Dundas, Parks relish opportunity to stretch horizons

They consider themselves privileged to be part of this historical “Train and Play” Camp that has been organised by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the core of its young players and some senior players, ahead of what is anticipated to be an intense four-year cycle of foundation football.

The 22-year-old duo of defenders: Kevin Dundas, who plays with Den Amstel Football Club, and St Ignatius Football Club’s Franklyn Parks, a midfielder, have both expressed delight at being chosen to participate in what they have described as the commencement of a journey of a lifetime.
Dundas, who commenced his playing career in his home village team, Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara, had also plied his trade with Buxton United FC for two years, and with the Guyana Defence Force for one year, before returning to his village team.
Speaking with GFF media, Dundas said he feels blessed to have been given this chance, since he has been working hard over the years; and he said he would be grabbing this first-time chance with hands and feet.

“To get this opportunity, I am really grateful to God and my coaches for creating the pathway for this, so that I can become a better player and improve. So it’s a really great opportunity to learn and go forward in the game. The coaches here have widened my horizons on how football is structured, and the way forward with the game.”
Having previously been called to a number of trials, Dundas revealed, this is his first tour; and it couldn’t come at a better time, since it has boosted his morale and passion for the game.
“Most of the time I am working and not (being) selected; you feel like you’re not really going anywhere. So this is a major boost to my game, and I’m learning something new every day from the coaches, as they are very experienced and this is the way forward,” he explained.
Dundas is confident he would be one of the main pillars in the team when things get underway with the ultimate aim of Guyana qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and along the way, qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup next year.
“With this coaching staff it’s really possible, because they have widened our horizons with the thought process, and not just the game itself; to see the game from a different angle as we prepare ourselves to stay in the game,” he explained.
Dundas has pledged to continue working hard even after this “Train and Play” Camp would have concluded here in Rio.
“The coaches have said that they would provide steps to try and make us the best, but we would have to strive to be the best. We have to also take individual responsibility; so I see myself doing that to help push my club and myself to a high level, by staying fit and following the structured diet,” he disclosed.
The solid defender also shared that he has learnt a whole lot more in the area of dieting, which is very important to be at the top of one’s game.
“If you don’t put out the work and make the sacrifices, you can’t go (anywhere); so, basically, sticking with the diet and keeping hydrated is my responsibility,” he divulged.
He also shared some advice with his fellow young colleagues here in Rio: “I think this is a great opportunity for the youngsters here to appreciate that we have a way forward; you just have to stick with the programme, believe, and work hard. It’s not an easy game, it’s not an easy way forward, but work hard and stick to your programme and you will get there,” he advised.
Parks, who has come from a football family, saw his other brothers — Terrence, Brandon, Peter, Anthony and Daxton — play the game. So, as he puts it, it’s in his DNA. He started playing the game at age 10 in his home village of St. Ignatius, in the Rupununi.
Like Dundas, Parks has said he feels privileged to be part of the “Train and Play” Camp, and is so far comfortable with the way things have been progressing.
“I’ve been learning new things, training with new drills now, as well as different levels of intensity,” he disclosed.
The young midfielder also disclosed that he has been learning to focus more on his aim as a player, and to set goals. “I see myself being a part of the GFF’s long term programme, because I am a person who pushes to be successful,” he declared.
He notes that this exposure would motivate his fellow villagers to believe that they, too, can do it.
“It would show them more that we can come out here to take ourselves to a different level; we can perform and get better and play our part in developing the game nationally,” he disclosed.