Keemo Paul is focused on being among the standout all-rounders this CPL
Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) defending Champions Guyana Amazon Warriors are stacked with an abundance of talent and experienced campaigners.
One player who fits perfectly into that bracket is all- rounder Keemo Paul, who has an optimistic outlook for the season ahead.
During a team training session, Paul shared how much of a relief it is for the Amazon Warriors to finally have a CPL title under their belt, after enduring numerous moments of heartbreak.
“It was a lot of pressure to win a CPL title; you know, it has eluded us for many years, and then last year we came and we won. So, that feeling, it was just like the monkey was off our backs. Going forward, I think people are expecting a lot now, we know how to win. A lot of people were like, ‘They don’t know how to win’. We know what it’s like to win a tournament now, how to get there, what you need to do; so, just looking forward to this season,” The GAW all- rounder shared.
As the Amazon Warriors prepare for their season opener tomorrow, Paul expressed eagerness to get back into competition mode.
Paul divulged, “It’s good to be back amongst some of these guys. I mean, everyone is not here, but we’re still all brothers. But it’s been good to be around them; good to hit the park also. You know, I haven’t been on the park for a while, so I’m just building up and getting ready for the tournament. So far, so good.”
With 175 runs in 2023 and numerous match-winning performances, the all- rounder who hails from Saxacalli has earmarked the 2024 season as a crucial one for his personal elevation.
“I always look for ways to improve myself and improve on my skill. Last year, that’s history for me,” he said.
Paul went on to share about his plans for the new season. “This year, I want to go out there, do better. I want to become a better all-rounder and post some match-winning performances for the team and also myself. I want to try and elevate myself in becoming one of the top all- rounders, and I think this is the year I want to stand out.
“I’m not trying to pressure myself too much, but, at the end of the day, I know I’m sort of a senior player in this team, and I need to stand up and do what I gotta do for the team.”
Quizzed on their confidence levels ahead of the season, Paul was optimistic about his team’s ability to make it two titles in a row on October 6.
“We’re always confident. Every team that comes into this tournament, they want to win, and we’re no different, we want to win this championship once again. Like I said, we know what it feels like to win. We know how fantastic it was. We know home here we’ve got the support, and we just want to make everyone proud. Like you said, it’s one step at a time, one game at a time, and that’s how we’re going to take it.”
Paul then declared, “But are we confident? Yes! We’re confident that we can go all the way and win again.”
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will open their 2024 account today against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua from 19:00hrs. (G6)
