By Ras Wadada

Collie ‘Hitman’ Hercules, Bakewell Topp XX:“Our aim is to finish in the top three and we will be taking it one game at a time, but what is certain is that we will bring a highly competitive spirit to the competition. Our preparations have gone reasonably well and the players are all anxious to get out on the pitch.
“We have a blend of youth and seasoned campaigners in our squad and the spirits in the camp are high, coming off of the UDFA’s League Championship win.
“We are not here to prove anything but our competitiveness. We have a rich and proud history as a club so we will take this opportunity to be the first Linden side to participate in Guyana’s top football League and give it our best. The players have responded well to training preparations and we are ready.
As the only side in the League from Linden we have a great responsibility to represent the entire community which is big and very passionate about football. Their support for the team will mean a lot, especially when we are playing at home. I would certainly like to wish every team the best for the season and urge the return of the four clubs to the competition.”

Bilaal Nantambu, Guyana Defence Force:
“Since my arrival here as coach, in August, I have been instilling in the players a new philosophy and while we are yet to reach fruition we are getting there. We have been very busy since we started to prepare, but the several postponements to the start of the season have caused some minor setbacks.
“The team is relatively young and full of enthusiasm but while I am satisfied with most areas we have worked on, I would like the mental capacity of the players to be more improved. The philosophy we are aspiring to is to move away from being a physical team to one that is more ball-possessing and what I would like to see is a higher level of consistency in possessing the ball for the duration of the game and not for them to get complacent.
“Now that the top two teams are out, the Army is being considered a top contender and that adds a little pressure but I tell them to think about their roles and responsibilities for the game more than winning the game.
“Our objective is to win this League because that is what is expected of the Army and with the top teams out I think we have a very good opportunity to lift the League cup. I think the quality of football we will deliver will raise a few eyebrows and surprise a lot of people.”

Sampson ‘Benniah’ Gilbert, Fruta Conquerors FC:
“The distractions off the field and moneys owing to players by the GFF were two main issues that affected the smooth pre-season training preparations for the Elite League. However, we made some adjustments and I must say I am satisfied with how preparations have gone. I am looking forward to a good performance from the team this season.
“I have kept the distractions off the field away from our preparations and kept the players more focused on the task ahead, because at Conquerors we always aspire to do very well and be in the top tier of the League.
Every competition Fruta Conquerors enter whether we have a depleted team or not our aim and projection is to win the Championship, so without a doubt we are going after the Elite title. Of course every team will be aiming for that as well and that we respect but ultimately we are aiming to win the championship.
While the club suffered a lot during the transfer period, through migration of several players to other clubs, I think the solid structural foundation of the club has a pool of quality talent to call on and it is that mix, together with the experienced players, that will make up the composition of the squad which I feel confident can win the Championship.
“It is also critical for the fan support if we are to win and so with the team being a community-based one that has been successful over the years. We have developed a solid fan-base that is always supportive.”