Following a string of commendable performances during the Golden Jaguars ‘League B’ campaign in the CONCACAF Nations League, international Daniel Wilson, stated that his goal is to become an integral member of the Men’s Senior Programme for the foreseeable future.
This was disclosed by the central midfielder yesterday during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport. According to Wilson, who has been capped approximately 20 times at the senior level, he is at the optimum age to become a staple of the team.
He stated, “I think for now going forward the aim should be a main factor in the national programme. At the age I am at right now, this is the right time and age to be breaking into the national team and with the setup they have now, it’s the right time for me.”
Wilson has been a member of the starting XI in five of the previous six matches contested by the Golden Jaguars in League B of the CONCACAF Nations League, which indicates his growing importance to the national senior programme. Wilson, who was also the captain of Guyana’s U20 and U23 programmes, also featured during Guyana’s maiden campaign in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He further said, “I am not different from the other players, we are aiming for the same goal. I bring the same mentality and winning spirit like everyone else who is a part of the team. As someone who is hard working and very much disciplined to the game, in terms of the quality and the talents I bring to the team, I should be there.”
Asked if he considers himself an inspiration to the younger generation of players, given his status as a locally based player, he said, “First of all it’s an honour to represent the national team, I wouldn’t say that I am important to the team because I am just a member and because everyone is important. In terms of younger players looking up to me as a local member of the team, I would say to stay focused and there will be a chance for everyone once they are disciplined. I try my best in whatever picture that I am painting that it’s good and they can look up to me. You can’t paint a bad picture and want the younger players to look up to and follow you. You have to show them good and they will follow you.”
Questioned about the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on his training schedule, he revealed, “This pandemic has affected everyone worldwide, not only sports. At the end of the day, you have to maintain your health and fitness and you have to live a healthy life sport or otherwise. This is all about health. While I miss the thing I love, at the end of the day, life and health is far more important.”
He further added, “I would like the public to follow all the necessary guidelines because once they are keeping themselves safe, they will be keeping others safe. It starts from you and then others will be safe by your actions.”