According to reports, strikers, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and Dwight Peters, goalkeeper, Ronson Williams and midfielder, Konata Mannings are some of the key players that would not be in uniform to help the national team to qualify for the finals of the tournament next month.
During an interview with Stabroek Sport on Saturday, two of the players said that the main reason for the players giving up their places in the squad was because of money. In an invited comment, Franklin Wilson, acting president of the Guyana Football Federation, confirmed that the said players will not be a part of the squad.
“They have not agreed to compete,” said Wilson adding….“So they are not a part of the squad. We sent out letters to each of the players of what their stipends would be and they declined to be considered.”
While noting that other key players such as Captain Chris Nurse, Charles Pollard and Vurlon Mills will be playing, Wilson mentioned that the absentees’ presence “would have positively contributed” but on the flip side gives other players a chance to step up and represent the nation. “Clubs can afford to pay players better than their country but playing for your country gives you the opportunity to play at the highest level. It is rather unfortunate that these players would give up a chance to represent their country just for a few dollars.
“Their presence would have positively contributed to our chances but we have to work with what we have and do our best, but this would also give other young players to step up and to get some exposure to show case their talent,” Wilson added.
When quizzed on how much of a dent the players’ absence would put on the team’s performance Wilson replied: “I don’t see it affecting the team in any major way. The players who will play are players who are familiar with team’s methods and tactics so I don’t so it significantly affecting the team.”
Guyana, ranked #122 by FIFA, will play their first match against #60 ranked Haiti on Wednesday. The locals will then tackle Grenada Friday and French Guiana on Sunday.
Two teams from each group will advance to the finals.
