“We look forward to this final, to deliver for our club” – Slingerz head coach

…says “Slingerz does not know how to lose”

Slingerz Football Club (FC) head coach Jamaal Shabazz has welcomed the pressure and expectations surrounding his team as they prepare for a highly anticipated final, promising courage, confidence, and a spectacle worthy of Guyana’s football fans.
Speaking after Slingerz’s hard-fought victory over Police, Shabazz praised their upcoming opponents, Western Tigers, who advanced after a penalty shootout win against GDF.
“Western did well to reach the final again with a victory from the penalty mark against GDF,” Shabazz said. “I think they deserve to be in the final, and they will definitely be a worthy opponent. Of course, we want to win, but the game will provide a great atmosphere for Guyana’s football, a great atmosphere for the players, and a great atmosphere for the fans.”

Shabazz made it clear that Slingerz enters the final with belief firmly intact, highlighting the team’s unbeaten mentality so far this season.
“We look forward to it with courage and with confidence because up to this point, Slingerz does not know how to lose,” he added.
Reflecting on the semi-final clash against Police, Shabazz acknowledged the challenge posed by a dangerous attacking side while commending his players for their composure and preparation under pressure.
“It was definitely a difficult game against Police. All the guys handled it well,” he said. “The pressure in training – we prepared well. We even prepared for the game by practising some of the penalty kicks, and we delivered.”
While noting areas for improvement, particularly in ball retention, Shabazz credited his team’s defensive discipline for securing the result.
“Police were a tremendous force in attack, and they attacked us well, but we defended well, and I’m happy that we got the result going into the next fixture,” he said.
Known for his passion and candid reflections, Shabazz also spoke openly about the scrutiny that comes with success and setbacks, especially given his Trinidadian roots and adopted Guyanese identity.
“Pressure has been added to my middle name, so my name now has been changed to Jamaal Pressure Shabazz,” he joked. “It’s not easy to be born in Trinidad and reborn as a Guyanese, and when you do well, they hail you as a Guyanese, and when you don’t do well, they curse you as a Trini.”
Despite the challenges, Shabazz embraced the responsibility that comes with leadership at the highest level.
“I’m always under pressure, but part of the job of coaching is accepting the pressure. I accept the pressure. I’ve been built for that. Alhamdulillah,” he said. “We look forward to this game, this final, to deliver for our club, Slingerz.”
With confidence high and pressure embraced, Slingerz FC now turns their focus to the final, where both teams and supporters alike can expect a thrilling showcase of Guyana’s growing football culture.