Coach Forbes Daniels satisfied with progress at Essequibo cricket academy

Former Essequibo Inter-County player and head coach Forbes Daniels is all smiles as his cricket academy continues to thrive on the vibrant Essequibo Coast in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
He is currently holding coaching clinics for Under-13, Under-15, Under-19, and even some senior players at Suddie Sports Ground on the Coast.

The 64-year-old Daniels, a name synonymous with cricket in Cinderella County, is working overtime to help the youngsters hone their skills. Daniels represented Essequibo at all levels and also coached various teams before focusing full-time on this academy.
“I am happy where I stand now with these youths and even some senior players; players coming from as far as Pomeroon and Wakenaam, but it is about improving your game and mastering the skills of batting, bowling, and fielding, so we are going through our drills four days per week here,” Daniels commented.
According to Daniels, he began his coaching academy in 2022 after retiring from coaching at the Inter-County level. Based on what has transpired in the last three consecutive years, the players have learned a lot, and they are showing eagerness to learn the basics as well.
“You want the youngsters to understand and learn the basics as quickly as possible; they have come out here and shown the kind of passion to play cricket, and I think that is important,” Daniels, who currently resides in Zorg Village, Essequibo Coast, revealed.
When asked about the talent of the players, Daniels responded: “These guys are undoubtedly talented, and once they keep training hard and continue to learn what I am imparting to them, they can go a far way; the ultimate goal at this academy is to produce good players to represent our county, our country, and the West Indies,” Daniels enthusiastically mentioned.
Before doing this full-time coaching, Daniels worked with several players who went on to play for Guyana. Some players include Devon Ramnauth, Dillon Heyliger, Anthony Adams, and brothers Norman and Norwaye Fredericks, along with Rayon Thomas.
“I want to make sure the players are fully skilled and ready to play competitive cricket; I want to see more players come out and represent our country at all levels, so it is important I stick to what I love; this is what I love-coaching. I started off at Zorg, but the facility was a little too small, and that is why I moved across to Suddie,” Daniels expressed.
He also represented Suddie Cricket Club in his younger days. The ground is run by the Annandale/Riverstown Neighbour Democratic Council. Daniels added that he began his coaching career in 1982 with players at Golden Fleece Fisher Primary School Compound, with former Guyana youth player and Essequibo Senior Inter-County skipper Bheesham Seepersaud being a product.
Daniels and his family subsequently built their own net facility at Zorg in 2013, demonstrating his profound love for the game. According to Daniels, he moved back to Suddie Ground due to His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfan Ali’s initiative to have cricket being played constantly at all venues in Guyana.
Daniels stated that he was motivated by that. He was encouraged by Counselor Kevin Lowe, who also convinced him that things would be different in seven months’ time. Daniels mentioned that he would like to see the Oral Collaboration Agreement for the Annandale/Riverstown Youth and Sports Club among the people in this Annandale/Riverstown District materialize.
He is also appealing to have a Signature Club established, especially from the various clubs he played for, including Zorg Invaders, El Dorado Sports Club, Santos Sports Club, NOC Sports Club, Concrete Warriors, and Young Guns, among others. Forbes Daniels with a few young cricketers at Suddie Ground, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. (Ravendra Madholall)