‘Lady Jags’ confident ahead of second round of Women’s World Cup Qualifying Games

May 10, 2010 Sports

Following victories over Suriname and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the first round of the of FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Games in Georgetown, Guyana recently, the Guyana Lady Jags enter the second round with a high level of confidence when they play their opening game against Barbados this afternoon in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Subsequently, they are booked to engage St. Lucia on Wednesday and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

The Lady Jags were involved in a one week camp in Toronto in preparation for matches under the theme ‘Competitive.’ Technical Director, Mark Rodrigues explained that a points system was used during the week long period in Toronto where the players were able to review and assess their standing in comparison with their teammates. He said that this ploy significantly raised the level of competitiveness fostered the type of attitude necessary for success. Mr. Rodrigues pointed out that the attitude was exhibited in the friendly games played by the Jags.

The team also competed against one of the top boy’s teams in Ontario on Wednesday night last which allowed the coaching staff to recognize the areas for improvement.

This was done during training on Thursday, and successfully taken into their friendly game that evening, against one of the top Provincial female teams in Ontario, with Team Guyana enjoying the majority of the play.

Mr. Rodrigues stated that the players and coaching staff are looking forward to the higher level of competition in Stage II in Trinidad and Tobago. He pointed out that enthusiasm is high among the team even though they will be playing two other group winners and the favorites, Trinidad on home soil.

Activities in Canada culminated with a business presentation on Friday evening at the Delta Toronto East which was attended by members of the Guyanese business community in Toronto. Approximately 75 persons attended.

Guyana’s Honorary Council, Danny Doobay was among the main speakers at the function which also included FIFA’s Technical Advisor and Canadian Hall of Famer, Mr. Dick Howard, President of the Guyana Football Federation Mr. Colin Klass and Lady Jags Technical Director Mr. Mark Rodrigues, who delivered a power point business presentation on behalf of the Guyana Women’s Football Committee. This presentation was well received by those in attendance with business representatives and individuals pledging further support for the Lady Jags programme.

Executives of the GWFC wish to thank the Pickering Soccer Club, Pickering Ontario and Norman Sue’s Bakery, a popular establishment in Scarborough Ontario. These two entities rendered assistance during the Lady Jags stay in Canada as well as provided resources towards the success of the business presentation.