Linden Johnson coach of the national table tennis team which is set to participate in the inaugural Pan
Linden Johnson
American Junior Championship in Canada says he is optimistic of his players’ chances at the event.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday at the National Gymnasium, Johnson said his players are talented, committed and discipline ambassadors who will enjoy success.
The players have been going through some intense training everyday at the National Gymnasium from 21:00 Hrs to 23:30 Hrs. in order to stay intact for their upcoming encounters. “Our preparations has been divided into three categories, general, tactical and pre-tournaments. We are now at the second stage (tactical aspect) where I analyze their approach and strengthen tactics to stay in command on game days. The general preparation mainly focused on fitness while the final step will be matches among themselves and experience campaigners,” the coach informed.
This tournament is very important to the coach and players because the opportunities it provides. “It is an inaugural tournament, one which gives the players exposure against some of the best players in South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and the top four finishers in the tournament qualifies for the World Junior Championship billed for South Africa later in the year,” said Johnson who has been a national coach since 2003.
According to Johnson the team was selected from the national junior championship top four finishers as well as the experience and discipline of the players.
The team is scheduled to depart on Friday 24th June while their opening game is set for the following day. However, five out of the six persons listed to travel are still awaiting their Canadian visa approval, an issue Johnson said he would to get out of the way so the players and authorities can focus on competing.
There are also some financial challenges the team is experiencing, however, he said the executives are working their utmost to deal with that while his sole focus is to work with the team.
Here is a list of the six member team expected to leave Guyana on Friday; Players-Shemar Britton, Miguel Wong, Elishaba Johnson and Kyle Edghill. Coach Linden Johnson and GTTA treasurer Deidra Edghill.
