACAF finals to determine which teams will represent the Region at next year’s World Cup U-20 finals. The dreadlocked Braithwaite, in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, related his satisfaction with the team’s performance at the just concluded Group ‘C’ competition played in Guyana last week, “I can honestly say we did well, taking into consideration the short period of preparation and the fact that very little football has been played so far this year. I am proud of the performances”.
“We lost to a Team, while we are still struggling to build a Team from a squad. The squad lacked playing and living together for longer periods. The side definitely possesses a number of talented players and once we could get the entire Nation involved, in giving the team the support it needs, we can be a force to reckon with in the Caribbean,” Braithwaite declared.
Guyana will join the three other second placed teams from the four CFU group qualifiers in a play-off for the 5th and final CFU spot at the CONCACAF finals set for Guatamela next year April.
According to coach Braithwaite, the time between now and January is enough to sharpen the team, but he is also conscious of the fact that the Guyana Football Federation is in no financial position to entertain what the programme demands. It is against this visible backdrop that the ‘Ultimate’ is making a special appeal for total national commitment and support.
“I would like to make a special appeal to the Nation, in particular the Government and Corporate Guyana, to give their wholehearted support to the team.
This is not about Gordon Braithwaite, Colin Klass or the GFF. This is about Guyana. We really need the necessary financial support to put a proper programme in place.
Jamaica and Trinidad did not qualify for World Cup finals based on football Administration and talent. It was the tremendous support of the respective Governments, Corporate Businesses and the Nation which were pivotal in the country advancing.”
“What is ironic about this year is that we have hardly had much football played locally, but we have achieved a lot.
Our U-17 team has qualified for the 2nd round of the World Cup qualifiers, our females have held their own in qualifying for the first time for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and CAC games and now the U-20’s are still in with a chance of making the CONCACAF finals.
“The lack of organized football in the City is of great concern to me and all who hold the sport dear to our hearts. In fact, this is a detriment to the development of the sport and should be of concern to all,” Braithwaite added.
The Coach is hoping that some consideration be given to his thought of playing the U-20’s in the upcoming Kashif & Shanghai Tournament since it would give them the necessary playing time to reach match fitness and readiness.
“This would be a big boost for the team. I would also like to have week-end camps and a game or two against overseas opposition. In the real world of football, it would be a plus for the Coach to see the opposition in action in their group matches so that when we meet we already know what to expect and how to prepare.”
Braithwaite concluded that it is his firm belief that Guyana has the potential to be the top football nation in the Caribbean, but only if ‘the little personality clashes which create disharmony are put aside.’ The “Ultimate Warrior” also said that the team is grateful for the little support and recognition that was extended to them and wish that more support is forthcoming. It is unclear when the side will resume training, though the Coach is hopeful of an early resumption.