“I FEEL OPTIMISTIC,” says GHB President Philip Fernandes

…As the Guyana women’s hockey team prepare for 2024 PAHF Challenge

As preparation is geared up for the Guyana women’s hockey team to compete in the 2024 PAHF Challenge set for Hamilton, Bermuda from 20th to 28th September, wherein the team is aiming for qualification into the PAHF Cup in 2025 and World Cup, Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) President Philip Fernandes is confident the team can pull off the feat.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Fernandes disclosed some of the challenges being faced, although he has every confidence that the team would succeed. Fernandes said, “The tournament is going to be a big challenge for our team. We’re the lowest-ranked team, and we have the least international experience because, of course, it is too costly for Guyana to travel very often to compete internationally. This means that other teams get to test themselves, get to expose themselves to top-quality competition more often than we do.
“Having said that, I think we still have the technical ability (to be competitive). We have the talent, we have the know-how, we have a lot of components that we can put together and make it a very competitive side. I think that we have a chance of winning. Several of the teams are very good, Mexico in particular is a very impressive team, and we have a lot of work cut out for us,” he declared.

“If we do our preparation right, and if the team commits itself fully for the time being between now and September, I feel optimistic that we can pull off the win,” he expressed.
Expounding on the work being put in to create a winning team, Fernandes said,
“I think that we have adjusted our training. The physical component is still in full swing, we are working on that, and we have been working a lot on the technical aspect of the game; so that, when we get out on the full field, we can then supplement the tactical additions and then hopefully create a winning side. But I’m excited. I’m optimistic.
“We have a young squad, but we have a very good young side, and I think that you know we can pull off some surprises,” Fernandes explained.
The full Guyana squad reads: Goalkeepers Alysa Xavier, Empress Charles, Jessica Mittelholzer, Keziah Johnason and Sarah Harry. Defenders Julia Gouveia, Kezia Chinian, Kirsten Gomes, Kazaquah Uzzi, Makeda Harding, Tekeisha Deleon and Trisha Woodroffe. Midfielders Charlie Webb, Clayza Bobb, Gabriella Xavier, Kenisha Wills, Madison Fernandes, Sarah Klautky and Temmara Clarke. Strikers Abosaide Cadogan, Carolyn Deane, Chantelle Fernandes, Makaylah Poole, Princessa Wilkie and Samantha Fernandes.
Guyana last competed in the PAHF Challenge in 2011, when they finished runners-up to Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Only four players remain in contention for selection from that previous squad. (Omar McKenzie)