Despite the Covid-19 virus forcing a shutdown of the local and international football industry, Golden Jaguars International Akel Clarke, revealed that he has maintained a structured training programme in anticipation of the sport’s eventual resumption.
This was revealed by the experienced shot-stopper during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday. Clarke, who is currently attached to local West Ruimveldt giant Western Tigers, disclosed that his training schedule occupies five days in each week and has been ongoing since the pandemic forced the closure of the local football circuit.
He revealed, “I have been training weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Saint Stanislaus College ground Carifesta Avenue as well as Saturdays on the beach. Fridays are dedicated to strength training drills which occur at my residence utilizing my own personal equipment.”
He divulged that a combination of technical and agility sessions and drills occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays towards physical conditioning which maintains an aerobic foundation, which is a vital component of football.
According to Clarke, the majority of his training sessions occur under the watchful eye and supervision of trainer and aspiring coach Vurlon Mills, who also is a Golden Jaguar International. “For majority of the training I get assistance from Mills, the only session which he does not assist me with is basically the strength training which occurs at my home”, he said.
Clarke stated that the continued focus on training despite the current inactivity of the sport, is based on the objective of acquiring an overseas playing contract when the global situation recovers.
“As it is I am looking to acquire a playing contract outside of Guyana, preferably outside the Caribbean and possibly in Asia. The focus is to play at a higher level so I have to remain committed and in the possible shape and not drop back like others who might not be training”, he said.
According to Clarke, “The continued training is also being done to keep to fit for the national team. Once this pandemic is over and once everything reverts back to normal we might have to play immediately because we were scheduled to play in March so I am keeping myself fit and prepared for that possibility.”
Guyana was scheduled to face-off with Barbados in a two-match home and away series in the CONCACACF 2021 Gold Cup Qualifiers. The first match was planned for the ‘Land of the Flying Fish’ on March 26th, with the return leg penciled for the National Track and Field Center, Leonora five days later.
The winner of the series would have battled the Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago in the final round of the playoff qualifiers in a two match home and away series in June.
However governing confederation CONCACAF, due to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, has issued a blanket cancellation of all matches, leagues, programs and projects until further notice in an effort to combat the spread of the virus.
Clarke said, “The current situation is not positive so I wish for everyone to adhere to the rules and regulations in the fight against the virus. I ask that everyone stay indoors when it is required to aid in the fight and I also wish those who unfortunately became infected a speedy recovery.”
