U-15 national team named for CONCACAF Championship in Curaçao
Guyana Under-15 Boys’ National Team Head Coach Devnon Winter said game intelligence, and technical, physical and mental strength were key qualities looked for during the selection process of the 18-member final squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship in Curaçao.
The junior national squad includes players attached to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Academy Programme in Bartica, Berbice, Rupununi, Georgetown, East Demerara, and Upper Demerara, as well as international players from the United States and Canada.
A look at the U-15 team’s preparation
“Selection was tough because of the pool of very good players we had to select from, especially having some international players among the group, but we are confident this is the right group of players. The team selection was based on the quality of discipline, technique, tactics, physical/mental strength, social and game intelligence,” Winter said.
The junior players have spent approximately seven weeks in preparation at the Federation’s National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) under the watchful eyes of Coach Winter and the coaching staff – Assistant Coach Selwyn Isaacs, Goalkeeping Coach Andre Gibbs, Physiotherapist Pablino Cupido and Team Manager Joyann Williams.
The final squad has two goalkeepers, five defenders, eight midfielders, and three forwards.
Goalkeepers: Tejpal Nijjar and LeAndre Garnette
Defenders: Jameal Garnett, Michael Joseph, Candel Hazel, Kemron Pellew and Max Robinson
Midfielders: Shaquan David, Mikkel Mills, Keishon Leacock, Malcolm Hendricks, Luke Langevine, Quancy Fraser, Jaden Harris and Joseph Eussebio
Forwards: Ezekiel Baldeo, Stephon Sprosta and Machaia Defreitas
Winter said he was “optimistic that the boys will make Guyana proud. The coaching staff along with the players have done the hard work so it’s just how good we execute on the game day, [that] will determine our chances against the countries in our group.”
This is Guyana’s fourth appearance at the CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship. This year Guyana are drawn in Group F of League B with Guadeloupe, Barbados and St Lucia. Matches will be played on August 6, 7 and 8.
Winter added that Guyanese at home and overseas should be proud to support “this committed and talented young team” in the prestigious regional competition.
The team depart Guyana today, Friday, August 4.
