Golden Jags in need of home support, says coach Johnson

Guyanese football fans will play a vital role in helping the Golden Jaguars reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup this year, Head Coach Michael Johnson said in an interview, calling on the nation to come out and support their team in the crucial home clash against Belize on Saturday, March 23.
The final CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League qualifier is set to be the most significant game in the history of football in Guyana, as the Golden Jaguars have never competed in the region’s premier international tournament.
“The message is clear: ‘We need you – your country needs you!’” Johnson said. “We all want and need you to play your part in this pivotal moment. Let’s make history together – we are one win away.”
Qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup would prove a huge boost for the players’ careers, the development of football in Guyana, and the nation itself, Johnson said. The head coach is currently in Guyana to oversee preparations by Guyana-based players and to plan for the final squad encampment before the Belize match.
“It’s all about the players – to be able to put the players on the world map and give them and the country the exposure that comes with qualification will be immense,” Johnson said. “I am proud of this group of staff and players to be in this position, but we need to make one more giant step.”
“The exposure will give some of the players the opportunity to show what they can achieve with many clubs from around the world in attendance.”
However, the Belize national team will prove a tough opponent, the former Jamaica international and Premier League defender believes, pointing out that both teams can potentially still qualify for the Region’s top international tournament, which takes place between June 15 and July 7.
“Belize are an experienced team who have been together for a long time,” the UEFA Pro-licensed coach said. “This brings a team spirit and an understanding of each other’s game. We must pay attention to the team rather than individuals, because that’s what they are: a strong team who themselves can see the finish line.”
He said he wanted to see passion and desire from his players in the run-up to the clash, and expected each member of the squad to understand and cope with the magnitude of the occasion.
“It boils down to who wants it more,” he said. “We must play the game and not the occasion. The team who controls their emotions best will be the one that wins this game. It’s simple for me: we are a win away from creating history.”
After three rounds, Guyana currently lies in eighth position in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup qualification table with six points. After round four, the top 10 teams will qualify for the 16-team Gold Cup, joining the United States, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica.
The Golden Jaguars drew 2-2 with Barbados, beat Turks and Caicos 8-0 and then lost to French Guiana 2-1, leaving their hopes of Gold Cup qualification in the balance, until CONCACAF ruled Barbados had fielded ineligible players in rounds one and two, and awarded Guyana a 3-0 win. The Gold Cup will also expose Guyana to a range of opportunities to generate revenue and interest for the development of the game at a domestic level.
“The Guyana Football Federation will have more finance and will have more interest from corporate sponsorship opportunities that will allow more to be done,” Johnson said.
“But more importantly, it will inspire and motivate young children who can now believe it’s possible to achieve their dreams. The interest from youngsters who see their heroes playing on the world scene will inspire young boys and girls to participate in some form of football.”