Dear Editor,
The further a team advances in a competition/tournament, the tougher the opponent becomes. As such preparation and training have to become more intense since costly mistakes and lapses in concentration would be exploited by the opponent with devastating consequences. There was evidence of this in the matches both against Mexico as well as Costa Rica, where soft goals were given away. Two typical examples were the first goal at the Azteca Stadium, when the defender’s clearance with a header was technically correct. But tactically there was no player pursuing the flight of the ball, or even shutting down the incoming Mexican player, who had all the time in the world to smash home a half volley.
Home at the National Stadium, Providence, did the trainer ask the goalkeeper if he was comfortable with the studs on his boots during the warm-up session? Was it indicated to the coaching staff that with the low-cut surface by cricket standards, dew would have adverse effects on Ronson Williams‘ performance, and as a consequence a change of boots was required?
Strange as it may appear, many years ago at the Blairmont Ground, the venue for a return match in the Olympic qualifiers, Costa Rica beat Guyana 3-1 after a humiliating 7-0 victory at home. Members of both the managerial and coaching staff from Costa Rica were in Guyana two weeks prior to the match, with the sole aim of examining the playing surface to determine what type of football boots would be required. This was in addition to seeking out the best hotel for accommodation – the Pegasus was chosen in the absence of a 5-star hotel. Coincidentally, Captain Shawn ‘Bubbly‘ Beverney was Guyana’s goal scorer, which from a historical perspective was an achievement unmatched by any other player within the CFU.
By the way, do our coaching and managerial staff possess the capabilities of coming close to our opponents? And from a managerial perspective, for the record and the public‘s edification what is the average age, height and weight of the Golden Jaguar players? Meanwhile in the absence of a diamond-shape formation in attack; constant triangles in passing during buildups; existing gaps between defence and midfield, forwards continue to expose numerous gaps for the opponent to exploit for their gain and the locals‘ detriment. Will this be corrected over the next 2 ½ months ahead of the remaining 4 qualifying matches?
What is the role and function of the defensive midfielder? Is he ultra-defensive or does he aid significantly in bolstering the attack? By the way what of Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard? In my estimation, and I may be wrong, Lily would fit that role well – operating within a radius of 35 metres intercepting any loose ball; providing coverage for any defender whenever necessary; zoning, tackling and last but not least entering the opponent‘s half whenever a corner-kick or any other free-kick is taken within close proximity to the opponents goal which entails a header. While time and space will not permit me to assess the midfield attacking options, definitely the central midfield lacks creativity, with a poor distribution rate and defence splitting passes, needle-threading. Within this context ‘Jackie Chan’ can be better utilized as a twin striker. Does the initial game plan entail that whenever possession is lost all players retreat behind the ball? In the final analysis what transpires on the field of play that is called football, is still in the Stone Age, aided by a Jurassic style of administration.
With no structural development plan in place, Guyana will continue to be outclassed, outwitted and outplayed by superior opponents. Under -11, -13, -15, -17, -19, -21 and -23 must be compulsory for all clubs, along with one coach and manager overlooking two divisions. The only ‘roar’ that must be heard from the football fraternity over the next four to eight years must be ‘Rebuild Organise And Rise‘, with the ultimate aim of participating in Youth World Cups; Olympics, Gold Cup and finally a Senior World Cup. With Guyana languishing in the cellar pointless after 2 matches, scoring 1 goal (defence error) while conceding 7 for a goal difference of -6, realistically speaking I can’t envisage the Golden Jaguars securing 2 wins from the remaining 4 matches. However, it’s not too late to secure the services of Clyde ‘Oiler‘ Watson to strengthen the technical/coaching staff.
Yours faithfully,
Lester Sealey
