Men’s national volleyball Captain Quacy Matheson believes that Guyana can shake off their underdog tag and upset the competition at the upcoming CSV Indoor tournament which spikes off Sunday in Maceio, Brazil.
Matheson, one of Guyana’s most senior volleyball players as well as a functioning mentor for many young players in the fraternity, told Stabroek Sports yesterday that he believes Guyana can do well despite not participating in a tournament of such magnitude for a number of years.
“Well, honestly speaking, we’re going in as the underdogs in this tournament. Its years since a national selection from Guyana went anywhere. It will be a real challenge for us because it is a very young selection and we lack the experience so it will be a great challenge and we are prepared for whatever comes.
Matheson compared the task ahead akin to climbing the Mount Everest of volleyball. “As I said though it’s a real high mountain to climb because most of these countries are ranked within 1 to 10 in the world,” he declared.
The 12-man team, accompanied by head coach and assistant coach Levi Nedd and Ian Wills respectively, was encamped for a few weeks.
The Georgetown-based players participated in various training sessions at the National Gymnasium and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall under Wills’ guidance while the Berbice-based players worked tirelessly with Nedd.
Questioned whether the team had enough time to train and bond, Matheson replied: “I think for a stage as big as this we needed more time but we have to take it as it is and work our butts off. I think our strong point is in our attack because our serves and defence have a lot of weak spots.”
Matheson said what the team lacks in experience they make up for it fully in the department of camaraderie and self-belief.
“I think the most important thing is the togetherness. We could have all the talent in the world but it’s making it all work together as a team, that’s what’s important right now. Supporting each other both on and off the court.”
Matheson has been in the national set up a number of years now and will have some experienced players on the team such as Jason Seelochan, Wendell Austin, Creston Rodney and a few others who have tasted overseas competition before.
However, as one of the country’s most experienced international players, Matheson said shouldering the burden is a part of his role as captain.
He also identified a few areas he will be using to help take his team to glory.
“I want to get my team ready for what’s ahead, mentally, physically and spiritually and to also set an example so others can follow,” he declared.
The 24-year-old said that while it is his desire to return to Guyana with the title in his clutches, he is not getting overly optimistic about what will happen in Brazil.
“It’s hard to put a number with that. As I said, it’s been years since a national selection went on a tournament as this, so we don’t know what we’re going to reach. All we can do is give it our all and hope for a good position.”
The national team will wing out for Brazil on Saturday as they prepare to engage in fierce competition from a few of South America’s top opponents, including hosts Brazil.
The tournament is expected to conclude on October 6.
The team reads: Trevlon McRae, Quacy Matheson (captain), Creston Rodney, Adriel Moore, Shemroy Ross, Jason Seelochan, Khemraj Singh, Samuel Fraser, Cleveland peters, Ian Bagot, Vans Harding and Wendell Austin.
