Sparta’s success more than what meets the eye – Garrett

Sparta Boss is one of the popular names – if not the most – attached to futsal in Guyana.
Over the years, the team, even when they have changed players, have managed to remain consistent victors and feared opponents in the sport.
Recently, Sparta were able to lift the “Keep Your 5 Alive” trophy, downing Slingerz FC 9-5 in the much-anticipated final.

“This is what we do and this is what we’re accustomed to – pressure,” Sparta Boss player Jeremy Garrett told <<<Guyana Times Sport>>>.
When quizzed about whether or not any extra consideration went into opposing Slingerz, who now have a formidable club structure, Garrett indicated that Sparta were not worried.
He explained, “We didn’t look at Slingerz as anybody that we should be afraid of, we judged them like we would judge any normal opponent. We got there to play the brand of Sparta. We’ve been working hard throughout this tournament and I’m not sure how many teams would have used facilities and practised together but we had several sessions, trying to execute things that we wanted to implement.
“It wasn’t nerve-wrecking. We knew that once we did what we were working on, it would have been rather easy, or easier for us to come out victorious.
“We weren’t panicking,” he added with a smile.
While the victory over Slingerz is remarkable, it is an achievement that has shown the time and effort that have been placed into the Sparta team. After all, coming up against a fully-fledged professional club is no easy feat.
However, Garrett believes it is the result of the behind-the-scenes playmakers and supporters of Sparta.
“It is no secret who is responsible for the success of Sparta’s team, over a decade now. For me, that person is Dennis Edwards, the owner, CEO, Coach … you name it,” Garrett revealed.
“Yes, Sparta does have the talent, we do have good players on the team that are capable of winning championships; however, the support that we receive from Dennis over the years, with him not looking for any reward, just to be known that he’s number one or have the winning trophy, is something that cannot be easily replaced,” the national footballer went on to expound.
“What he would have done for Sparta is beyond my imagination. From helping youths in certain communities, giving them a chance to play the game they love, with the support that they require or deserve, is wonderful, when you think about what he would have done behind the scenes for Sparta Boss.”
Admittedly, Edwards is not one who is keen on taking the limelight, but Garrett remained adamant that without his support, Sparta Boss would not be where they are now.
“I mean, he’s a guy that does not like the spotlight and what not, however, he’s always there with the team. If he’s away, he video calls, he’s into it. You know, he gives good advice and is always willing to support the players in any way they need,” the baller shared.
“We have a support system that does a tremendous job in helping and supporting over the years.”
“Yes, Sparta has talent, both old and young, but the support that we receive off the field should be commended,” he maintained.
As such, Garrett believes that characters like Edwards are necessary for the development of the sport, especially in underprivileged communities.
“I would be so happy if we could have more like him, to support, empower, motivate youths in these rural communities around Guyana. Whether it is football or any other sport, just support them,” Garrett said, likening him to Henry Chase, Principal of Chase’s Academy in Georgetown.
Garrett is firm in his belief that the current crop of Sparta Boss players are capable of maintaining and carrying on the team’s legacy.
“Sparta’s legacy is not only about winning titles. Sparta’s legacy is also about uplifting and motivating, developing young men. This group that is here now, we intend to continue doing, implementing what Sparta would have been teaching us from day one, to continue to add to the legacy,” he declared.
“Keep Your 5 Alive” is the second futsal tournament that Sparta has won this year. In January, they carted off the Kashif and Shanghai-Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Futsal championship. (Jemima Holmes)