Demerara Cricket Board’s U17 tourney: Joseph credits GCA for Georgetown U17’s undefeated streak

…stresses on the importance of sports and education

By Timothy Jaikarran

The Demerara Cricket Board U17 tournament is off with a bang, and the Georgetown U17 unit has thus far recorded an unbeaten streak, with three games having been won and one game having been washed out.

Coach of this Georgetown U17 side, Kenroy Joseph, has noted that the camp is energised by this streak of good fortune, and would be aiming to uplift the trophy at the end of the tournament.
Joseph has also stressed on the importance of players managing their education while participating in sports.
In an interview with this publication, Joseph was asked his view on the team’s unbeaten streak, and he said, “The camp is very energetic, very energised, we are a family! Most of the guys played against the New York State team before we played the under-17, and we were undefeated there also. We won all our games, and we drew the two-day games. Most of the guys are very talented in the Georgetown area, and I must commend the Georgetown Cricket Association, through Transport Cricket Club’s Shaun Massiah, who moulded most of these youths through Transport and other clubs.

“GCA is very active, as they have lots of competitions where the kids are allowed to play. Most of the players have played together, so when a team is picked, we work as a team and gel straight through; so, hats off to the GCA.”
Joseph also disclosed he is hoping that players like Alvin Mohabir, left-arm pacer Dellon Ramsaroop, Shilo Adams, Jaden Campbell, Jaden Dowlin, and many other talented players that need experience make it to the Demerara team; and if not there, the President XI team, which would propel their careers into the Guyana Under-17 team.
He also showered praise on the talented 15-year-old Jonathan Van Lange, whose explosive batting has seen him clearing the LBI ground with ease. He explained that while Van Lange is talented, he does need some work on his fitness, which is the case with every cricketer. He said coaches should be focused on fitness and mental strength, rather than on the talent of a player.
Joseph explained that the high point of his career is coaching the Georgetown U17 team, as he moved through the ranks starting as the University of Guyana coach and present Muslim Youth Organization coach.
“As MYO coach, I have a facility to use, and I am able to garner and watch and learn more and ply my trade better, as I have a facility to use. I just want to continue coaching; hopefully, I get Demerara, and if not that, the President’s XI team, so I can vie for a spot in the Guyana National U17 side, as it has always been my goal to coach a national side. If not the coach, the manager of the national side, as I am a final-year Public Management student at the University of Guyana.
“I think I am the only coach in Guyana with a degree. As a matter of fact, a distinction in Public Management; so, I have the experience along the lines of organisational management” Joseph shared.
Joseph further stressed on the importance of fitness, as he has made it his mantra of leading by example. He explained that he personally uses himself as an example to motivate the players and show the players the importance of fitness, especially those who are interested in playing high-level cricket.
Joseph also said, “Fitness is it! As you all know, there are various levels of fitness; the higher the level you go, the higher it gets. So, these guys have to put in the work now, as these tests are done at every level of national cricket,” he posited.
He further went on to state the role of education in sports, hence why he is aiming to complete his degree at the University of Guyana. He indicated that education and sports go hand in hand, and said he is optimistic that the Guyana Cricket Board understands the importance of having educated cricketers, as this would help them play pivotal roles as leaders and expand their thinking capacities.
He said it is important that they finish their studies while they continue to train, and while this may seem difficult, Joseph is convinced that it would be easy as, “once you start the journey, you will be able to complete it”.