National Player Jeremy Garrett (JG) was recently selected for the Golden Jaguars Provisional training squad ahead of their international friendly against Grenada. Guyana Times Sport (GTS) reached out to the player to hear his views on a return to Sporting Clube de Portugal for another trial stint and possibly being able to secure a contract.
GTS: When will you return to Portugal?
JG: My return (date) to Portugal has a little setback since the person or persons in charge of the invite letters distribution is quite busy also the team itself has set backs with a lot of other international players. However, according to my agent Mr Alex Bunbury he is scheduled to be in Guyana on the 20th September and I’m likely to return to Portugal when he’s leaving.”
GTS: What have you being doing since your return from Portugal last December?
Jeremy Garrett
JG: Ever since I’ve returned from my stint I’ve been much more aware of the things I needed to improve on. Training with my club locally (Fruta Conquerors football club) it has been very effective and beneficial. Also, locally I’ve been able to sharpen up a bit more on my first touches and awareness as being part of the academy training centres (ATC) that the Guyana Football Federation runs across the country to keep national youths active and steady. Due to all these attributes locally I’ve been able to improve in so many different areas.”
GTS: You captained the Guyana team to the Inter Guiana Games earlier this year, how was that experience?
JG: The games that Guyana played in Suriname were both very intense. However, the players coped well and were able to execute on the pitch resulting in a 1-1 draw and a 0-1 loss. It was observed that the Guyana players in a whole were cognitive of what was being taught to us. I was the captain of the national side in both games, it was a very good experience for me to have another opportunity to represent my nation and preform. The games for me were others used as stepping stones to keep me in line and match ready so that whenever I’m called upon to Return to Portugal I am 100% ready !
GTS: You have done well at both CXC and CAPE, how important would it be to receive possible scholarship or to even get support from corporate Guyana?
JG: It’s hard for a youngster like me. Even though I’ve surpassed many expectations by achieving something that many persons couldn’t, that is being able to balance both football and academics I’ve been equally rated in both. I’ve acquired 8 CXC subjects along with 2 CAPE subjects at Chase’s Academic Foundation. I’ve also acquired many football achievement as a youngster in the game since 2014. But I think for youths like me cooperate Guyana should at least give support either to have business invest in athletes (brand ambassadors etc) just so to not kill a dream of young talented sportsman. They should look to support.
At my club, I volunteer to coach the U-11 and U-13 whenever the space is available, the kids at the club know so much about me I think my own father doesn’t know, I mean they all want to be like “coach Jeremy” I mean all of them. I fit the profile to be upfront to be the face of what a balanced soccer player should be…and I’m thankful for all the help from my club, however I’m still eager to acquire help from corporate Guyana and other entities whom have the love for sports to come on board.
GTS: Finally, No elite football is being played how do you plan to stay in perfect shape for the call?
JG: While I’m here in Guyana I’ve been rather busy with the national youth team also my club is still currently training so in the meantime I’m still active and working. The academy training centres also are always active every Friday for two hours in the afternoon and I’m doing my own personal work at Top End Gym.
