As preparation continues for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March, former Golden Jaguars Captain Christopher Nurse, feels that the immediate focus of the management team should be on the physical condition of the players.
According to the former midfield dynamo in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, the training team should place emphasis on the physical conditioning of the players and training sessions should be tailored to reflect the game conditions that will likely occur.
“I think the main focus is to try and get the players into physical match condition by playing and training in a manner that reflects the game conditions as often as possible in practice sessions. Structure, organization and discipline will be keys to the success of the team. If there is a solid foundation and understanding of the game plan the team wants to execute, then it will allow the local players to have a good opportunity to supplement the overseas-based players who have been playing competitive games more frequently over the course of the last year.”
The Golden Jaguars local contingent commenced training on January 10th at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, following a COVID-19 testing phase. Training is scheduled to be held under strict safety protocols, with weekly COVID-19 tests planned to monitor the health of the respective groups during the duration of the preparatory period.
Some 32 players and 10 staff members were tested by medical personnel from the Ministry of Health. The players tested were Goalkeepers Alex Murray, Sese Norville, Shawn Adonis, Defenders Raphael Edwards, Sherwin Skeete, Jeremy Garrett, Eric Moore, Shemar Wilson, Colin Nelson, Quincy Adams, Kevin Dundas, Nicolai Andrews, Rishaun Ritch, Lionel Holder, Trevon Lythcott, Midfielders Daniel Wilson, Marcus Wilson, Curtez Kellman, Threvon Pluck, Kersey Benjamin, Delwin Fraser, Pernell Schultz, Ryan Hackett, Trayon Bobb, Omari Glasgow, Dorwin George, Nicholas MacArthur, Darron Niles, Jamar Harrigon, Job Caesar, Forwards Sheldon Holder and Abumuchi Benjamin.
Asked how often the team and coaching staff should be tested during this period, Nurse said, “Manoeuvering the best they can in this situation and taking precautions to reduce the chances of contracting and spreading COVID-19 is of optimal importance. Every domain has a different set of guidelines, and even when the precautionary measures are in place, as we see in the Premier League where players and staff are tested weekly at a huge expense, both games and training sessions are still cancelled. There is nothing concrete in this aspect and it has to be monitored on a day by day basis, with precautions for worst case scenarios. Ideally, you’d like to test everyone at least once a week. However, accessibility and finances will be the issues here.”
According to Nurse, while the only proven method to protect from the spread of the virus is a biologically secured environment, local limitations definitely hinder the reality of such a method being applied or enforced. He noted that players must exercise discretion and caution during their daily activities as well as follow the requisite protocols in an effort to reduce the spread of the contagion.
“The only proven viable method has been the bubble, but that is not viable so the operation must continue the best it can with the expectancy that there will be periods of time when they will have to shut down sessions, administer testing and begin again, and that may be a reoccurring cycle. Returning to their respective homes is the concern and that is where the players must exercise common sense and follow the guidelines of the professionals to ensure they reduce the risk of putting their loved ones in danger. It is a unique situation, but I am sure we can find a way.”
