With the Golden Jaguars penciled to depart local shores on Sunday to resume their CONCACAF Nations League campaign, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officially released its 23 member roster for the matches against Bermuda and Montserrat, with 12 foreign born players making the final cut.
This was confirmed at a press conference staged yesterday at the entity’s Section-K, Campbellville headquarters.
The overseas contingent comprises Goalkeepers Quillan Roberts (Western Suburbs, New Zealand), Kai Mackenzie-Lyle (Welling United, UK), Defenders Jaylen James (Cray Wanderers, UK), Bayli Spencer Adams (Leicester City, UK), Liam Gordon (Walsall, UK), Kadel Daniel (Folkestone Invicta, UK), Samuel Cox (Welling United, UK), Jonathan Grant (York United, Canada), Midfielders Nathan Moriah Welch (Newport County, UK), Elliot Bonds (Cheltenham, UK), and Forwards Emery Welshman (Forge, Canada) and Tre Medford (Boston United, UK).
On the other hand, the locally born or based cadre feature Goalkeeper Akel Clarke (Slingerz), Defenders Colin Nelson (GDF), Jeremy Garrett (Slingerz), Marcus Wilson (Caledonia AIA, Trinidad and Tobago),Midfielders Curtez Kellman (Police), Daniel Wilson (Western Tigers), Leo Lovell (Slingerz), and Forwards Omari Glasgow (Chicago Fire II, USA), Pernell Schultz (Police), Trayon Bobb (Western Tigers), and Kelsey Benjamin (GDF).
Head-coach Jamaal Shabazz said that preparatory phase included a local and international aspect, as he was able to view the overseas contingent during match situations and club training, noting that the team is an ideal blend of overseas and locally based internationals.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago native, while the task ahead will be challenging, he believes the team is ready for the important assignment ahead.
Guyana currently sits second in the group with six points, trailing leaders Haiti by four points. Montserrat occupies the cellar position on three points. The Guyanese unit is set to face Bermuda, who sit on four points, on March 24th. They will then oppose Montserrat four days later at the Wildey Turf Stadium, Wildey, Barbados, after the match was shifted from the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
Asked if failure to qualify for the CONCACAF Preliminary Round can be viewed as a major disappointment, Shabazz stated that the campaign will be regarded in that light as the team failed to meet its objective.
According to Shabazz, he is unable to speak on the next step for the programme if a failed campaign was to be the outcome, adding that the focus is on the two matches, as the preliminary round present’s the best chance of qualification for the Gold Cup.
He further disclosed that financial constraints were the reason for the team’s inability to contest international friendlies as a means of preparation, divulging that the two impending matches will cost the federation approximately $48 million.
Meanwhile, Assistant coach Wayne Dover said that the players have shown tremendous commitment throughout the preparatory phase which is indicative of their approach to the two games, and that the aim is to secure the wins to advance to the next round of the competition.
On the other hand, Chicago Fire II standout Glasgow revealed that his preparation at the club level centered on pre-season training and international friendlies, noting that he has been in constant contact with the Golden Jaguars management team to ascertain the manner of preparation being employed for the local contingent.
