Manns vows to lead Guyana with pride

Newly appointed Guyana Women’s Under-19 Captain Danellie Manns has described her appointment as a “great honour” as the team prepares to compete in the 2026 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship in Antigua.
The Guyana squad departed for the regional tournament following a meeting with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh, who presented the players with cricket gear and encour-aged them to represent the country with pride, discipline and determination.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Manns expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and pledged to lead by example throughout the tournament.

“It’s a great honour to be named Captain. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, and I want to lead by example, support my teammates, and help the team succeed in the best way I can,” she said.
The young Captain noted that the squad has undergone extensive preparations in anticipation of the regional competition.
“We’ve prepared through hard training, fitness, match scenarios, and improving our skills,” Manns ex-plained.
She also highlighted the work she has put into improving her own game ahead of the championship.
“I’ve been working on improving my bowling consistency, batting, fielding, and overall fitness so I can contribute in every area of the game. Mostly my bowling!!” she added.
Manns said the team’s objective is clear as they take on the best young female cricketers from across the Caribbean.
“Our goal is to represent Guyana with pride and play our best cricket to win the championship,” she de-clared.
The Guyana squad features players from across the country, including the hinterland, riverine and rural communities of Moruca, Pomeroon, Agatash in the Essequibo River, Waramuri Mission and Leguan, reflecting the continued growth and reach of women’s cricket throughout Guyana.
The team is captained by Danellie Manns, with Akeela Stephens serving as Vice Captain. The squad also includes Rickesha Kisten (wicketkeeper), Jada Fraser, Sarah Bheir, Jaraya Rodrigues, Shenesa Thomas, Briana Samaroo, Allia Henry, Sowanna Booker, Kainana Leitch, Rosanna Patterson, Athalia Simmons, and Christina Jackson.
Clive Grimmond will serve as manager, while former West Indies women’s all-rounder Tremayne Smartt has been entrusted with coaching duties as Guyana seeks regional success in Antigua.