HAVING witnessed his team Bago Sports Beach Football Club (BSBFC) take their three-game goodwill series against Guyana’s Red Jaguars 2-1, at the Christianburg ground two weeks ago, coach Dane Bernard said the Guyanese can go far in the discipline. “We had three closely contested games, even though the score lines say differently. The purpose of the games against Guyana was for us to prepare for the North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC), held from June 8 to 10, 2012 in Virginia Beach, Florida, USA,” said Bernard.
They edged the Red Jaguars 6-5 in the first two matches, before going under 7-3 in the third and final one and despite some dubious decisions by the referee, Bernard said he was pleased with his team’s performance, especially that of skipper Makan Hislop and exciting striker Chad Apoo.
“I think we give Guyana a good series. They played well and judging from the opposition they give us, especially in the first two games, their future in the sport is bright. They can go a far way.
Added to that, I think my players gave of their best over the past three nights. We’ve been having problems, but we understand that the officials are human and they are entitled to make errors at times; all we have to do is look past that and focus on the championships next month.”
BSBFC is the only team from the Caribbean, who has been invited to compete in the championship out of over 900 registered teams and according to Bernard, they intend to take a few Guyanese players with them, in their bid to strengthen their opportunity of carting off the championship, or even finishing amongst the top teams.
“We have a few Guyanese players in our makeup, who have played for the Red Jaguars against us, and we have a keen interest in their performances over the past three days.
“Having said that, I must say that they did not disappoint us, as we know what they are capable of and I hope they continue well. We had a lot of injuries, but over the past three nights, we gave all the players a few knocks and they did well, especially Makan (Hislop) and Chad (Apoo).”
Bernard hinted at the Red Jaguars paying a return visit sometime this year, once all the logistics are in place, following his team’s participation in the Championships, as they have a good relationship, which both sides will be looking to maintain.
Like Bernard, Hislop was high in praise for the Red Jaguars, saying the Guyanese should take the sport more seriously. He applauded the Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA), which is headed by overseas-based Guyanese Garth Nelson, for organising the goodwill tournament.
“The interest that is being shown by Guyana and the initiative that is being taken should take the sport a long way for the country.
“To host a tournament, even though it was a small one, is something good. It shows that the GBFA is looking to develop the sport further and I would like to thank them for having us here over the past three days.”