Head Coach Alton Agard in an interview with Kaieteur Sport last Wednesday said that the players selected to prepare for the upcoming NAWIRA Sevens Championship have completed four weeks of rigorous training in an attempt to reach peak fitness and the only setback so far is the lack of game play.
This he attributed to the inclement weather and the illegal use of the outfield by various football teams which has left the ground in a bad state that has affected their ability to engage in game scenarios.
He, however, stated that they intend to start that phase very shortly since it forms an integral part of their preparations for the event which will be held in the Bahamas on October 25-26.
“We are still doing a lot of ball handling and strategic manoeuvres, but I am hoping that we could commence practice games around the first week in September,” Agard informed.
Asked whether he is satisfied with the level of commitment shown by the players so far, Agard answered in the affirmative and even applauded those who’ve remained steadfast despite all the difficulties they’ve encountered.
He, however, expressed regret about the unavoidable absence of three members of the squad who are employed by the military and have been unable to secure their releases to attend sessions.
Agard is being assisted by Cornel Millington and sessions are being held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the National Park from 16:30 hrs.
The full squad is: Alicia Jalu, Andrea Lashley, Careem Skeete, Carrin Carter, Charmin Pearson, Collette Hope, Desaun Josiah, Grace Jarvis, Latoya Hamilton, Laurel Anderson, Lisa Mangroo, Maurees Skeete, Natolia Primo, Nicole Nero, Nikita Davis, Sabola Gray, Shennel Daniels, Theressa Torres, Tracey Greaves, Delicia Mayers and Tricia Munroe.
Guyana finished second to Jamaica in the Caribbean segment, while Canada won overall at the last competition with the USA ending as runner-up and Jamaica third.