Guyana’s national Under-23 Football team yesterday paid a courtesy call on Director of Sport Christopher Jones ahead of their participation in the CFU 2016 Olympic Qualifier in Antigua and Barbuda.The delegation headed by Coach Jamaal Shabazz featured Daniel Wilson, Daniel Whyte, Trayon Bobb, William Europe and Joshua Brown along with Guyana Football Federation (GFF) General Secretary Richard Groden.

“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I would like to wish you guys all the best and know that the entire Guyana is fully behind you” said the Director of Sport while addressing the players at his National Sports Commission (NSC) Office.

Guyana will depart on Monday where they will play on June 24, 26 and 28 against Antigua, Cuba and Aruba in their bid to represent the ‘Land of Many Waters’ in Rio next year.

Jones told the contingent that in Antigua, apart from excelling on the field, it is required that they remain good ambassadors off the pitch since they will be representing an entire nation.

The Sports Director was high in optimism of the team’s success under Shabazz whom he called a true patriot though being Trinidadian.

“I can tell you that as Director of Sport, I will try my best to ensure that you guys are afforded with the necessary facilities needed to excel in the sport and even off the field. We will work together to also ensure that you can focus on the game and not what happens outside of it, but I want to thank you for visiting me today (Yesterday)” Jones said.

Shabazz was grateful for Jones’ confidence in the team and noted that for the first time, Guyana has a youthful leader in the sports fraternity, who understands what is needed to help youth develop in their respective areas.

The National U-23 team head coach presented Jones with Golden Jaguars memorabilia as a token of the team’s appreciation for his support.

“You’re now officially a Golden Jaguar” Shabazz told the Director of Sports, adding “I want to welcome you to our team and hope that you would continue showing good leadership and truly help sports to grow in Guyana”.

Meanwhile, the team will be officially announced today with Shabazz aiming to be the lone team that comes out of their group.