GUYANA’S senior football captain Howard Lowe is confident of the team advancing to the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup.
Chronicle Sport visited the GNS ground yesterday afternoon where training sessions were being held for the local-based players and spoke with the skipper who was icing a minor injury to his right ankle.
“We are confident of reaching the finals, but we will be taking one game at a time. I think our success in Suriname was based on the team playing to instructions and the high level of discipline that is within the team. This team understands what it is we are striving to achieve and so the focus is very much on the ball,” Lowe related
The national captain added that the difference between this side and the one which qualified for the finals four years ago is more unity and discipline. Lowe said that conditions in T&T are like home for most of the players and he expects the finishing in attack to be improved from the one in Suriname.
The 31-year-old defender and forward Anthony Abrams were not part of the sessions yesterday as they were seen on the sidelines icing their minor ankle injuries.
The skipper dismissed any fear for the opponents in the second round citing the Guyanese side as one with lots of professional attitude and experience.
Assistant coach Collie Herculies also echoed the same sentiments, “We have a bunch of talented players and I see no reason why we can’t qualify for the final”.
The former national forward who scored 14 times while playing close to 30 games for Guyana says he is enjoying his new role and is seeing the game from a different perspective.
“It’s all about imparting and sharing that which I have acquired over the years as a player. I see this as a good opportunity to further advance my football career, and more importantly to give back to my country,” declared the ‘Hitman’.
Hercules says while he is looking forward to coaching he still has a few more playing at the local level.
Midfielder Dwayne Ali who has just broken into the side has also assured that Guyana will be in Martinique at the Digicel Cup finals, “This is my first real experience at this level and I am really enjoying it as well as learning quickly.
Our chances of making the finals are good. I think we are all focused and hungry for victory,” the 31-year-old Bartican stated.
Ali, from most reports had a good series in Suriname and is expected to have a big role to play in T&T next week. His response to any big role in the team: “I am willing and ready for any role the coach has for me once the team is successful I am comfortable “.