The Golden Jaguars preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March suffered another unfortunate setback as two more players of the local training roster tested positive for COVID-19.
This is according to a source close to the senior programme, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
According to the source, the positive status of the two players was revealed after the GFF conducted their second round of testing for players and training staff on February 5th.
The GFF had conducted its maiden round of testing on January 6th.
This is the second incident of a player testing positive for the COVID-19 virus from the training programme following a positive case on January 29th.
The positive test was not identified by the federation but at the player’s workplace.
“The players were tested on the 5th of February. However, a few players didn’t do the test on that date and as such can’t train until they are tested. Apart from the initial positive test, there are two more players who have tested positive and are isolating. This was disclosed to the players at the sessions.”
According to the source, head-coach Marcio Maximo has also been absent from the sessions but the reason for his absence is unknown.
“Coach Maximo has also not returned to training since Saturday. He missed the Monday and Tuesday sessions but the team is unaware of the actual reasons for his absence. The sessions are currently being supervised by his assistants Wilson Toledo and Charles Pollard. It is being said that his absence is for personal reasons.”
Guyana is set to open its group-F campaign away to Trinidad’s `Soca Warriors’ on March 25th. The team is currently training five days per week in preparation for the encounter.
In their second match, Guyana will host The Bahamas on March 30th.
The Guyanese will travel to St. Kitts and Nevis on June 4th for their third fixture before ending their group round at home on June 8th against Puerto Rico. 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 during the latter stages of June. Winner of group-A will oppose group-F, whilst group-B battles group-E and group-C engages ground-D.
