GUYANA’S 2-1 loss to hosts Trinidad & Tobago in their Digicel Cup match-up last Thursday has left many in the twin Island Republic asking whether the Island’s football has degenerated or Guyana’s football has improved.
The impressive display by the Guyanese footballers was lauded by well known and respected experts of the game who were interviewed during a practice game between the National U-17s and Caroni Connection yesterday morning at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Adrian Heath a former Everton FC Premier League midfielder and Manager/Coach of Sunderland FC, Coventry FC and Sheffield United and now Head Coach of the Orlando City (USL team) is watching the tournament with the aim of scouting talent for the USA.
“I was impressed with Guyana. It is the first time I am seeing them and I must admit they were impressive. I do know Rodrigues and Cameron of the Miami FC in the USL.
Overall though, I thought T&T were perhaps the better team, but they were some good individual performances by the Guyanese. I will have a closer look tonight. I was impressed with Millington and Beveney.
“The purpose of my visit here is to scout talent to take back to the US.
There has always been an abundance of talent in the Caribbean. What I like about Caribbean athletes is that they are very athletic naturally and they have a passion for the game. I guess because they play it as a way out of poverty.”
“To the young Guyanese players at home I urge you to keep training hard and you never know what opportunity could come your way to be the next Dwight Yorke”
St Lucian-born Stuart Charles-Fervier who is the Technical Director of Pro team W Connection and highly regarded and rated in Regional football also showered praises on the Guyana team.
“Having watched Caribbean football over the years I must say that this was the best performance by a Guyana side that I have seen in quite a while.
“I thought the team possessed more quality players than past teams. In every position you had a competent player compared to teams in the past which had average and good players.
“The performance against T&T was quite good. Perhaps Guyana could have gotten something out of the game, at least a draw because they played a consistent game throughout and finished strongly.
Although they kept probing and stuck to their game plan, while playing constructively throughout, it was one of those nights it wasn’t to be. They  looked organised and the discipline I saw was very good, so it must be a credit to the Coaching Staff and players.
If the Federation could improve this team the future of football in Guyana looks good. I must admit I was impressed with the entire team since they played as a team and every player functioned consistently for the 90 minutes so it was a good all-round team effort”.
Also complimenting the impressive performance was past outstanding national defender and now coach Brian Williams, “I must compliment the Guyanese for the organisation and composure they showed in the last two games.
“Much kudos must go to the Technical Staff for the team’s output since it is the belief of most of T&T coaches that this is the best Guyanese team we have seen in recent years. I personally think that like most Regional teams the offensive aspect of their game must be improved. More work has to be done to create more goal-scoring opportunities and this would take some time. I think the side is a good one for Guyana to build their future football.
What I am concerned about is the absence of young talent which is good for the sustenance of the developmental programme.
“I know there are lots of young talented players in Guyana where I made my International debut in 1979. I personally would like to extend best wishes to the country and its football programmes.