The Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) has reduced its training squad for the 2017 World Cup Qualifiers following trials staged at the Bayrock Beach Soccer Facility.
The provisional roster which is set to compete from January 29th-February 5th in Miami Beach, United States of America (USA), consists of players from several teams including High Stars, Attention Family, Cool Runnings, Kuru-Kururu Warriors, Royal Youths, Silver Bullets, Sparta Boss and Alexander Village FC.
Under the watchful eye of head-coach Abdullah Hamid, the 17 players, who will continue training every Sunday at the same venue are goalkeepers Travis Bess, Deon Tyrell, Kellon Major and Ethan Spartan.
The other players are Jermaine Grandison, Marvin Sullivan, Kenard Simon, Tshekederi Whitehead, Gishawn Moore, Trevorn Archibald, Deshawn Joseph, Cordell Johnson, Rodwyn Fraser, Michael Wilson, Keon Sears, Jamal Haynes and Tony Gilbert.
The squad which is expected to be reduced to 15 players, was drawn from the National Beach Soccer League held January-April of this year in Linden and Kuru-Kururu.
Dillon Roberts serves is the assistant coach while the manager is yet to be named.
“We’re using some players who have already had international exposure. Once we roll out preparations according to plan, Guyana will be making a good representation for itself; it augurs well for Beach soccer. It will give Beach soccer the boost it needs as it’s no longer a part-time sport.
With Guyana’s geography and sand, it will definitely give us a boost going forward in our development,” said GBSA President Rollin Tappin.
Tappin and Hamid will participate in a workshop in Miami on October 17-18 aimed at sensitizing participating member associations of the tournament as well as participate in the official draw.
Guyana is one of 16 countries vying for two spots in the competition within CONCACAF; only three will qualify and this is the country’s first time participating in this tournament.
