Countdown begins to Belize Gold Cup qualifier on March 23
ONE match can change the course of football history. For Guyana, destiny awaits with a crunch, final CONCACAF Nations League/Gold Cup qualifier against Belize at home on Saturday, March 23.
A win for the Golden Jaguars would all but guarantee a first appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the senior men’s national team. This year’s Gold Cup takes place between June 15 and July 7.
This historical milestone would propel Guyana’s football onto an unprecedented international stage – the Gold Cup is CONCACAF’s number one tournament and broadcast live across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
“The exposure it would create for players and Guyana’s football will help set the tone for the future of football – encouraging more fans to engage with local football and more sponsors to come on board to support the development of our leagues, coaching and youth programmes,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.
“Qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup will be a game-changer for football in Guyana. It will raise the sport to a new level in the minds of the players, clubs, fans and corporate Guyana. We know the nation will get behind the team on March 23. It will be a nation of Golden Jaguars versus 11 Belize players!”
Guyana-based players get in shape for final selection
The Guyana Football Federation’s international match preparations began in earnest this week with Guyana-based players starting regular training at the new Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence.
The sessions have featured 35 players from teams including GFF-STAG Elite League champions Fruta Conquerors, GFF-STAG Super 16 champions Den Amstel, Western Tigers, Buxton United, New Amsterdam United, Ann’s Grove, Netrockers and Botofago.
After initial fitness tests last weekend, players took part in training matches this week, under the watchful eyes of GFF technical officials, with young talent such as Ryan Hackett and Kelsey Benjamin lining up against seasoned internationals including Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Vurlon Mills and Trayon Bobb.
Next week, the squad will be cut to the best-performing 23 players who will go forward for consideration alongside the overseas-based contingent for the final match squad.
“We are going to be working hard to build on and improve the level of fitness of the players, especially in terms of power, so that they are more effective across the whole 90 minutes of the match,” said GFF coach education director Wilson Toledo. “I have seen a great attitude from lots of the players to work hard and do as much as they can to improve.”
FIFA-funded National Training Centre up and running
The GFF National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara has been hosting the 35-strong, Guyana-based senior men’s national squad as they begin preparations for the crucial CONCACAF Gold Cup/Nations League qualifier against Belize on March 23.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art, all-weather artificial turf pitch, the FIFA Forward-funded centre will eventually become the home for the GFF Technical Department, with a technical headquarters, gym, offices and dormitories – alongside floodlights and stands that will make the pitch a premier football venue.
Coaching staff have highlighted the positive impact the international-standard turf has already had on the quality of preparations and performance of players.
“It’s been a big improvement to work here,” said GFF coach education director Wilson Toledo. “We are now putting in place all the conditions we need to work at the right level and to prepare in the same way as other teams in the region.”
“With this pitch, the players can do much more to improve their technique and fitness.”
What is the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the premier men’s international football competition for North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
The Gold Cup takes place every two years and dates back to 1963.
Mexico are the most successful nation in the competition with seven titles, closely followed by current champions United States on six titles. Canada have won the tournament once.
The 2019 edition features a newly-expanded format, with 16 teams up from 12.
This year’s competition will be the 15th edition, featuring matches across the United States, Costa Rica and one yet-to-be-named Caribbean country.
The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama and Honduras have already qualified for the 2019 Gold Cup. The top 10 teams from the current CONCACAF Nations League qualification process will be added to the mix.
What is the CONCACAF Nations League?
The CONCACAF Nations League is a new international league-style tournament designed to improve international football across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Teams are currently entering the final round of qualification for the 2019-20 Nations League, with the top six teams joining the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama and Honduras in League A.
Teams ranked 7-22 will compete in League B and teams ranked 23-34 will form League C.
Guyana are currently placed 8th in the table on six points, with the most likely outcome being a spot in League B.
