Slingerz is back!: Renowned Slingerz FC relaunched

By Jemima Holmes

Slingerz FC, in a blaze of glory, went dormant over 5 years ago during its reign as national champion. In 2022, in a similar blaze of glory, and hunting the top spot of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), Slingerz has returned with a point to prove.

Slingerz President Javid Ali is not only intent on resurrecting a winning team that became champion of the first Stag Elite League, but also a team that would help to alleviate Guyana’s selection woes for the national squads.
“Safe to say Slingerz is back. It feels good to be back in football. It’s a great pleasure to witness the reintroduction of Slingerz FC to competitive football in Guyana. I think (that) together we’re sharing in this exciting prospect for the continued development of football in Guyana,” Ali said during his remarks at the Slingerz relaunch ceremony, done at the Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.

About his intentions for the team, Ali disclosed, “This relaunch is a testimony to doing our part. We see the need for competition in development and preparation for Guyana national team, as it allows for the professional players that are always ready for international games. Guyana’s football needs to reduce its dependency on two full professional teams, which is GPF and the Guyana GDF, and to ensure more players can receive their monthly income to dedicate their day-to-day activities to football.

“This (would) increase the pool of fit-and-ready players for the national team, and reduce the risk of overreliance on international and part-time players,” the Slingerz boss has further stated.
West Demerara Football Association president Trevor Williams welcomed the team with open arms, and is especially intrigued by its plans to invest in players.
Williams remarked, “This is a giant step in the development of local football. I particularly like the fact that the word ‘development’ is used in this forum, and to remind us that we can never truly develop sport in Guyana if we do not have consistent and timely investment in local sports.”

He went on to add, “Slingerz, over the years, along with Alpha United, have certainly raised the bar and raised expectations in Guyana for the local sport.”
With Slingerz’ return, and current participation in the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA’s) Senior Men’s League, the team already has players and a technical team ready to go.
Head Coach Vurlon Mills, in announcing his current 19-man squad, shared why he knows what it takes to build a Slingerz outfit.
“I’ve played with Slingerz in the past, and I understand what is required of Slingerz to be the best team in Guyana. We train hard consistently, and I’ve always said this to my players, ‘Slingerz’ success isn’t dependent on the quality of players that we had, but is dependent on the work that we did every morning when we go out to work’,” Mills said.
He went on to list the team, which includes Goalkeepers Shawn Adonis and Prince Forde; Defenders Kevin Dundas, Quincy Adams, Jerome Harrigan, Shakem Welcome, Simeon Moore and Clevon Murray; Midfielders Clive Nobrega, Vincent Chidera, Kvist Paul, Hector Azaton, Recardo Halley, Dexroy Adams and Martrim Martin; and forwards Samuel Garnett, Noron Barrow, Delon Lanferman and Deon Alfred.
“If you notice, our squad is comprised of senior, experienced players with youth players,” Mills added about his team’s composition.
Aside from Mills as Head Coach, Earl O’Neil will be the Assistant Coach, with Dwanye Jacobs and Errol Baird making up the remainder of the technical team.
In addition, Forrester’s Lumber Yard and Building Complex is the first major sponsor that would be throwing support behind the Slingerz FC.
Slingerz FC will be in action this evening against Uitvlugt Warriors in the WDFA Senior Men’s League from 8pm at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, WCD.