Golden Jaguars head-coach Jamal Shabazz, has recalled the trio of Sam Cox, Neil Danns, and Terell Ondaan, as part of their six-member overseas contingent which will form a portion of the roster for the Courts Caribbean Classic in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend.
This was disclosed by an official release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday. According to the correspondence, Guyana will open its campaign against Barbados on Saturday before concluding its sojourn against the host nation on Tuesday.
The release stated that the event is being utilized by the teams as preparation for the League B campaign of the 2022/2023 Concacaf Nations League in June.
Former captain Cox, who last played for Hampton & Richmond Borough, previously suited up for the Golden Jaguars in March 2021 while Danns, of Macclesfield FC, last outing with the Golden Jaguars occurred in October 2019.
Ondaan, who plies his trade in Romania with FC U Craiova 1948, last featured for the Golden Jaguars in June 2019.
The other three members of the foreign-based contingent are Kevin Layne and Akel Clarke who are currently playing at Mount Pleasant Football
Academy in Jamaica and Bournemouth AFC’s Nathan Moriah-Welsh. The local composition of the squad is yet to be released by the GFF.
Guyana, during the month of January participated in a tri-nation series in Suriname which also featured Barbados.
The Golden Jaguars’ first match against Barbados was abandoned prior to halftime after several Barbadian players tested positive for COVID-19. Guyana lost to the hosts 1-2 in their final fixture.
Shabazz stated, “Our goal in these matches is to integrate the local core from the Suriname trip with some of the overseas-based. We want to test the patterns of play we’ve been working on and rekindle our rivalry with Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The local-based players and staff have shown tremendous commitment, rising above a few challenges. And the guys who have committed from overseas have my admiration.”
He added, “Everything in these two matches is geared towards the Concacaf Nations League. Commitment to the programme is key, and the sacrifices being made now go a long way with me.”
According to Shabazz, support is required from the Guyanese community and both the private and public sectors to stimulate improved performances.
“The success of our work depends heavily on the kind of support we get, not just from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), but the Government of Guyana, corporate Guyana, and our fans at home and in the diaspora. We look forward to the future with courage and confidence.”
Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde declared that competition underscores the entity’s continued commitment to development of the program, as they aim to secure a maiden FIFA World Cup berth during this decade.
He posited, “We look forward to seeing progress from the squad during this exciting new tournament. We know the Guyana-based players and staff have been working hard in training, and these matches will provide an opportunity for the whole squad to gel and build together for the challenge of the Concacaf Nations League in June.”
