Guyana Under-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach, Kayode McKinnon has stressed that the future success of the team hinges on a collective commitment from all stakeholders, including officials, clubs, players, parents ,and fans.
In a post Under-20 CONCACAF Championship Qualifiers interview, McKinnon said: “We must now reflect and create a system that’s not just for the present. To create successful football within our nation, I think it must be the collaboration of every single person involved – the communities, the families, parents and clubs.”
Guyana wrapped up their February campaign with a mixed performance in Group B, tallying two losses against Antigua and Barbuda and Suriname, a draw against El Salvador, and a victory over Turks and Caicos.
Claiming the group’s top position, El Salvador secured a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Men’s U-20 Championship scheduled for later this year.
The Head Coach added that it was “a great experience first and foremost for all of us. We were intentional about how we wanted to represent Guyana…for those that are coming behind, they will be given equal opportunities and will be seen as just as good as anyone else.”
The entire U20 national team outfit prior to last week’s CONCACAF Qualifiers
“Everybody must have a collaborative agenda to really help our players and more so help our nation. Once we do that, we create an environment that will be conducive for growth, conducive for development and obviously progress.”
The Junior Golden Jaguars roster comprised a blend of former Under-15 national players, local talents who took part in the 2023 NAMILCO Under-17 National Academy Playoffs, and players based in both Trinidad and the United States.
The squad included goalkeepers Duquain Samuels, Emmanuel Lewis and Julien Casimir; defenders Gerry-Mayer Burnette, Jaden Thom, Jayden Culley, Kyle Reid, Tyler Lyle, Tyrel Stephen and Tyrese Lyle; midfielders Hemant Brandon Khedoo, Bryan Wharton, Ezekial Rowland, Kvist Paul, Kymani Sealey, Nathaniel Pydana, Rondesio Tudor, Shemaiah Samuels and Solomon Austin; and forwards Matrim Martin and Perry Jr Gaul.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde said he was proud of the team’s show of commitment and dedication throughout the tournament, adding that “the Federation will continue to invest in the national team programme because we have faith in the talents of our young players”.
“We call on the people of Guyana to keep supporting our emerging footballers.”
The Under-20 CONCACAF Championship Qualifiers saw intense clashes among 27 teams from February 23 to March 2.
