‘Watch out’-Slingerz strengthens artillery for 2025 Elite League season

“Watch out!” That was the warning given to opposing teams by renowned Coach Jamaal Shabazz, who, on Thursday afternoon, was officially unveiled as the new Head Coach and Technical Director of West Demerara’s Slingerz Football Club.
However, Coach Shabazz is not the only new addition to the Elite League 2024 runners-up. The club has signed Golden Jaguars forward Kelsey Benjamin, who comes from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, alongside former Canada Under-20 defender Terique Mohammed, who featured twice for the Golden Jaguars in international friendlies last year.

Slingerz FC President Javed Ali made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday, describing the move as a step towards the Club’s goals.
Ali shared with the gathering at the National Racquet Centre, “At Slingerz FC, we’re committed to building a team not only that excels on the field but also embodies the values of hard work, unity and resilience. Today, I’m thrilled to share some key developments that will drive us closer to achieving our goals.”

“Coach Shabazz brings with him a wealth of experience, proven track record of success and a vision that aligns perfectly with the ambition of our club. With years of expertise and leadership, Coach Shabazz has demonstrated ability to inspire players, develop talent and deliver results. We’re confident that under his guidance at Slingerz FC, we’ll reach new heights and make our supporters proud,” the Slingerz FC President said about their new Coach.

On Benjamin’s signing, Ali expressed, “Kelsey’s remarkable skill set and determination on the field makes him a valuable addition to our team.”
Shabazz, who is by now no stranger to Guyana’s football fraternity, spoke of embracing a new challenge with Slingerz FC after his time with the senior men’s national team was cut short. The Coach also had a warning for their fiercest competitors.
“I say it’s also a proud moment for me, because trying to transform Guyana football and the national team has been one challenge. This is a new phase, it’s a new challenge and I feel that my presence here will bring a certain amount of competitiveness within the teams, within the country. I’m very happy to see what Slingerz have achieved and the Coaches, the foundations before me, that they have built,” the new Slingerz FC Head Coach related.
Shabazz later warned, “I want to say to GDF and Police, watch out! You may be arrested very soon.”
On the other hand, Benjamin expressed an intention to win the League with Slingerz FC.
“I’m so glad to face the new challenge after winning back-to-back Leagues with GDF. I have something to prove so, I wanted to win the League with Slingerz and show them what I’m capable of,” the prolific forward shared.
The 2025 season of the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League is set to kick off on Sunday, March 9.