GUYANA’S National Under-17 football team departed today, destined for the Dominican Republic, where they will compete in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-17 Championship. 

Named the ‘Junior Jaguars’, Guyana will play Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and the hosts where only two teams will advance to the next stage.
Coach of the team, Bryan Joseph, said that he is enthused by the level of commitment shown by the players during their time spent in preparing for the tournament and was optimistic of the team being successful in the Dominican Republic.
While Joseph confessed to the team not having adequate time to properly prepare, the former national forward said that he will make no excuses for the side if they do not perform to the best of their ability.
Joseph said that he is happy that the best players were selected to represent Guyana and had only asked of his players to give 100% effort at all times on the field.
President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias said the players selected represent a new generation of the Golden Jaguars who will begin the rebuilding campaign for the country’s national programme.
Matthias, since taking office, has been keen on restructuring the country’s football amidst call for having the senior national team back in action.
Guyana will open their CFU Under-17 campaign against Barbados on Friday July 18, followed by a clash against Antigua July 20 and then will wrap up their group stage match against the host country on July 22.
The squad: Quazim Yusuf and Dwayne Thomas – defenders: Randy Hohenkirk, Seon Barrett, Tariq Nelson, Teffon Alexander, Shomol Smith, Jeremy Garrett – midfielders; Kevin Layne (captain), Job Caesar, Brian Thom, Gerald Sobers, Maurice Barnes; Forwards; Keno Washington, Shamar Blair and Joel Dick. Brian Joseph (head coach), Chevon Monchoir (assistant coach), O’Neil Heywood (goalkeeper/coach), Charlene Henry (physiotherapist).