That’s how the technical director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Jamaal Shabbazz quipped yesterday when asked about the Guyana national team’s preparation for their encounter with the Cuba national team this weekend.
“The weather has seriously affected our preparation for the Cuba encounter this weekend, but I’ll tell you one thing, the Jaguars are ready for the next water polo championships and I think if we enter we may have a good chance of winning considering our present training conditions.”
Shabbazz said that the national team has been battling to acquire a proper training venue, which he says has been almost impossible given the current rainy weather since the grounds were either water-logged or the owners’ feared likely damage.
He expressed his frustration with the GFF not having its own playing facility by sarcastically stating: “The Jaguars are also asking for the government and the members of the public to donate some space suits and possibly a space ship because we have no place to practise so we might as well practise in outer space.”
Although Shabbazz expressed his disappointment with the squad not having enough time to prepare for their formidable Cuban opponents, he said that he remained optimistic about the matches against the Cuba national team.
He informed Stabroek Sport yesterday that his optimism was sustained by the fact that he will be utilizing the services of all five overseas-based players who have travelled from England to tryout for the squad.
Shabbazz said that those five players have adapted very well to Guyana’s style of play and they have showed much commitment as well as exemplary discipline and professionalism.
“Seeing that the five overseas players are working so well with the team, I think it will be increasingly hard for other players to make the squad in the future and this will positively raise the overall level of play for the Guyana team,” the technical director said.
Head coach of the team, Wayne Dover, said that his team had worked extensively in their training leading up to this match and he is very confident that they have a chance to knock off the Cubans on their home soil for the first time.
Dover mentioned that the team had worked on their attack as well as their defence and added that he was pleased to see that everyone on the team both local and overseas-based players were on the same page.
Dover also guaranteed a victory for his team, which he said would be a confidence booster for the team and a token of appreciation to all the local fans and sponsors who have supported them.
According to Shabbazz, Guyana would have a 22-member squad for the Cuba encounter, excluding national captain Charles `Lily’ Pollard who is currently recovering from injury.
The 22 players are: Richard Reynolds, Shawn Johnson, Kelvin Mc Kenzie, Devon Dummet, Kelvin Smith, Howard Luke, Walter Moore, Troy Prescott, Carey Harris, Jake Newton, Fabian Brown, Chris Bourne, Kayode Roberts, Shawn Bishop, Konota Manning, Kayode Mc Kennon, Kester Jacobs, Collie Hercules, Eddie Gomes, Anthony Abrams and Dwain Jacobs.
The Guyana national side will play the Cuba national team who were scheduled to arrive in Guyana last night, in two games.
The first match will take place from 6pm tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden while the second is scheduled for Sunday in Georgetown at the GCC Ground, Bourda.
