Rivers View Head-coach Wayne Dover is optimistic that his charges can secure a positive result against Western Tigers today in the GFF Super 16 Cup at the Bartica Community Centre ground.
The home side will match skills with the Georgetown heavyweight side from 21:00hrs this evening.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, Dover said, “As a coach, regardless of the opponent and the team we have, we always have a level of confidence that we can do well. With regards to the actual performance, we can only do the preparation for a good performance and a positive result. The coaches don’t ever control the performance of the group, that is how well they execute on the day, being disciplined on the many things that were taught and for them to execute. The entire community is supportive of the group and they have the weight of the community on their shoulder and the lads are up to the task to deliver. For me as the coach, as I am here, my objective is to deliver a positive result for the team.”
Asked about the level of the team’s preparation, Dover said, “I came in last week on Monday and did an assessment of the general conditions of players, venues and everything. I had a two weeks programme that I prepared which commenced and it focused on the physical, technical and tactical aspects, all which was part of the first week of preparation. We did some work to see how best we can improve the conditions, also some technical work to sharpen the players while incorporating some tactical work to build the understanding of how we want to play, how we attack, how we defend, how we behave in the transition from defence to attack and likewise as well as how we possess the ball. Generally the first week was to build the understanding, the focus now is on team organization.” The former Alpha United tactician and current Golden Jaguars U20 men’s coach revealed that the quartet of Andel Norton, Dwayne Blake, Aloysius Edwards and Archie Edwards will be instrumental in his side’s chance of securing the victory.
Dover stated that he envisions a competitive encounter, adding, “Over the years from player to coach, Western [Tigers] is an opponent that you cannot take lightly and for granted. They have shown over the years what a firm side they are and they could grind results out. On their day, they can easily dominate you but one thing I want to say is that we will not make life easy for them. Just as they want the result we want the win as well.”
He added, “My presence here goes beyond the result of the day. For me, my experience and knowledge game, the transfer of knowledge to the coaches and players working with me it is much greater for me than the result, though the result is greater for the community than myself. I’m happy to be here in this capacity to share my knowledge.”
The first round of matches will conclude tomorrow at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
Santos will match skills with Eagles at 18:30hrs while Riddim Squad will faceoff with defending champion Den Amstel at 21:00hrs in the main attraction. The respective winners will progress to the quarterfinal section.
The team emerging the winner on January 1st, 2020 will be rewarded with two million dollars and the championship trophy, with the losing finalist pocketing one million. The third and fourth place finishers will receive $500, 000 and $250,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.
Sponsors of the event include Pegasus Hotel, MACORP, BACIF, THAG, MVP Sports, E.C. Vieira Investments, HJ Entertainment, Impressions and NAMILCO.
