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GFF happy with permission to use Stadium
Discussions continuing on terms of use
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is happy with the provisional permission granted following verbal approval by Guyana National Stadium Manager Anthony Xavier for the use of the venue to stage the return match against Suriname on June 22.
Kaieteur Sport had earlier been informed by General Secretary of the GFF Noel Adonis, who had received a call from Xavier telling him that approval was given for the use of the stadium to host the return game against Suriname as Guyana open their campaign to qualify for the FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals scheduled to be held in South Africa.
Yesterday, Organising Secretary of the federation, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, informed Kaieteur Sport that preliminary discussions had been held between officials of the GFF and Xavier and those discussions are continuing.
He expressed thanks to His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo for his part in ensuring the use of the stadium and all those who worked behind the scene and are currently making efforts to have the fixture played at the venue.
Major informed that Adonis, Treasurer Aubrey Henry, Vice President Winston Callender and Presidential Adviser Odinga Lumumba were in the party that held the discussions with Xavier.
The talks bordered around the do’s and don’ts, positioning of the goal posts, costs and all other information related to the use of the venue.
Major noted that currently the GFF are awaiting written permission for the use of the venue and the conditions applied.
Questioned on their preparations for the return game, Major disclosed that things are going very smoothly despite needing more financial support. He stated that this week, talks would commence with several business entities in relation to sponsorship, advertising and general support for the June 22 game.
He called on all Guyana to support the national team and the GFF noting the long term benefits of Guyana’s progression to the next stage.
Major told Kaieteur Sport that once Guyana get past Suriname, five more home games will be contested here against quality opposition, which could include United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala and Jamaica.
This type of activity would bring an increase in business at local hotels with the influx of the players, officials and fans following the respective teams.
Questioned on his views on damage to the facility due to football, Major pointed out that they had visited the venue and paid particular attention to the bowlers run up and noted it was not damaged despite them using steel spikes and pounding in on that line for days on end.
He stated that with footballers now using the hard plastic pegs, it was hard for 90 minutes of football to do any real damage to the ground.
He again reinforced the call for Guyanese to support the match and the team and expressed gratitude to President Jagdeo and all the persons who lobbied for the World Cup Qualifying fixture to be played at the National Stadium.
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