By Clifton Ross

GUYANA Jaguars wicketkeeper Kemol Savory lauded the development of the new LBI facility, dubbing the move by Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) as one that guarantees a brighter future for the franchise.

Now among the senior youngsters in the Jaguars Academy, having had his first taste of senior Regional 50 Overs cricket last season; the left-hander told Chronicle Sport that the soon-to-be-opened LBI mini-stadium could be the greatest gift given to the players by CGI.

“It gives me pride and joy knowing that consideration is given to us especially the young players, by CGI, that they have invested tremendous finances towards developing our talents and preserving our future, by developing this modern facility for the betterment of Guyana’s cricket,” the wicketkeeper said.

With players having to be nomads in the past, traversing the city in order to find suitable venues for their training sessions, this new home, according to the Essequibo Franchise player, will encourage a better practice schedule, with more upgraded amenities suitable for the development of future Jaguars.
“It’s a great move for the new facility at LBI because we, as players, will have more competitive cricket and more time to practise because that will eventually be the players’ home ground,” Savory pointed out.

The fact that players will now be housed primarily at one venue, which features floodlights and with modernised drainage and irrigation system as meagre pluses, Savory highlighted gelling and team unity as the biggest positives that can come out of this new chapter.
“Being housed at a single facility will help the team to gel and develop camaraderie that will reflect much better in terms of training and our games. Also, it allows us to develop a sense of belonging.

“It is my personal belief that this will open up a great way forward for young upcoming cricketers to hone and develop their skills and to open up a pool of young skilled players to the CGI franchise, he explained.

As for the younger bunch of Jags most of whom have had their taste of playing for Guyana at the highest levels, Savory was adamant that having a facility with unlimited access will play a huge role in the output of the junior players, who will be more driven to perform and excel when their new home officially opens its doors.
“This is a huge plus for players like myself and who will now make greater effort towards developing my skills. I no longer see my position as temporary but I’m able to see and develop skills that transcend beyond me just being a player”.

Savory wrapped up his interview by further thanking the academy for paving a future which he can now venture off into a number of cricket-related aspects.
“I can see the CGI through its academy investing in developing my skills to prepare me for life beyond being a player,”he concluded.