Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:01 AM
Jan 27, 2016 Sports
By Franklin Wilson
Golden Jaguars Captain Christopher Ronald Nurse says he is targeting CONCACAF Gold Cup
Qualification this time around following the Caribbean Football Union announcement that Guyana has drawn in Group 5 of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup.
The Golden Jaguars will take on Puerto Rico and Anguilla for a place in Round 2 of the competition; Round 1 will be contested March 21-29. Six other groups will also compete on the said dates.
The plain spoken midfielder who currently plays for the Carolina Railhawks in the in the North American Soccer League gave his reaction to the draw and Guyana’s chances in this the premier tournament for Caribbean nations.
“Our target is to reach the Gold Cup, to finish in the top four of the CFU tournament come November 2016. To achieve this we will need to be resolute in our approach tactically and ruthless in execution.”
Playing consistent on the international stage is something that Nurse believes can only redound to the benefit of the country and players in terms of being match-ready leading up to the bigger stage.
“If we realistically look at our competitors, a lot of these teams have been consistently active over the past 18 months which is essential in preparation for success in any tournament. However, this will not be the first time that Guyana goes into a tournament without much practice games in preparation and as a nation on most occasions we have managed to give a good account of ourselves despite the obvious obstacles. I do not imagine this occasion to be much different.”
The Stag Elite League which will see the Finale kicking off on February 12 next, has been a shot in the arm according to Nurse.
“In fact I anticipate that with the emergence of the Stag Elite League competition, National Team places will increase, players will be fitter and new faces have arrived on the scene. The coaches will have a selection headache which is always a good issue for a coach to have.”
The candid Nurse further shared that players will have the pressure of knowing that no one’s place is guaranteed, which creates the kind of environment that professionals thrive to be involved in.
Nurse also commented on the two first round opponents that the Golden Jaguars will face: “
I think we should take a solid approach in preparation and not underestimate any of the opponents we face. I have played in Puerto Rico alongside and against many of their national team players, and it would be foolish to underestimate them. They have a few extremely talented and skilful players, a lot playing in the United States and in leagues overseas so it will be a good encounter.”
National Team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz speaking with Kaieteur Sport last week had said that the first trails will commence sometime this week.
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