Local Jaguars face Tobago XI
A YOUTHFUL Golden Jaguars unit will come up against a Tobago All Star Team at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago from 18:00hrs today.
Veteran goalkeeper Richard Reynolds will captain the Guyana team, made up of 16 local-based players and only two players who were in the starting team that triumphed against Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) on November 11, to historically advance in FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifiers.
Reynolds will marshal the defence which comprises Taylor Benjamin (Canada-based) Trievin Sullivan, Colin Nelson and left back Kris Camacho. The midfield will comprise Pele’s winger Sheldon Holder, Kestor Jacobs, Anthony Benfield and Caledonia’s winger Trayon Bobb. Devon Millington will partner veteran striker Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams up front.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the local-based players,” stated Reynolds. “We have been working hard over the last three weeks and the best reward is playing time,” added Reynolds.
Guyana arrived in T&T two days earlier than scheduled after preparations were hampered by inclement weather and the unavailability of training venues.
“We are very thankful for  Mark Xavier (Guyana team manager) allowing us two sessions at the stadium but the other sessions were at the seawall, far from the facilities required for the level we are preparing to meet, stated head coach Jamaal Shabazz.
“Coming to Trinidad earlier afforded us three important sessions on a good facility, added Shabazz. “But blessed is he who has his own, he quipped with his now normal rhetorical tone.
To the local-based players Shabazz added T&T-based players hard-working left back Walter Moore, Colin Nelson, Trayon Bobb and goalkeeper Ronson Williams all of whom play for Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA in the TT Pro League.
The Rest of the squad for today’s game: Colin Abrams, Konata Manning, Andrew Murray, Pernel Schultz, Ryan Crandon, Daniel Wilson, Junior Grandison.
Guyana play a T&T U-23 team at the same venue in Tobago on Thursday, before moving on to St Vincent and Grenada for matches in those islands on February 19 and 22 respectively.
Afterwards the more senior members of the team, led by England-based captain Chris Nurse, will lock horns with Guatemala in an international friendly at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on February 29.