THE recent article in the Stabroek News on September 9, 2014, titled “Matthias must explain his “toothless jaguars” by Mr. Orin Davidson, can be categorized as unpatriotic and very disrespectful to the efforts those young Guyanese players would have exercised. They played their hearts out for their “country”, not Mr. Matthias, and for them to be disrespected and labeled in such a manner is shameful, regrettable and should be condemned by all Guyanese, especially all football patrons.
There is nothing, in my opinion, that is embarrassing about the bold and gallant efforts the young Jaguars would have exhibited in their three matches during their sojourn in the Caribbean Football Union’s qualifying competition, if one is to take into consideration the federation’s economic position.
Following are comments on a few statements the author of that missive made. Firstly, he posited “… except for Walter Moore, the Jaguars, or as he puts it, the “toothless Jaguars” were devoid even of any of the local born and bred professionals who ply their trade overseas”; a team that comprised all locals, without international exposure, except for one; a team, according to the author, that was an unholy mess in being assembled and equipped for a vital competition, was able to draw in their debut match and were able to sustain goals to two in the matches they were defeated in by teams with a plethora of experience and well-traveled players. Shouldn’t the efforts by those young Guyanese be applauded? Did they not do well under those unfortunate conditions?
Did they not do much better than Alpha United, which had a multitude of international players, including the likes of Mills and the seasoned Richardson who, with reference to the author, have a proven affinity for finding the net? Not forgetting the most qualified, experienced and arguably the ‘best coach’ in Guyana, Mr. Wayne Dover. Were these characters not aces? Was their performance better than the “toothless Jaguars”?
The learned author posited ‘ instead of admitting he (Matthias) was unable to raise the money necessary to properly fund the Jaguars for the C.F.U series, he and his people have been spouting lots of balderdash about developing local players instead”. Wow! If this is indeed so, what is wrong with advocating and making representation for local footballers’ development?
It is no secret that the GFF is in a financial abyss and raising money for football is no easy task. The prominent owner and president of the Alpha F.C. several weeks ago vehemently expressed the difficulty he was faced with in garnering financial support from the business community to help offset expenses for his team during their quest to qualify and advance in the CONCACAF Champion League.
If one is cognizant of the GFF’s financial position and posits that in order to compete internationally requires solid funding to pay players and cover transportation expenses from their bases abroad, then how can they, in the same breath, chastise the administration for not having overseas players? Is this not a confused individual?
To aid the various administrations of sports teams in achieving their set goals and objectives, all of the efforts to advance the various disciplines should be encouraged. Moreover, when our fellow countrymen and countrywomen leave our borders to represent this land, their efforts should be celebrated and respected by all Guyanese.
Well done, Guyana Jaguars.

JERMAINE FIGUEIRA