Former national goalkeeper Vibert De Freitas, who now lives overseas, was on a recent visit to his hometown of Bartica, and donated a number of balls, referee flags, whistles and caution cards to the Bartica Football Association (BFA).
De Freitas had visited Bartica during the recent Easter Regatta, but was unable to make the presentation in person due to time constraints. The donation was subsequently handed over by his niece, Amanda.
In his football career, De Freitas had played for his hometown Bartica, his adopted home of Linden, and also for the Guyana National Team. He had made his hometown proud when he was included in Guyana’s first World Cup training squad in 1975.
He experienced limited time in his first and second series against Bare of Brazil and Texaco of Trinidad and Tobago. Both series were contested at Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.
De Freitas’s first tour overseas was to Brazil in January 1976, with the World Cup Squad. After that tour, De Freitas had appeared in four friendly Internationals: against Cuba at Mackenzie Sports Club ground; at the Burnham Park in New Amsterdam; and at the GCC ground at Bourda, Georgetown.
He was also the first choice keeper for International matches against Suriname in Paramaribo; at the MSC against Kwang Tung Province; and against the touring Russian Textile team at GCC, Bourda.
Guyana had played no international matches in 1979, so De Freitas had to settle for Inter-Sub Association and First Division matches. Guyana returned to World Cup action in 1980, and De Freitas and Denzil Thompson were the men who had shared goalkeeping duties in qualifiers against Grenada, Suriname and Cuba.
In the Cuba encounter, played at the MSC ground, Guyana lost 0-3, and that was De Freitas’s last match in national colours.
In an invited comment, President of the Bartica Football Association, Alden Marslowe, said, “The BFA expresses gratitude to Mr De Freitas for returning with such a meaningful gesture towards the development of the sport. This equipment will definitely help to engage our game and help our officials to be better equipped.
“This year, we have seen a definite rise in activity, which augurs well for development. We surely appreciate the support we have been getting from the Guyana Football Federation and all other partners.
“Because we are still in need of further input, we urge our local businesses to get on board to join us in promoting this healthy and wholesome sport in our community.”