With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to impede the resumption of national team training ahead of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, former Golden Jaguars skipper Christopher Nurse is suggesting that the coaching staff should utilize players that are currently training and competing on a consistent level.
According to Nurse, 36, in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, the lack of adequate preparation and match fitness will not highlight the capabilities of the local players.
He added that utilizing individuals currently in an organised training system should be employed, thus paving the way for an influx of foreign based players.
“I think given the current circumstances the head coach will need to utilise players training and competing regularly at a level that reflects preparation for international competition. I one hundred percent agree we need to develop and expose our local talent, but without adequate preparation, training and game fitness, they will not give a valid reflection of their capabilities. I think most Caribbean nations are facing a similar situation, including Trinidad.”
Nurse, who served at the helm of the programme from 2011-2017, stated that while it was understandable that the national programme wants to maintain its core ideals in the development of local talent, the current Covid-19 situation impedes and affects that objective.
“I think it is admirable to maintain to the principles, values and ethos to develop and expose local talent but in the current climate we also need to operate smartly and pivot to ensure we maximize the favourable opportunity to progress to the next round remain in the competition as long as possible at hope that allows time for local football in Guyana, training and games to restart,” he said.
Asked if a loss to Trinidad and Tobago in the opening match of their campaign would effectively end Guyana’s hopes of qualification to the next round, Nurse opined, “I anticipate the GFF has a plan in place to hit the ground running once a return to play is established because time is not on anyone’s side. Those who are proactively preparing and anticipating a restart will be in a better position to succeed. Whilst the objective must be to win every game an adverse result is not the end, because I believe St Kitts will provide a substantial challenge to top the group and we must respectfully be aware of Puerto Rico.”
According to Nurse, Trinidad and Tobago, which is under new management, will be an unknown quantity as the team is currently in the rebuilding and transition phase, adding that Guyana should expect a better unit from the one that featured in the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2019.
He added, “Right now, with the rebuilding of the T&T national programme it is very difficult to know what to expect from Trinidad. The head coach is renowned for the defensive discipline and shape of his teams. Assistant Coach Charles Pollard will be well versed on Fenwick’s tactics having competed against his teams many times in the TT Pro League. Whatever transpires we expect a better Trinidad than the one that showed up at the Gold Cup. Given the opportunity to prepare you can be certain this will be an exciting clash.”
Guyana was drawn in group-F in the first stage of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. The Golden Jaguars were placed with traditional rival Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
They will commence their path to Qatar on October 8th away to Trinidad and Tobago. This will be followed by hosting Bahamas on the 13th. Meanwhile, the Golden Jaguars will return to action in November away to St. Kitts and Nevis on the 13th before concluding against Puerto Rico on home soil four days later.
Guyana’s best showing in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers occurred in the 2014 edition, as they romped to the third stage of qualifying. This is the penultimate section of the confederation’s qualification process.
Upon the conclusion of the first round, the second Stage will consist of the respective group winners facing off in a home and away series. The eventual victors will advance to the final round which will consist of eight teams. Following the conclusion of the final round, the top three teams will qualify to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The fourth placed finisher will contest the Confederation Playoff.
