I’m ecstatic and happy for the players – Denzil Thompson

Jan 03, 2009 Sports

Coaches must work together for development of national game

Denzil Thompson

By Franklin Wilson
Coach of new Kashif and Shanghai kings Pele, Denzil Thompson, has revealed that he is overjoyed and happy for his team after they finally claimed the only championship that had eluded their trophy cabinet on New Year’s night before a capacity crowd at the National Stadium, Providence.
Pele defeated Sunburst Camptown 1-0 in a game that thrilled the hearts of the thousands of spectators, Business Moguls, Government Ministers and Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Thompson did mention before the game that his charges were mentally prepared for the battle and will play as a unit and that they did to stave off a tough challenge from Camptown who were also complimented by Thompson for a very good showing. But he was quick to point out that both teams still have work to do in going forward.
“I would like to thank God for this victory and for giving me the courage to work hard with the guys who have done themselves and club proud. I was moved to tears after the win because I missed my wife who was a great help and support to me in the past but she passed away and was not able to share this victory with me.”
He revealed that the six weeks of preparations was exciting but also challenging, explaining that many times when they turned up at the National Park for sessions, it was under water and did not know what to teach.
“But God guided me to do water polo training which saw the players going through the normal variations as if they were on a field and this assisted them greatly in developing strength. This is not the end of the road for us but the beginning of another chapter in the club’s rich history.”
The young Pele side with just a few senior players, and their many supporters were excited with the win with dozens of them finding their way onto the ground to join their heroes in celebrating what could be regarded as a major victory.
The stage is now set for greater achievements from a club that was once regarded as the knock out kings of the land but like many other clubs, has been undergoing a transitional period with the changing of the guards.
Thompson is of the view that constant training would result in the further enhancement of the team whose attitude and application on the night were important attributes to their success.
“We are looking forward to this year’s Cellink Premier League and the other tournaments to consolidate from here on in.”
But Coach Thompson revealed that while he is happy with the progress of his club, he has a yearning to see the sport develop in a serious way at the national level and is calling for much more unity among the coaches of the land.
“I am encouraging the coaches of Guyana to get together to plan proper methods of training which can impact on the positive development of football nationally. Coaches must not think about I, and me but about we as a country. We must start to train young coaches in a serious way also.”
The experienced coach who has been in the business fro the past 29 years, believes that the time is right for us to move away from focusing too much on talent and move to knowledge base football.
“Talent is good but I am of the firm view that if we have players with a good knowledge of the game it will become much easier. If we have coaches who understand how and what to teach the players, it will become much easier.”
The fact that too many coaches do commentary on the game, telling players in the game situation who and when to pass the ball is something that Thompson says should not be encouraged.
“This is something that should be done at training and not during the game. I would also like to see a one year training cycle for clubs implemented in Guyana.”
Thompson also believes that sound administration is needed to have proper planning and direction in place and this would encourage players to aim for excellence.
“We have talented players here but they crave the right leadership and guidance at the administrative level. Proper club structures must be put in place where the rules, regulations and constitutions govern one and all.”

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