Technical director of the Guyana national team, Jamaal Shabbazz, would like to see his strikers shooting the ball more when the Golden Jaguars oppose Suriname in their return fixture this coming Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
“We have to shoot more. Guys wanted to dribble the ball into the back of the goal without getting a shot off. We will be working on our finishing in the next couple of days to ensure that we don’t repeat the same mistake of not shooting the ball constantly again,” said Shabbazz.
Reflecting on the 1-0 loss the Jaguars suffered at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium in Paramaribo last Saturday, Shabbaz said he felt that his charges displayed grit and determination but could have done better.
“Our guys showed grit and determination. Clearly we played an opponent who spent lots of time training on the ground and also with the ball used. I thought we could have done a lot better. There were some simple things that we neglected, but having said such, the team showed great resilience and the defeat has helped inspire us to regroup and throw everything at them in the return leg on Sunday.”
Shabbazz added: “We allowed their wingers to dribble the ball down the line when our basic approach was to prevent such and force the ball inside. This created havoc in our defence and gave confidence to Suriname who utilized same to come away with the win.
“A team is as good as its last performance and its preparations. This is the reality of football and a reality that did hit home in Suriname.”
Newton brothers
On the question of the unavailability of England-born and raised brothers Howard and Jake Newton to play for Guyana in the game, Shabbazz stated that that was the job of the administrators to ensure the paperwork was in place so that the players can have the opportunity to play.
“Even though they both would not have started, we had it in our game plan to start Howard who would have been a tremendous boost to the starting lineup. To say that due to him not playing caused us the game would not be truthful. We were told that they could not play thus we had to replace him and we now have to look at our performance after that.”
Jerome, Bishop and Browne
Shabbazz further stated that the inclusion of former national midfielder Jermaine Browne along with Shawn ‘Fatso’ Bishop and Randolph ‘Blackie’ Jerome who are all set to join the squad during the course of the week, along with the Newton brothers would be an added boost to the team.
“I think the experience of this five would add a certain level of competitiveness and bring more potency to the attack. But generally, the entire team needs to lift their game.”
Shabbazz would like to commence his training of the team from this afternoon to get the Jaguars into the frame of mind of what needs to be done in order for the team to advance to the next round of the qualifying stage for the 2010 World Cup that will be hosted by South Africa.
“I want to start training from this afternoon. I have my fears and I pray that we get the grounds to train on despite the adverse weather and just as the staff and players must give everything in these six days of preparation, we hope that the other stakeholders give everything.
“I would like the opportunity to have three sessions on the venue for the game. Without this, we would be strangers to the ground just as Suriname would when it is our ground.”
Shabbaz told Stabroek Sport that not only the players, but the technical staff also felt the impact of the loss and were very disappointed.
“Like the staff, the players were very disappointed but we know that no one goal is good enough to beat Guyana at home. We have our work cut out for us, but the dream of playing in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is still alive and we will stop at nothing to go after a victory on Sunday but the entire team needs to lift their game to make this a reality.
“I want to challenge the Guyanese public to come out in their numbers and be the 12th man for their team the way the Surinamese were for their team. All is not lost for the Jaguars as yet. I know that we can beat them at home. Like I said, no one goal can beat Guyana.”
He added: “I urge the Guyanese football public to come out and demonstrate their love for their country and play a part in the advancement of the team in this tournament. It is a country that qualifies for a World Cup not just a football team and just as the fans of Suriname came out and showed their support, we as a people must show that we too can rise to the occasion.”
Shabbazz, who had earlier indicated that he will be taking a break from football after this engagement, indicated that he will be sticking to his word.
“Win, lose or draw, I need to recharge my batteries. I am going to push myself, the rest of the staff and the players to the ultimate limit of commitment in the coming days leading up to the return fixture. Those of us who live to the end of it will certainly need a rest. We are prepared to give our all to ensure that Guyana qualifies, even if it means our bodies leave the field in bags.”
Meanwhile, captain of the Golden Jaguars Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard also told Stabroek Sport that he would like to see the guys play as a unit and pull this one off.
“No one man can’t do this, this is not about me or Shabbazz or even Collie just to mention a few. This is a total team effort – those on the field and those off the field and in order for us to get it right come Sunday, we need to play as a team.”
Pollard added:“The guys need to step up to the plate. Come out and play to their potential and once we do so, there is no way they can beat us in the return fixture. We will be at home when we next face up against them and I hope that the fans come out and support us.
“The strikers need to shoot a bit more often. Our finishing leaves a lot more to be desired and in the return fixture I would like to see the strikers doing some more shooting whilst those who are playing defence step up to the plate and be more efficient,” said Pollard.