Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Guyanese players doing well in UK – Fernandes: -Scored nine goals in twelve matches
By Rawle Welch
Nine goals from twelve matches and a London League title is the invaluable contribution Chantelle Fernandes has made since her arrival at the London Metropolitan University in 2007.
Fernandes, who also plays for Hendon Club in the London ‘1A’ League has been an asset to the team since her entry, guiding them to two play-offs.
A member of the Everest Hikers Hockey Club recently returned from the United Kingdom for a well deserved holiday which is scheduled to end in mid September, was speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday about her stint there where she along with three other Guyanese have been pursuing scholarships.
The petite Fernandes, who was one of the best players locally before she left, said that the experience at the University has been rewarding and she has really learnt a lot since leaving these shores.
“At first when I arrived it was a bit difficult to make the adjustment because in Guyana we never really played so much hockey, so to go over there where you train and play almost all week was a major change from what I am accustomed to,” Fernandes said.
“Over there, it is hockey, hockey, hockey where you practice during the week and play matches on the weekends.”
She informed that the other three Guyanese Marvin Dannett, Janella Munroe and Michael Xavier are all doing fine and have been making their contributions as well. “We all share the same dormitory, so we see each other regularly.”
The nippy forward revealed that the standard over there is pretty high, but was a feature she had expected and is eager to do even better next season.
Originally scheduled to pursue a degree in Sports Management, Fernandes disclosed that she has since switched programmes and is now reading for a degree in Community Sports Coaching and Performance which she stated involves working with Disabled children something she is really enjoying and hope to return to offer her services to Guyana upon completion of the scholarship.
The scholarships are subject to renewal on a yearly basis, but Fernandes informed that she was optimistic that all four Guyanese players will have their own renewed judging from their achievements on and off the field.
She added that because of the high standard displayed in the UK, she now understands the game more and will be a better player by the time she returns.
“All of us have shown remarkable improvement since, especially Janella who arrived late, but has improved immensely.”
She said that her academic studies are going even better than she anticipated at first.
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