FOLLOWING Guyana’s historic 2014 World Cup Qualification victory over Trinidad and Tobago, a luncheon was held for the players by the Government of Guyana (GOG) at the Water Chris Hotel where they savoured the moment. Presidential Adviser, Odinga Lumumba, stood in on behalf of President Bharrat Jagdeo at the simple ceremony. His task was simple; to fulfil the promises made to the Jaguars if they had won the Group and progressed to the next round.
Guyana have now qualified for the third round and are in Group A with powerhouses Costa Rica, Mexico and El Salvador.
An incentive of one million dollars was promised to the team if they came out victorious but according to Lumumba, the team’s performance was so exceptional that they government awarded them two million dollars instead.
Also pending is the promise of awarding a plot of land to every player on the team if they won the group which, in the words of Lumumba “is being dealt with”.
Lumumba went on to give recognition to the Kashif and Shanghai organisation that has done well to promote the home match and pack the venue with supporters and as well as the ‘wear yellow’ campaign which was a success.
Recognition also went out to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and acting president Franklin Wilson who has done a terrific job since he stepped up to the post in the federation’s time of disarray.
Giving the feature address at the ceremony was head coach of the team, Jamal Shabazz who maintained that this victory was a group effort, not only achieved by the players and technical staff but by the Guyanese supporters around the world, Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Government of Guyana and numerous other corporate sponsors.
Shabazz said: “I was happy to know that the country, in light of the elections and division was able to curb everything and merge for honour and national unity in the venture as Guyana sought qualification into the next round.”
He noted that Guyana demonstrated that they had what it takes to make tremendous progress and, even though they are in a group with ‘big-name’ teams, they will try to go out and give their best to make Guyana proud.
Finally, Shabazz queried why these players, who have dedicated their life to football such as the patriotic Charles Pollard, have not yet been treated like the professionals they are. The coach said that he thinks more support needs to be given in order for the team to advance.
In Wilson’s brief remarks he thanked the public for the support given in Guyana and around the world. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the federation to the GOG and other sponsors who aided in the Jaguars’ success.
Sharing similar sentiments was the team’s captain Christopher Nurse, who guaranteed that his side are looking to better their performance as they go forward.