… GHB optimistic despite setbacks

WITH an eye on the fast approaching July 19 commencement of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has already begun preparations with men and women’s national teams.

However, the preparations are facing a number of challenges as were highlighted by GHB president Philip Fernandes in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport.
The GHB boss revealed; “We have been facing some great challenges with preparation for

the CAC games as the rain has been most uncooperative. The rainy season has forced a suspension of all hockey tournaments and has limited the opportunities for our teams to train. The national gymnasium is only available twice per week for hockey and on many occasions even those days are filled with other activities which prevent our national teams from training.”

He further pointed out that while it has been disappointing for the players and coaching staff, they remain optimistic as they continue to use whatever little time is available for training.
Fernandes reiterated; “This issue further highlights the desperate need for Guyana to install an artificial grass hockey pitch where its national teams can train and compete on a regular basis, similarly to other countries in the region.”

TEAM PROGRESS
In relation to the national teams, more specifically the men’s team, Fernandes noted that they (GHB) are “now benefitting from the investment made over the past four years of exposing young players and which has been the main objective of the men’s coach Robert Fernandes.

This means that there is a strong crop of young legs competing for places on the male team with a good level of performance and fitness.”
However; Fernandes explained that the women are at a different stage in their cycle having just lost several senior players to retirement.

“There are a good crop of juniors vying for selection, many of whom have little or no international experience. New women’s national coach, Damon Woodroffe, will be challenged to mould a unit of seasoned players with the youth and exuberance of the newcomers.”

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS
Robert Fernandes, who has been at the helm of the men’s side for several years now, is once again in charge of the side.
It helps that Robert knows his players well and they in turn are familiar with what the coach expects and the system that he prefers. The men’s training has been focused recently on defensive structure, double-teaming, timing of offensive leads and the changing of structure dynamically in offence.

Meanwhile the women’s national coach is Damon Woodroffe who is new to the national programme. The GHB boss noted; “Damon has been introducing his own style of hockey to the squad and has been focusing a lot on leads and offensive movement along with making decisions under pressure.

The squad has also been developing their build-up game from the defensive line to midfield and having match practices whenever possible.”

PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR
In addressing players to keep an eye on, Fernandes identified a couple of players he thinks will be key in Barranquilla.
“It is always difficult to single out individuals in a team sport, especially when the final selection has not yet been done, since the performance of some players is heavily dependent on those around them.”

“However, based on past performances I would be surprised not to see good performances from Jamarj Assanah and Robert France in the attack and veteran Dwayne Scott in defence for the Guyana men.”

“The women have unfortunately lost the services of young skilful forward Aliyah Gordon, who is out with injury, but will no doubt benefit from the presence of 2018 National Sportswoman-of-the-Year, Marzana Fiedtkou, veteran defender Ulrica Sutherland and Pan Am All-star goalkeeper Alysa Xavier.”

PODIUM FINISH TARGET
While the GHB and national teams’ objective is always to have a podium finish at the CAC games, it has never been achieved and it continues to be a challenge for Guyana.
However, Fernandes pointed out; “We have experienced good success with both the men and women against most of the competing teams in the competition and so if we can get our teams to perform to their best, it is achievable.”

“The women are placed in a pool with fellow Caribbean counterparts Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica. We are familiar with these teams and players and this gives us an opportunity to prepare well for their strengths. The success in the pool round can therefore come down to who analyse their opposition best and prepare for what is anticipated.”

The Guyana men find themselves in a group with the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico. The Guyanese men would be most familiar with Jamaica, having played them late last year in the CAC qualifiers and the two nations have a similar style.

The Dominican Republic will be sure to bring their usual tough, physical game and can prove difficult opponents as will Mexico who add their own Latin flair.
The CAC Games are set for July 19-August 3 at the main venue, Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, in Barranquilla, Colombia.