The football fraternity in Guyana is saddened with the passing of former manager of the Guyana national football team Mark Bender.
Bender died Friday morning. He was 67-years-old.
Bender, along with Lennox Arthur and the late Mervin “Pug” Wilson, is credited with moulding one of this nation’s strongest football squads back in 1987.
Playing under Bender’s management, Guyana humbled The Bahamas 3-1 in Nassau, in January 1987 with Deon Barnwell scoring a memorable double at a mere 17-year-old.
Power forward Frank Alphonso Jr., was the other Guyanese goal scorer.
It should be noted that Guyana was competing in that Olympic Qualifier without its appointed captain Anthony Williams and star striker Dion “Bogey” Roberts, both players having absconded whilst in transit in Miami en route to The Bahamas.
After conquering The Bahamas, Bender’s troops, minus defender Oscar “Legs” Rodney invaded Castries, St. Lucia and defeated the hosts 3-1 at Mindoo, Phillip Park.
Barnwell again led the onslaught with another golden double strike while the late Elson “Chilly Kong” Hinckson was the other Guyanese marksman.
Bender’s next mission was the elimination of The Bahamas in the Olympic Qualifier return fixture at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.
Guyana, playing without defectors Anthony Williams, Dion Roberts and Oscar Rodney, sent The Bahamas packing with an early Republic celebration 3-0 victory on 22nd February, 1987 at GCC, Bourda.
The late Trevor “Lannie” Maxwell scored an unforgettable double while Adrian `The Ballerina’ Forde finished the job with a deadly strike.
After the demolition of The Bahamas, Bender’s managerial functions got more strenuous.
He along with the team deplaned at the Grantley Adams International Airport to honor a request by the Barbados Football Federation to engage the host in an international friendly.
However, star midfielder Julian Moe was arrested on arrival for a banned substance.
According to Bender it was the most embarrassing moment in his football management career.
The entire team was subject to Police searches and was escorted to the team hotel under Police surveillance.
However, Bender and the coaching staff were able to motivate the team and the Julian Moe debacle was a forgotten story as Guyana, led by a double from the dependable striker Barnwell came from behind twice to draw that International Friendly 2-2.
Bender and his troops returned from Bridgetown in early March, 1987 and proceeded to destroy the Dominican Republic 4-0 in an Olympic Qualifier at Bourda. Alphonso Jr., led the assault with a double while Forde and Maxwell scored the other two goals.
Guyana duly won the return fixture in Santa Domingo by two goals to one with the late Shawn “Putty” Williams and Rupert “Chop Eye” Gordon the goal scorers.
Guyana’s golden run continued in July when Grenada was defeated 1-0 in a two match international series at Bourda and the Mackenzie Sports club ground in Linden.
The first match at Bourda was drawn 1-1 with “Putty” Williams the Guyanese goal scorer.
Guyana wrapped up the series at the MSC ground 3-0 victory.
The Guyanese marks men were Barnwell who scored his seventh goal in 1987, David Kistoo and Lawrence “Coachie” Arjoon.
Guyana’s only loss under Bender’s management to a Caricom country in 1987 was to Trinidad and Tobago who halted Guyana’s unbeaten run in 1987 with a 2-1 victory at Camp Ayanganna in October.
Bender’s final tour of duty was in October 1987 against Guatemala.
Although losing both Olympic Qualifiers 0-6 and 0-3, the experience Bender and Guyana gained would later prove invaluable at the international level.
Work commitment caused him to miss Guyana’s final assignment in 1987 where 14 of our best players defected. Maurice John replaced Bender as manager.
Bender, who was also a Vice President of the then Guyana Football Association resigned after the Los Angeles fiasco.
Guyana’s football will always remember and be indebted to Bender and his troops of 1987.
