Following his return to the Golden Jaguars setup after a prolonged absence, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson was officially appointed yesterday as the captain for Guyana’s international friendly against Suriname at 20:30hrs.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Le Meridien, Pegasus Hotel following the arrival of the Suriname team for the fixture at the Providence National Stadium, Richardson said: “It is good to be the captain for your country.”
He added that he was hoping to make an immediate impact on his comeback after being on periphery since 2012.
According to the versatile attacker, “We have some good youngsters to take over from me soon like Delon Lanferman, Dwayne Lindie, Trayon Bobb, Daniel Wilson, and I’m just sharing my experience with them to help out the national programme.”
Jamaal Shabazz, Coach of the Golden Jaguars, during a brief comment said, “It’s a huge challenge for him. It’s easier for him to be a bad boy than to be a good boy and a leader and he has shown tremendous leadership in the training sessions. He has helped and made the coaching a lot easier by helping the young players.”
According to the Trinidad and Tobago native, it was great to return to action. He disclosed that the national setup is starting a new project which will commence with the locally based contingent alongside a few additions.
Suriname Head-coach Werner Blackson, during his address said the composition of the team was vastly different to the one that defeated Guyana 1-0 in their last meeting in 2015.
“We do not have the players of our champion club Inter Moengotapoe (IMT) in our squad because of international games.
“Also the players from the runners up Transvaal are not in the selection. But we have a very talented group, basically it’s the u-23 group,” he added.
Humphrey Dundas, Manager of the Suriname side said the team was here to give a good showing of itself.
He said that while the two countries have had a rivalry and history in the sport, all efforts will be placed into the friendly fixture as they prepare for the upcoming CFU Championships.
Meanwhile, corporate giant Banks DIH was officially announced as the title sponsor for the first international fixture of the year.
Brian Choo-Hen, Banks Beer Brand Manager said the entity remains committed to the development of sport especially football in Guyana, noting that the company is the proud to be a part of the international fixture.
He said that he was looking forward to an exciting matchup and declared that while his loyalty lies with Guyana…”I wish both sides the best of luck.”
Prior to the commencement of the international fixture, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) All-Stars will oppose the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) All-Stars at 18:30hrs.
Tickets for the entrance to the venue are $1500 for general admission and $5000 for the VIP section.
