Another chapter in their storied rivalry will be written today when Guyana lock horns with traditional foe Suriname in an international senior football friendly at the National Stadium in Providence.
The matchup will be the 27th meeting of the two nations, with the Dutch republic boasting an impressive 14-6 record alongside six drawn encounters. The most recent fixture hosted in 2015 by the Dutch resulted in a 1-0 win for the host.
Analysis of the recent meetings indicate that Guyana has somewhat closed the gap on their neighbours. During the last 11 fixtures, Guyana has secured a record of four wins, six losses and a draw.
A deeper delve into the numbers illustrate that in their six recent battles, the Golden Jaguars have secured a record of two wins, three losses and a draw.
Similarly, Guyana’s international record in their previous five matches highlight two wins, two draws and a loss. However in their three most recent international fixtures, the Golden Jaguars are winless, with a record of two draws and a loss.
On the other side of the numbers, the examination highlights the Dutch nation’s superior attacking abilities as they have recorded 42 goals over the series, which equates to 1.61 goals per game.
Meanwhile, the Golden Jaguars have scored 28 goals in the rivalry at 1.06 goals per match, with their last victory against the Dutch visitors coming on October 2010 via a 2-0 score line.
In terms of their current ranking on the world ladder, Guyana despite playing second fiddle in the rivalry sit 162nd, 28th places higher than the Surinamese who are positioned 190th.
Guyana’s best ever ranking was 86th and it was recorded on November 2010, the same year of the last triumph against Suriname. On the other hand, the Dutch nation’s best ever position was 84th and this was achieved on August 2008.
With the home side opting for a locally based contingent, Head-coach Jamaal Shabazz will select his charges from a squad which reads Alex Murray (Alpha United), Solomon Austin (Alpha United), Joshua Brown (Alpha United), Colin Nelson (Alpha United), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United), Trayon Bobb (Slingerz FC), Dellon Lanferman (Alpha United), Kester Jacobs (Slingerz FC), Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC), Quincy Adams, Devon Millington (Pele), Mark McLean (Pele), Konata Manning (Pele), Gregory Richardson (Pele), Travis Grant (Pele), Alwyn McDonald (Monedderlust), Linden Pickett (GFC), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors), Jahaal Greaves (Fruta Conquerors), Trevon Lythcott (Fruta Conquerors) and Dwain Lindie (Fruta Conquerors).
With regards to the other members of the management unit, Wayne Dover will serve as the Assistant Coach while Rawle Adams and Andrew Hazel will serve in the capacities of Team Manager and Goalkeeper Coach respectively.
The other members of the staff are Anson Ambrose, Beverley Nelson, Trevor Burnette and Earl Paul who will act as Trainer, Physiotherapist, Equipment Manager and Equipment Officer correspondingly.
The Golden Jaguars were drawn in Group-5 of the 2016/17 CFU Caribbean Cup tournament which is slated to kick off during the period of March-21st-29th. The other members of the group are Puerto Rico and Anguilla.
The likes of Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago will not participate during the opening period due to their ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Round two of the event will commence in May with the third round scheduled to begin in October. The 5th Place playoff will take place in the month of November while the grand finale will occur in May of 2017.
The top four teams during the conclusion of the event will qualify to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Guyana’s last international fixture came against St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the failed 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Campaign in June of 2016.
The 2014 edition of the event witnessed Guyana making a first round exit, losing twice and securing one draw in their matches with an inexperienced side featuring predominantly local players who were making their debuts.
