Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 26, 2008 Sports
By Franklin Wilson
President of the Guyana Football federation Colin Klass is resolute that the rebuilding process for Guyana’s football after exiting the World Cup Qualifying campaign at the second hurdle starts now.
Klass made these comments at a press conference the Federation hosted to update the media on the ‘Golden Jaguars’ campaign and to give an insight into what the immediate future looks like for the sport locally.
Sharing the head table with Klass were Technical Director Jamaal Shabazz, Chairman of the World Cup Committee (WCC) USA John Yates and Committee Member Garth Nelson along with General Manager of National Teams, Aubrey Hutson.
Gratitude was extended to President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and the Government for allowing the uses of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence for the game which saw a bumper crowd filling the facility to support the Golden Jaguars who lost the encounter 2-1 and the 2-game series 3-1 on aggregate.
Klass noted that prior to the game, the Stadium was a cricket stadium but it has now become a multi faceted facility since it was clearly shown that it has the capacity and all the necessary ingredients to accommodate other events at a high level.
Corporate Guyana and the spectators also came in for high praise for their support of the team.
“The manner in which they cheered the team on, the diverse crowd, it was really the presence of total Guyana support and I would like to express thanks on behalf of the Federation.”
Reports from various persons who had responsibilities for various areas are now being studied by the Federation whose executive Committee met on Tuesday evening. A meeting was also held with the USA World Cup Committee while a meeting with the General Council is slated to take place soon.
In reviewing the team’s performance Klass stated that they will look at what happened, what could have been done differently, what can be improved on and what can be done as they move forward.
It was noted that a number of the top teams around the world have been suffering upset losses and this is due to more countries becoming stronger teams as a result of players on the professional circuit being available to play for them.
The GFF boss stated that in going forward a number of players who will not be able to continue since they are looking to the future.
“The Gold Cup might be a short term but in the long term stand point there will be a definite introduction of a large amount of junior players at both the under-20 and 23 levels. It’s a total rebuilding process that has to commence almost immediately.”
While acknowledging that the campaign for the 2010 World Cup started late, Klass said that the 2014 campaign must start now.
Improvement of local based players
The standard and levels of the local based players it was noted has to be improved. “While we could rejoice about a local club beating the other 2 or 3 nil, I think the level of football is far below what it ought to be. It’s not comparable with yesteryear and what ever has to be done to redeem the level holistically, must be done.”
The Caribbean Football Union Vice President reminded that a professional league in Guyana is also necessary to raise the level of the sport and helping to maintain a certain caliber of player as well as to attract the overseas market to local clubs.
“There is nothing that the GFF independently can do to sustain, support or ensure that the future is bright, all of us have to continue to be on board to make the future one that we can all be proud of.”
The press was promised that the GFF will shortly be making public a detailed statement of their takings from the Providence game.
Digicel Caribbean Cup
Plans have already commenced in preparation for the 2008/09 Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) competition. The staff is set to meet shortly to shortlist 35-players, local and overseas to commence training.
If the availability of contracted overseas players poses a problem the technical staff is already planning to deal with this situation by having a home based squad that is fit and ready.
Guyana will host group B from August 3-10. Nemesis Suriname and Aruba will take on the host for the two available spots up for grabs going forward.
Chairman of the WCC while thanking the GFF for the opportunity of serving his nation said that one of the difficulties his committee ran into was the doubting Thomas’s who adopted a wait and see approach when they were approached for support.
He alluded to the fact that preparing a team is a very expensive undertaking and with players having to come from England, USA and elsewhere to be encamped.
Going forward he suggested that support will be needed upfront. Yates pledged the support of the USA Committee for the continued development and building of the sport in Guyana.
“It’s a building process that has to be carried on and we’re committed. We are willing to go on and work with the GFF. We’re going to try and continue raising funds overseas”
Yates also reminded the media that they have an important role to play in the entire process of development.
Technical Director Shabazz echoed the sentiments expressed by Klass to all the persons who were responsible making the uses of the Stadium a reality.
Shabazz noted that it was a good thing that the people came out by the thousands to get a taste of what means to play in a world cup game but it was a bad thing that we were not able to go forward.
While asking the question, who has the right to be more disappointed than those who have given their all, Shabazz said that those who did not give or put anything should not be entitled to any feelings of disappointment.
“If the GFF, players, staff and the few sponsors like Digicel, CIDI, Banks DIH, DDL, Churches Chicken and others, these are the ones most entitled to feel the disappointment because they put in.
This is the only country now that I see people did not put in and they want to express their disappointment.”
The four practice sessions at the Stadium Shabazz said, equipped the team with everything needed to go forward in the game and they have no excuses for not going forward. Going forward Shabazz lamented will not be easy since money is needed to expose the players.
“The gap that exists between the Charles Pollards and the Kelvin Smith’s who have to take his place cannot be filled with criticism.
The only way the gap can be filled is with international exposure, being able to be given the opportunity to play at the next level.”
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]