“We are confident of a positive attacking performance against Turks & Caicos as we push towards success in the CONCACAF Nations League.”
Golden Jaguars got through pre-match training in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Those were the words of Ian Greenwood, Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation, as Guyana’s National Senior Men’s Team, the Golden Jaguars, prepares for its second match in the CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) today, Saturday October 13.
The match, scheduled for 16:00hrs at the Turks and Caicos National Academy, will see Guyana hoping to record its first win of the CNL following a draw of the first match with Barbados in Guyana.
Guyana’s Head Coach Michael Johnson has said the squad had a good pre-match session and is ready for today’s encounter. “The squad trained at a fantastic tempo and with an unbelievable spirit. We’re looking forward to a great game and (to) doing the nation proud,” he declared.
The blend of youth and experience is a promising aspect, as the team seeks to continuously inculcate an attitude of excellence in its players. “The likes of Neil Danns, Vurlon Mills and Anthony Benfield are role models and mentors for the younger players,” said Johnson. “There is a nice blend of youth and experience in the team, (and) that bodes well for the future, and they are learning both on and off the pitch.” Relative to the playing style being employed, Johnson said, “The players are adapting well to the new style of play and structure, which have challenged and provoked some serious thought and discussions about the team and themselves. We will continue to challenge and stretch in all areas of their development with our obvious target.”
Meanwhile, Greenwood, who travelled with the Guyana-based team on Thursday last, said all the players and staff understand the importance of earning the right to wear the badge on and off the field.
“The Guyana-based players have shown real hunger and desire in their squad practice since the completion of the Elite League. The International-based are rejoining the squad, having shown excellent club form recently. All the players and staff understand the importance of earning the right to wear the badge on and off the field.”
This is the first away match for the Golden Jaguars, as they seek to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. French Guiana will host Guyana on November 20 from 21:00hrs, while Guyana will play its final qualifier against Belize in March 2019 in Guyana.
Relative to the playing style being employed, Johnson said, “The players are adapting well to the new style of play and structure, which have challenged and provoked some serious thought and discussions about the team and themselves. We will continue to challenge and stretch in all areas of their development with our obvious target.”
