AS GUYANA prepare to open their bid at the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) later today, the president of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) David Fernandes has backed his side to return several titles to Guyana. Speaking exclusively to the Guyana Chronicle, the GSA boss believes that his side is more prepared this year for the battle that looms in Barbados.
“Actually, this year, some may say we got off to a late start but I actually believe that the team are better prepared than they were last year. The physical work that they did in the last few weeks has really been good for them and all of them are fitter than they were last year. This year we have the ability to win four (individual) titles and I feel very confident if everything goes as planned and if everyone works hard during the matches, that we have a very good chance of retaining our team title this year.”
He noted that the region has been priming to dethrone Guyana and it is with this that the unit has been training to ensure the retention of their coveted country title.
“All the other countries have been working very hard to improve and that means that our team in Guyana have to keep pushing to try and make sure that we are competitive at every category.”
He showered praise on both the male and female captains, ahead of the tournament’s start today, underscoring that they have both been able to excel at the local levels in all aspects.
All members arrived yesterday. Under-13 boys – Shomari Wiltshire, Samuel Ince-Carvahal, Demetrius De Abreu, Gianni Carpenter, Justin Lilico, Quinn Lilico, and Xavier Gordon. At the Under-15 male level are Daniel and Anthony Islam while the Under-17 level has Ben Mekdeci and Alexander Cheeks.
On the distaff side at the Under-13 level are Kirsten Gomes, Madison Fernandes, Haley Carpenter, Aliyah Persaud and Sage Gordon while at the U-15 level is Makeda Harding. The U-17 reps are Rebecca Low and Sarah Lewis while Taylor Fernandes, Larissa Wiltshire, Gabrielle Fraser and U-19 female champion and captain Akeila make up the U-19 group.
Carl Ince is the coach, Tiffany Solomon is the assistant coach, Wiltshire is the manager with Fernandes as assistant manager.