GFF boss excited by ‘Lady Jags’ exploits

May 17, 2010 Sports

Renews call for Government and Private Sector support

By Franklin Wilson

President of the Guyana Football Federation Colin Klass is pumped up by the exploits of the ‘Lady Jags’ competing in their first international tournament after being together for less than one year.

Guyana’s flagship Women’s team not only qualified for the final stage of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Competition (Caribbean Zone) but also for the first time in its history, has qualified for the Central American and Caribbean Games competition as the best second placed team from Groups F & G which were contested in Trinidad and Tobago last week.

Colin Klass

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Klass who witnessed two of the three games in the Twin Island Republic last week expressed his satisfaction on the performances of the team within the short time that they have been together.

“I am delighted with what they have achieved for us thus far and they must be commended for making us proud. They have indeed added life to the female side of the sport and they are an example even to the male players.”

Klass lauded the players for their high level of discipline, dedication and the high work ethic they displayed for their games against Barbados whom they defeated 3-0, St. Lucia who were hammered 8-0 and against the experienced Trinidad and Tobago Soca Princesses who defeated the Guyanese 3-0.

“We have proved that we can compete against the best and with more work being done to get our fitness level up to the desired level coupled with more exposure at the international level, we will be a force to reckon with and reach the heights I know we can attain.”

The ‘Lady Jags’ arrived in the Twin Island Republic from Canada where they underwent a one-week training camp and from all reports, accomplished the desired results in bonding the team.

Klass commended the Parents of the players from Canada and the USA who travelled with them to lend much needed support. Several Guyanese players including former National Captain Charles Pollard who are competing in the T&T Pro League were also present at the Marvin Lee Stadium to urge on the Guyanese team.

“The committed support shown by these parents must be commended since they invested from their own coffers to encourage these players who have made this country proud. I believe that parents living in Guyana should emulate these parents since their presence infuse greater performance from the players. It is very important to be there, cheering on the players and this should be done not only in football, but across the board.”

The Guyana Football federation Klass noted they intended to build on this momentum and will be meeting during this week after receiving the respective Technical and Managerial Reports, to chart the way forward.

Already, plans are in train to organise a number of international friendly games, one to be scheduled for Canada during the Independence celebrations in mid June.

Offering his comments on Guyana qualifying for the CAC Games, Klass said he supports the sentiments offered by former GFF Technical Director Jamaal Shabazz who said that it is a great opportunity for the Caribbean teams to take on the Central American teams as they seek to narrow the gap between the countries.

“It will serve the Caribbean team well and give them great exposure coming up against these Central American countries. The lack of exposure over the years has hurt our progress and with this new vigor we are seeing, we can only get better.”

Klass also renewed his call for Government and Private Sector support for the team {‘Lady Jags’} noting that it is impossible for the GFF to carry the team alone.

“The camp in Canada for the team and their participation in Trinidad cost us a lot of money and we are really trusting that the Government and the Private Sector will step up and partner with us in taking the process forward. This programme is costing real finances so we need all the help we can get in order to succeed. The players have stepped up and delivered, so it is now up to the other stake holders to chip in and take the process further.”