‘Lady Jags’ aiming for win against Cuba on Saturday in Havana

Jun 22, 2010 Sports

Mark Rodrigues

As Gold Cup qualification looms

By Franklin Wilson

When Guyana and Cuba face each other for the first time in a female encounter this Saturday in Havana, the focus of the ‘Lady Jags’ will be victory as they inch closer to the finals of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup competition.
The talented, determined and courageous ladies have hit the international scene with a bang ever since their first game about a year and a half ago. They have represented Guyana with pride and their energetic style of play has been refreshing to the eyes.
They are still not satisfied with their achievements according to Technical Director Mark Rodrigues and will be going for more glory in this crucial home and away tie against host Cuba on Saturday with the return fixture set for July 3 in Guyana.
The team including the two Guyana based players, defender Collette Hope and goalkeeper Ronette Cort are expected to arrive in Cuba sometime later this week.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Rodrigues stated that their plan is to secure a win against the Cubans on Saturday and their quest in this regard has been strengthened with the addition of a new and exciting player in attacking defender Shondel Archer who can play left or right back.
“Our plan is to secure a win in Cuba, and as such while we will be defensive minded we will definitely be looking to defend thru a more attacking style of play. We are excited to introduce the new player – Shondel Archer – who brings us a lot of speed and a quality first touch,”
Archer’s style of play will be welcomed by the other defenders led by the rock solid Daria Owen and first choice goalkeeper Tenyka Francique. The potent strike force led by Alison Heydorn and Captain Ashley will be hungry to increase their tally up front against the Cubans as they seek to set a solid platform ahead of the home game on July 3.
“It is important that we score a goal or more, as the away goal counts for two. With a win and a couple of goals, we would then approach the return leg differently in Guyana in terms of the way we play.”
While he has always been complimenting the players for their dedicated and committed work, TD Rodrigues was equally thankful for the tremendous work being put in by the Technical staff. “We honestly could not achieve the success we have without the support staff. Chris Brown and Ali Tabrizi have been with me from day one and have helped me find the quality players we keep bringing in.”
Ali has been huge with the goalkeepers, starting in the Turks & Caicos Islands and that’s a big part of what has helped us keep the ball out of the back of the net and also effectively start our attacks. We are very lucky to have these guys do this for Guyana and for free. They actually give up income to do this, as their services are in such high demand in the USA.”
Rodrigues also mentioned the tireless work being put in by Programme Director Colin Baker and the dozens of other persons who continue to contribute to the success of the Lady Jags.
“I am very thankful to them all for believing in this quest.”