Pollard hopes for improvement as Slingerz face Monedderlust

“WE ARE in a position unlike many teams around; because of our name we have to perform. Because of the quality of players we have on the team, we always have to go out there and make sure we always give a good account of ourselves because people think so highly of us.”
Those were the words of Slingerz Football Club head coach Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, whose side will play in their first Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup where they are one of the top contenders to capture the crown and the $4M first prize, and are also preparing to take on Berbice’s Monnederlust in their next game.
They overcame another Berbice team, Cougars 3-1, in a not-so-impressive performance and Pollard is hoping for a better team performance when the side face Monedderlust tomorrow at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
Trinidadian Kevon Woodley, who netted a double in the team’s first game, would be returning to continue his fine form while Slingerz will also see the return of Guyana’s Golden Jaguars star forward Vurlon Mills who missed the first game due to a groin injury.
“I think that we would do better on Sunday (tomorrow)” explained Pollard, who also stated that “players didn’t really like the feedback we got from the public and owner. Even though we won, I think that the players also know that they have to play at high standards at all times.”
Asked if the composition of the team and the acquisition of new players probably could be used as an excuse, Pollard replied in the negative.
“No. I mean these are all players who played on the national team and are familiar with each other and we have been together long enough. But I think the guys are a little rusty because since we won the league, like over two weeks ago, we have played no competitive football, so maybe you can say that”.
The once-feared defender said that what he’s pleased with is that the team have a following and people always expect them to do well.
“That’s something you don’t really get. Most people really don’t like ‘Big Clubs’ because they normally support the underdogs.
“But it’s different for us. People expect us to win every game by big margins and I think that will do good for the guys to go out there and play well and know that they are people who are depending on them to always do well and so they will actually work hard,” the former national captain noted.