Football over patriotism, or patriotism over football?
THERE comes a time when a man is faced with making a decision that would either make him be loved by many or hated by a few; a decision which would change people’s perception of that individual and also their respect for him. But when that decision is to choose between your country of birth, a country that has helped mould you into the individual you are now and a country you have adopted, grown to love and is loved, that decision could be nerve-racking; that decision is what Guyana’s National Coach Jamaal Shabazz has to make.
Shabazz, a native of Trinidad and Tobago led Guyana to the penultimate (3rd) round of the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifiers – a feat the National side has never accomplished and, paradoxically, he did so at the expense of the ‘Soca Warriors’ (Trinidad and Tobago).
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) under new administration has recalled Shabazz who’s more known for his exploits with his country’s women’s football programme and a leading coach in the TT Pro-League. It was stated by the TTFF that Shabazz was on loan to Guyana for three months and his contract has come to an end.
Now, Shabazz is awaiting word from the TTFF which would be given no later than December 28 about his future with Guyana and if they would allow him to return for another stint.
Last week, Shabazz held a press conference with the local media in Guyana where he addressed a number of issues – his future with the Golden Jaguars being the main vocal point.
“I’ve been meeting with the Trinidad Federation about my position with Guyana and yes, they have made me some very good offers, encouraging me to stay there for good, but those who know me well, will tell you, I have made them an even better one that would allow me to be both places without any issues, but I have to wait and see how things turn out, hopefully for the best,” explained the Trinidadian coach.
But speaking with a sound of frustration in his voice, Shabazz appealed to the TTFF via the Guyanese Media to allow him to work with Guyana, to help bring more recognition to football in the Caribbean.
He said that since leading Guyana past Trinidad, things have not been the same for him at home, adding “people have been saying to me, even in the super market ‘boy Jamaal, why you did that to us?’. You know, for me and my family it wasn’t easy at all but, I let them understand that it’s just football, that’s all and so I have been making several sacrifices for this country”.
Reports emanating out of Trinidad suggest that the ‘Trinis’ who played in the 2006 World Cup, were upset about one of their own defeating the Otto Pfister-coached Soca Warrior team.
On various social media and websites, the issue has taken centre stage as many shed mixed views about the recall of Shabazz by the TTFF, calling it rather untimely and one that can be discouraging to Guyanese team.
“What if things don’t turn out in favour of the National Team to have you back, how would you feel, what would you do?” asked Chronicle Sport, as Shabazz took a deep breath, sighed, looked around the room at the Princess Hotel then smiled as he answered: “Well, that would be something I hope doesn’t happen, because I know the effect it can have on this country as nation!”.
“I’ve come to love Guyana, the people, the players, their commitment and so I feel like they are my family, my adopted home with the amount of love and respect I get here, but I have been in contact with the players, telling them not to be distracted about what’s happening with me, but to look ahead because we have a tough task in the next round and no matter what, they would always have my support, my contribution in whatever way I can to help that team,” Shabazz said.
Shabazz first came to the  fore in 2005-2007 when he led Guyana on their magical run in the Caribbean and taking them to their highest ever FIFA ranking of 90 but he had fallen one goal short in the 2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup to book a semi-final spot and to play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Today, Guyana sit at 95th in the world; their second highest achievement again under Shabazz who made it clear of his intention to work with the Golden Jaguars again.
Guyana will play powerhouses – Mexico, El Salvador and Costa Rica – next year in the penultimate round of the World Cup Qualifiers with all matches set for a home and away basis.