– will also pay US$5000 for each Nations League win
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has confirmed that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to remunerating the Golden Jaguars US$300,000 for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as US$5000 for each victory in the CONCACAF Nations League.
This was disclosed in a press release from the National Sports Commission (NSC). According to the correspondence, the gesture that was conveyed to the players at the conclusion of the Suriname and Guyana encounter at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora on September 5th was done as a means to incentivise the performance of the team.
Guyana was unable to benefit from the Nations League aspect of the gesture as they drew 2-2 with Martinique four days after the announcement of the gesture. Guyana lost to Suriname 1-3 in their opening match.
“This is the second act of intended benevolence during this month from the President towards the national programme as the government of Guyana provided approximately $4,000,000 towards the acquisition of airfare for the Martinique fixture”, the release stated.
Director of Sports Ninvalle said, “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the development of sports and his commitment in establishing a culture of excellence is unquestionable. This is not a notional claim but is evident by the largest allocation in the sum of $4.6 billion towards sector. This historic allocation, which is a realisation of annual growth, is rooted in the recognised and established value of a structured and world-class sports ecosystem.”
According to the Director of Sport, “From the establishment of new facilities and the restoration of existing edifices, President Ali’s vision is a concerted move to actualise development through investment in the requisite pillars for advancement, that is, infrastructure and human capital, and underscores his resolve and dedication to establish a vibrant sporting landscape, one that not only acts as a social unifier but a means to enhance and strengthen our ever-burgeoning world standing.”
Ninvalle further stated, “While wearing and representing the national colours is an honour second to none in the athletic world, President Ali’s monumental pronouncement serves as an additional motivation for the team in their quest to attain greatness,” while adding that the president’s gesture was well received by the players.
Guyana will resume their Nations League sojourn against Guatemala on local soil on October 11th before concluding their campaign four days later in the return fixture against Suriname.
The Golden Jaguars are also scheduled to recommence their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2025 away to Nicaragua and home to Montserrat. To date, Guyana sports a record of one win [3-1, Belize] and a defeat [0-2, Panama] in their campaign.
