Golden Jags Head Coach positive about team’s future

– as the ‘Train and Play’ camp concludes

“It’s been an excellent two weeks. We’ve had fun, we’ve had laughter, moments of pain, moments of frustration; but all in all, it’s been an absolutely wonderful camp.”
Those were the sentiments of Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson at the conclusion of the Guyana Football Federation’s inaugural ‘Train and Play’ camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The training camp, which mostly catered to Under 23 players, offered the athletes an opportunity to display their talents in hopes of being scouted by the GFF”s technical staff ahead of Guyana’s participation in the CONCACAF Nations League, which will kick off at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on September 6 with Guyana taking on Barbados.
The Brazil “Train and Play” Camp also afforded the new staff — the largest that has ever been pulled together by the GFF — the chance to bond ahead of what will be an exciting period of history, according to Johnson, with commencement of Project 100 which is cracking the under-100 FIFA Ranking.
The former Jamaican player underscored the fact that a stronger relationship has been established among both team and staff, with a thorough appreciation of how they are going to work.
“Where we go from here is to keep the connections open and keep moving things forward. We’re going to be in Guyana in a matter of five days, so it’s a great opportunity again to get to connect with the staff, connect with the players, and continue the process.
“Our job’s not just about the first men’s senior starting team, it’s also about the development of the younger players and the coaches,” he offered.
Given the fact that no Guyanese team has ever qualified for a major tournament, the head coach is of the opinion that the upcoming competition needs a positive approach.
“Very positive. I know that we’ve never qualified for a major tournament, but I really have a strong belief in the team, the staff, and everybody connected; that we’re in for some exciting times. Having worked with the 23s and seen some of the players that can breach that group, as well as having seen some of the names on that first squad that we’re picking, it’s really exciting, and I can’t wait to get to work.
“What we are promising is a team that would be representative of Guyana; a team that’s going to play with vibrancy, fluidity, and most importantly give 100% towards the country,” Johnson said.
Once again, Johnson has taken the opportunity to appeal to stakeholders for their support, “The businesses, the Government, the fans: we can’t do this on our own; we need businesses to reach out and sponsor areas of the GFF’s programme, which would really help drive things forward.”
Johnson went on to note that the team’s efforts will be great repayment for those who take the time to invest. He said. “I think with that there will be opportunities when we grow, the businesses (who partner with the team) will grow with us as well. What we really would like is (for) people to be on the journey with us from now. Who really and truly believes in what we are trying to do? If you do believe, then come on board,” he appealed.