Guyana’s final roster for the impending away international friendly on February 1st against Caribbean Football Union (CFU) rival Barbados in the Land of the Flying Fish has been named.
The fixture which will be the first test for Jamaal Shabazz in his third stint at the helm, is expected to feature several overseas players inclusive of former captain Chris Nurse.
According to sources, the Fort Lauderdale midfielder is expected to be joined by the Canadian duo of Emery Welshman and Jamal Smith and Trinidad and Tobago based Akel Clarke, Trayon Bobb and Pernell Schultz.
Rounding out the roster will be Sheldon Holder, Eusi Phillips, Vurlon Mills, Chris Camacho, Dwain Jacobs, Joshua Browne, Colin Nelson, Derick Carter, Solomon Austin, Vurlon Mills, Clive Nobrega, Calvin Shepherd and Daniel Wilson.
According to our sources, players failing to make the final roster include Oswald Cornette, Trevon Lythcott, Travis Henry, Denver Dennis, Tichard Joseph, Keiron Solomon, Reshawn Sandiford, Amos Ramsay, Dwayne Lawrence and Omallo Williams.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport following a training session at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground yesterday morning, Shabazz said the final team would be selected after consultation with team’s physiotherapist Debita Harripersad.
He said that the competitions currently being held on the local circuit are not adequate to keep the players fit, declaring only the Guyana Defence Force player Phillips and the Alpha United players were ready to represent their country. According to the Caledonia AIA Chief while the preparation time was not adequate, the management staff will not be making any excuses with regards to the outcome of the fixture.
He added that the players had a few “medical concerns” due to the compressed preparation period, hinting that some of the players were pushed hard during the sessions and as such, are starting to display signs of possible niggles. He noted this will also be discussed with the physiotherapist.
Shabazz quipped that some of the individuals that were fighting about the federation’s constitution and staging of tournaments, should come and play because the players “are dropping like flies”.
With regards to the technical staff, Alpha United head-coach Wayne Dover serves once more as the Assistant Coach while Anson Ambrose will be the team’s trainer. Andrew Hazel will serve in the capacity of Goalkeeper Coach while Debita Harripersad is Physiotherapist.
GFC assistant coach and manager Faizal Khan will be the Manager of Administration while former team manager Mark Xavier is the Operation Manager. Completing the technical staff is Trevor Burnett who is the Equipment Manager.
The return leg is slated to be announced by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalization Committee in the future. The team’s departure date for the Land of the Flying Fi.
