THE Alpha United Football Club wing out today and tomorrow to Costa Rica as they embark on a historic journey as the first Guyanese football team to ever compete in the CONCACAF Champions League.
They will oppose the host team Club Sport Herediano in one of the opening matches of the preliminary round on Tuesday, July 26 at the Costa Rica National Stadium, San José, from 10:00hrs then the return match will be staged at the Guyana National Stadium on August 4 at 20:00hrs.
Both matches will be aired live on ESPN. According to president of Alpha United Club, Odinga Lumumba, an ESPN team has already examined the Guyana National Stadium and has deemed it of high quality to stage the broadcasting of the international showdown.
Yesterday, a simple media briefing was held by the club. It was attended by Lumumba, vice-president of the Club Steve Ninvalle, head coach Wayne Dover, assistant coach Gavin Browne and newly appointed captain Anthony Abrams.
It was made clear that the players have been constantly working and improving on relevant areas and as they approach a tournament against teams of high calibre they have to be positive that they can perform well.
Even though the squad is missing a few players, Lumumba said that those places have been filled with players just as good or even better. He added that the only player that would be missed is former captain Howard Lowe, who, according to Lumumba has gotten slow.
Players such as Dwight Peters and Dwain Jacobs have returned to take part in the event and an additional six foreign national players have been drafted into the team for the tournament.
The Alpha boss is confident that his squad of 23 can withstand pressure and that is where the true test begins; as they will find out exactly where they need to be in the development of football to help the country.
Finally, he took the opportunity to extend gratitude to the Government of Guyana and Courtney Benn Contracting Company who have played a major part in their success so far.