Junior Jags optimistic ahead of CONCACAF qualifiers

Next Tuesday, the Guyana National Under-20 Men’s team will embark on their CONCACAF U20 Qualifiers campaign, competing out of Group D alongside hosts Curacao, Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Anguilla.
As the Junior Jaguars fine-tune their skills ahead of the all-important assignment on the regional stage, the players are optimistic about both their training and abilities on the competitive field.
As such, forward Bryan Wharton and defender Max Robinson shared their thoughts on the ongoing training camp.
“It’s a new coach and, like, a new environment he’s putting us in, and it’s really professional, so we’re trying to adapt. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there,” Wharton told this publication.
On the other hand, Robinson shared, “For the past week, it’s been great. Getting this different perspective of coming to a different country and getting the different type of playing styles, it’s very athletic with a lot of running, and it really pushes me to be a better player.”
Quizzed on their group composition and expectations, both players articulated an intention to achieve positive results.
The forward expressed, “I think that’s our main focus right now, the first one against Curacao and then against Haiti, two of the biggest teams in the Caribbean actually. We’re just looking to go and give our all and hope for a good result.”
“We have a good chance if we fight because we have a good group. Playing well together as a team and getting to know each other better. So yeah, I think we stand a chance,” Wharton continued.

The Defender later added, “I think the biggest mindset is, we’re hungry and we want to win.”
On a more personal note, Wharton shared his goals for the competition, while Robinson discussed what a few victories would mean to him.
“I just want to go and get a good tournament and showcase my talent across the board and share my experience with the guys,” Wharton shared.
Robinson related to this publication, “This would mean everything to me. I mean, I’ve been with this team and some of these players since I was 12-13 years old, and seeing these guys grow, and myself, I think winning and bringing back that ‘top of the table’, just points and points, it would mean everything.”
The Junior Golden Jags will take on Curacao first on Tuesday, February 24, before turning their attention to Anguilla on Saturday, February 28.
The Guyanese team will need to finish at the top of their group in order to secure a spot at the CONCACAF U20 Championships later this year.