Dear Editor,
I was one of the few hundred Guyanese spectators to have viewed the friendly international between Guyana and Guatemala, on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the National Stadium, Providence, which the locals lost by a 0-2 margin. I was not disappointed really by the margin of defeat but rather by the technical deficiencies that once again reared their ugly head from a few players.
As a consequence, it’s my sincere desire for the coaching staff not only to address the issue but also to take into serious consideration, that some players are definitely not suited to the important task ahead in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Editor, unfortunately I am obliged to name players, along with a few instances. However, before I divulge the harsh but sad reality as it unfolded, may I, state that with the governing party finding itself in unchartered waters, as stated by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh following the combined opposition’s challenge to two supplementary financial papers, by a similar token, so too are the Golden Jaguars, ahead of the 3rd round World Cup Qualifiers!
More so, when the opponents are El Salvador, Costa Rica and the powerful Mexico, that missed out on one World Cup, due to suspension by FIFA, for playing an over-age player in an age-limit competition.
Within this context it’s mind-boggling that in the first half the custodian/goalkeeper lost his sense of direction, in executing his kicks after releasing the ball from his hands into no man’s land on no less than six occasions. Additionally, there were Konata’s two free kicks straight into the opponent’s wall, aided by his poor recovery whenever an attack broke down!
Stamina can be achieved nevertheless, along with proper execution of free-kicks through constant practice, or a better replacement!
Also it must be noted that the ability to play without the ball is even greater at times, than playing with the ball. In this aspect Treyon Bobb was ineffective!
Finally, Shawn Bubbly Beverney definitely is/was ineffective as the lone upfront striker.
This player over the years continues to be plagued with a poor first touch and would have failed miserably in the area of shooting.
For his duration on the field of play until his substitution he failed to offer a single shot at goal. So, what was his purpose? Is he holding until the return of a younger and more deceptive Vurlon Mills? Editor, it remains extremely important for spectators/supporters to view a reinvigorated Golden Jaguars lineup, with no baggage, playing free flowing football, interspersed with accurate passes. In addition there is need for a creative midfielder and the elimination of excessive dribbling. And definitely not player(s) who cannot make their team’s starting XI locally!
It was interesting to note that only in one instance the opposing goalkeeper was fully extended, diving forward to thwart any potential danger from a low cross originating from the right flank. Otherwise he could have probably, received tuition in English! And by the way while the search for quality players must continue, I would suggest recruiting Clyde “Oiler” Watson to strengthen the coaching staff, both tactically and technically. An illustrious son of the soil; a former Pele and Guyana great, who also represented a Caribbean XI; a graduate of the famous Clemson University of the USA and last but not least, once a member of the USA female national coaching staff for the Olympics. With such qualities the local coaching staff would definitely not be in unchartered waters.
Yours faithfully,
Lester Sealey
