The Golden Jaguars’ performance on Friday night was inspirational and the never-say-die attitude of the players can be the fillip that transforms the current culture under which football exists in Guyana, according to head coach Jamaal Shabazz.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport after Guyana’s historic win over Trinidad & Tobago at the Guyana National Stadium, the Trinidadian said that Guyana’s win was a lesson to administrators, not only in his native land but right here in Guyana, that there are coaches around the Caribbean who have worked and studied hard and are therefore qualified for the top positions that sometimes go to foreign coaches.
Shabbazz indicated that the comment is not intended to be taken personally as it relates to T&T but it is worthy to note that the Caribbean coaches have come of age. T&T’s national coach is German Otto Pfister.
Shabazz also maintained that the support of the crowd that packed the National Stadium can be viewed as a turning point for all who have an interest in the sport in Guyana. Shabazz said when he looked at the crowd he did not see supporters of the PPP/C, APNU or PNC, he saw supporters of Guyana’s national football team.
He acknowledged though that initially he was jaded that the fans had not showed up in the numbers and he was disappointed by the mid part of the first half. He also chanted Allahu Akhbar for the win.
“…The passion of our people and our players won through; very impressed with the way the people supported us. It was not a victory for the team but a victory for the country. We could not tell tonight who was PPP or APNU and who was AFC, I did not see the Indians and Africans and the Amerindians, all these divisions and labels you like to put what I saw was a G for Guyana,” explained Shabazz.
On the other hand, Shabazz said that the team’s focus will remain on their next game on November 15 against T&T at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. And although the result would not matter, since Guyana has already reached the third round with their win on Friday night, Shabazz said this is not the time to let up especially since the team will be coming up against Central America’s powerhouses El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico, along with United States.
He pointed out though that some of the younger players will be given play time next Tuesday.
A hoarse Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that the Guyana team played to their best, calling their style of play beautiful. He said the crowd truly represented what Guyana is all about and it added the extra incentive for the team to keep forging ahead.
Barring the euphoria of the victory, Anthony said that the government will be having discussions with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), who will get support as they move forward in the World Cup qualifiers. He indicated that as the team progresses it will need greater support from GoG, stating that they will work along the GFF to “ensure that the team adequately represents the country.”
When asked if the Jaguars’ progression signalled a push for better infrastructure for football in Guyana, Anthony said that with the construction of the synthetic athletics track at Leonora there will be space in the middle of the facility, which will have a capacity of 10,000, for football.
Further he said that there are some areas that need fixing to improve local football and therefore the ministry will have to sit with the GFF. He posited that no one organisation can develop any sport, citing that there has to be a partnership.
“We will be working to develop that kind of partnership where we can improve the quality of football locally and for that matter looking at other sports as well,” elaborated Anthony.
Local football has been in the doldrums for many years and many are viewing this current shot in the arm under acting president Franklin Wilson as heart warming.
Meanwhile, organisers of the ‘Wear Yellow’ campaign Kashif & Shanghai Organisation (K&SO) said that the heeding of the call to wear yellow was a godsend response. Speaking on behalf of the K&SO, Kashif Muhammad lauded Guyana for defeating T&T and said it was a privilege for the organisation to provide the 12th man for Guyana – the crowd.
Muhammad said Friday’s support was an excellent start of things to come, as the win will increase fans’ belief in the team.
