A 26-man squad has been named by Michael Johnson, Head Coach of the National Senior Men’s team, the Golden Jaguars, to face the Turks and Caicos Team on October 13, as Guyana looks to register a victory in its second appearance at the CONCACAF Nations League.
Stephen Duke-McKenna
This squad, which includes three Goalkeepers, seven Defenders, seven Midfielders and six Forwards, will see the return of seasoned players Walter Moore and Emery Welshman, as well as the appearance of a debutante in Stephen Duke-McKenna.
This debutante is an 18-year-old from Bolton Wanderers FC in England, who has been described as a “versatile attacking option who can play across the forward line.”
Johnson has said he looks forward to Duke-McKenna’s presence in the squad, as “he will bring professionalism, energy and a freshness to an already good team spirit.”
In previewing the match — which is scheduled for 16:00hrs at the TCIFA National Academy in the Turks and Caicos Islands — Johnson has said it will be no easy feat coming up against this islander side.
“It’s a game that we know will be tough if we don’t prepare right, given their most recent results in previous games. I’m expecting an improvement from them, so we need to be ready. The team spirit fostered since our last meeting together has been a huge bonus, which will hold us in good stead for this game,” he predicted.
Speaking about the team’s preparation, Technical Director Ian Greenwood said continuous work has been done. “The Guyana-based players have been preparing themselves by following their individual and specific training programmes set by our Head of Sports Science alongside squad practices. All the players understand the importance of earning the right on and off the field to wear the badge. The Turks & Caicos fixture offers another opportunity for the Golden Jaguars to build their growing reputation in the CNL.”
Golden Jags Head Coach, Michael Johnson
This will be the first ‘away’ match for Guyana in the qualifiers, with the second being in French Guiana on November 20 at 21:00hrs. Guyana will play its final qualifier against Belize in March 2019 in Guyana.
The international-based players will be released from their clubs from Monday, October 8, with opening of the official FIFA Window.
The shortlisted players are: Jason Cromwell, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Akel Clarke, Terrence Vancooten, Sam Cox, Kevin Layne, Jake Newton, Walter Moore, Jelani Smith, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, Curtez Kellman, Delwin Fraser, Ryan Hackett, Anthony Benfield, Daniel Wilson, Vurlon Mills, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Emery Welshman, Dellon Lanferman, Kelsey Benjamin, Trayon Bobb, Kadell Daniel and Sheldon Holder.
