Digicel Cup brought success despite Guyana failing to reach Gold Cup
• GFF boss reiterates call for financial support
By Franklin Wilson
Kaieteur News
January 27, 2007
The 2006/7 Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) regional football competition has bought its own level of success for Guyana despite our non qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
These views were expressed by both president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Colin Klass and Technical Director Jamal Shabazz at a press conference hosted yesterday at the GFF's headquarters, Dadanawa Street section ‘K' Campbellville.
“I think in summary the Guyana team has done us proud, in experience and exposure you gain wisdom and in looking back some things could have been done differently, but generally, we ought to be proud of our boys and the technical staff.” Klass reminded that in sport there are going to be winners and losers but the local administration will continue to pursue the path that has brought success including every aspect of the game.
“We believe that if we have very, very good foundation then stepping into the big league shouldn't be that difficult.”
Klass said that efforts are already in train to maintain the momentum that has taken the country to its current position regionally and internationally. “We will have to start pursuing teams in the Central America area, in the South America area and possibly in North America , these we hope we would start to accomplish with the next month or so.”
The GFF boss said he believes that with a higher level of competition and more exposure the completeness of the local game would be accomplished, noting that games against El Salvador and Canada are being looked at.
“But unless there is a real financial outpour, some of these plans could really fall short we need to have a financial boost from corporate Guyana and the Government in order for us to go in this direction,” he said.
The call for everyone to get on board was made again since the Federation cannot do it alone. “We just can't do it alone; everyone needs to get on board like we are getting on board for the world cup cricket we need to get on board for football, football development and to change the lives of many of our youngsters.”
The players and technical staff came in for high praise from the federation for their hard work and dedication over the past 15 months. Klass also complimented the Trinidadian support staff who rendered their services free of cost to the team.
Some T&T based businessmen also made contributions to the team, as will garment manufacturers Rossi, who will be donating a number of gears to the GFF shortly.
Ernie Ross of Ross Production and Promotion Company, who is also the Guyana honorary counsel in Trinidad , hosted the team to a lunch, while Mr. Colin Baker and Mr. Rodrigues, father of John Rodrigues were also there lending moral and financial support to the team.
An issue that has been a burning one for the federation, according to its president, is the non release of players when called to the squad by their employers, which has affected the team.
Klass said he was not making an excuse but he believes that it is time for the government to set up the long touted sports policy so that sportsmen and women will be able to get the necessary time off when they are selected.
Shabazz, who is always philosophical in his remarks, said that if he had the power to turn water into wine, he would turn chances at goal into goals for Guyana . “It was a very rewarding experience for us a bit disappointing for all of us, me in particular.”
The TD said he has never cried in a football match but after the draw against Cuba he cried uncontrollably because he felt that if there was one country and group of players deserving of going forward into the Gold Cup, it was Guyana .
Shabazz however asked the question if we as a country really made the best efforts to ensure the best for the ‘Golden Jaguars'. “I make no excuses I take full responsibility for all the selections, for all the substitutions after consultations with our staff as is the norm.”
The T&T born Shabazz said while he is ready and able to answer any questions about the team, there are some parties in Guyana who cannot question him. “They did not contribute to this effort, they have no moral authority to even rate the performance of this team…” Because when they ask if I should have selected Awo Abrams, I would ask did you know what Awo Abrams have eaten for the three weeks, did you know how he prepared, so some people in the public and private sector have no moral authority to question anything that went on with this team.”
With regards to some of the positives coming out of the tournament, a number of players have been singled out for possible tryouts in Scotland and Ireland . Tapes of prolific striker Nigel Codrington has been sent as requested by a club in Scotland , while captain Charles Pollard and fellow defenders Howard Lowe and John Rodrigues have been eyed by a club in Ireland . Rodrigues is also expected to try out with Major League Soccer side L.A Galaxy sometime mid next month.
In line for contracts in the T&T Pro League are, Gregory Richardson, who is being sought by 2006 champions Joe Public. Anthony Abrams and Dwight Peters are expected to join Caledonia AIA, while Devon Millington is expected to try out in either Trinidad or Barbados .
England based midfielder Shawn Beveney is being eyed by Sunderland while head coach Wayne Dover and assistant Kavin Pearce are also inline for contracts in the Twin Island republic.
Shabazz informed that Trinity College and a number of Youth teams in the Pro League are interested in their services.