Former national football captain, Chris Nurse spoke of his delight to be back in the international fold and looks forward to leading the plummeting Golden Jaguars in an upward trajectory.
In an exclusive with Stabroek Sport, the English-born footballer currently playing for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American Soccer League stated that he is committed to leading the charge and breathing new life into Guyana’s football which was red carded for two years due to off-field problems.
“Being back involved with the national team is the best feeling ever” the defensive midfielder revealed yesterday.
“There is a sense of pride and achievement that comes when you bear the flag of a country on your jersey and you walk out to the sound of the national anthem. It’s a feeling that cannot be replicated on the domestic stage. Every time you represent your country is a special time and a cherished opportunity that should not be taken for granted”.
Guyana’s most successful captain bemoaned that inactivity of the national outfit over the past two years “had a detrimental effect on everyone’s careers” which also led to its unenvious 167th FIFA ranking.
“Not playing national team football had a detrimental effect on everyone’s careers. I feel if the national team had been active some of the players who retired of playing over the past two years might have chosen to remain active and be able to enjoy those special moments of representing the country. I feel that lack of activity and opportunity most certainly played a role in the decision of some players to retire from the game which ultimately affected our ranking.
Note: Guyana enjoyed its highest FIFA ranking (86) in 2010.
The 30-year old who led the national outfit to historically qualify for the CONCACAF semi-finals of last year’s World Cup stated that there is no looking back on the negatives that derailed the flagship football team over the past two years, rather he is optimistic of the future under the new body.
“We all know two years ago we created history and reached heights that the countries football had not seen previously. But now there is no point dwelling on the past. In football they say you are only as good as your last game. We are under a new regime, under a new leader and so far things are looking positive. As long as everyone is pulling together in the right direction for the genuine good and development of the game I am sure in time Guyana will be able to reach and surpass previous accomplishments. Let’s all get behind this NEW regime and be optimistic, positive and work relentlessly for a better future for Guyana football at all levels.”
The national team is scheduled to take the field for its first competitive match in 27 months (barring three matches in the Caribbean Cup last September) against host, Barbados on February 1. (Emmerson Campbell)
