… Coach Shabazz cites positives in defeat; Ivan Persaud drafted into back-room staff
GUYANA’S Golden Jaguars comprising predominately local-based players suffered their second defeat of their four-game Caribbean tour, going down 3-0 to a formidable Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 Olympic team on Thursday night at Dwight Yorke Stadium. The team headed by Jamaal Shabazz drafted in the regular first XI left-back Walter Moore into the starting lineup to add some experience to the local-based players.
Guyana opened the scoring in the 23rd minute via a Walter Moore penalty after Pele Football Club striker Devon Millington was brought down in the box.
The Guyanese continued to dominate the first half and the teams went into the interval with the Jaguars ahead by a slender 1-0 advantage.
However, 15 minutes into the second half the Guyana team showed signs of tiredness and conceded goals as a result.
Goals from the duo Jamal Gay and Trevin Caesar, whom the Guyanese public would be familiar with, as they played for the Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA side that won the 2011/12 Kashif and Shanghai tournament – then a final strike from Andre Quashie of Winners Connection – propelled the T&T Olympic team to victory.
In spite of this coach Jamaal Shabazz was very upbeat.
“We played much better tonight and dominated the first half with good pressing work. Our guys were great in the first half. I was very impressed with their efforts till then. However, our lack of fitness showed up and we were slaughtered after 15 minutes into the second half.
“The local-based guys are learning that to play at this level they’ve got to be fit. They all struggled except Walter Moore Trayon Bobb and Colin Nelson who are now professionals playing in Trinidad, noted Shabazz.
To address the lack of fitness Shabazz has drafted Ivan Persaud who did some work with the team before the trip and will be on board for the world-cup qualifiers, which kick off on June 8 against the Javier Hernandez-led CONCACAF powerhouses Mexico, at the world famous Estadio Azteca venue.
“Ivan is a great addition to this staff. He works well with Dover and me. His knowledge on the science of training will help the programme. We are fortunate to have a technician of his calibre working with us, added Shabazz.
Guyana will leave Tobago today for penultimate match of their tour against St Vincent and the Grenadines on February 19.