HEAD coach of the Guyana’s Under-16 football squad Sampson ‘Beniah’ Gilbert yesterday told Chronicle Sport he is optimistic of going past the first round qualifier matches that are set for Trinidad and Tobago from July 3 to 10, in which Guyana face the British Virgin Islands, Suriname and the hosts. Gilbert noted that the squad have been very receptive during the past training sessions and have seen major improvements and collaboration as a unit moving up to the final selection for departure to T&T, adding that they were transferred to the mining town of Linden, since the present weather conditions and availability of facilities in the City were uncertain.
The technical staff were forced to revert to weekend encampment with a home- based training schedule that is being monitored by coaches identified in the respective areas, due to academic studies by some players.
He noted that this new training method, the encampment training schedule, provides four major sessions spanning the period and he hopes that with the present trend Guyana would move into the second round.
When asked of any research on his opponents he highlighted that in relation to Trinidad, they are noted for providing a  strong technical and tactical sound unit and will be the most competitive to watch as against Suriname who, over the years “we had proceeded with victories over at youth level”.
Regarding the British Virgin Islands (BVI), little or nothing is known and must not be taken lightly as this squad will be working hard to better their last performance.
The training sessions will continue in Linden this weekend. The squad reads; Sean Cromwell, Fernando Oliveira, Daniel English, Shawn Brower, Shamar Richards, Julian Smith, Trevor Jones, Rafael Noel, Cedric Osborne, Stefan Enoe, Troy Lewis, Paul Miggins, Kellon Primo, Keron Solomon, Mark Wronge, Kareem Knight, Jermaine Scott, Shamar Barrow, Romario Welcome, Nicosie Denny, Jermaine Fletcher, Keno Washington, Robert Christiani, Shane Luckie, Travis Stoby, Christopher Bacchus.