Horrendous treatment by Cuba FA will not deter Lady Jags

Jun 30, 2010 Sports

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Return game set for Saturday @ GCC

“The Lady Jags all want to make their country even prouder of their accomplishments, and are all committed to getting to the Gold Cup Finals.”

Despite experiencing the worst possible treatment in their fledgling careers at the hands of the Cuban Football Association, the ‘Lady Jags’ are more determined to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and promise to take care of the Cubans in their return game at the GCC Ground on Saturday.

Guyana lost the first leg encounter by the lone goal of the match which was scored in the 22nd minute by Yezenia Gallardo.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, an official of the team described the treatment by the Cubans as ‘Absolutely Horrendous’.

The official said they were treated like criminals at the airport and it took the team about two (2) hours to clear immigration. The General Secretary of the Cuba FA arrived at the Airport about an hour and a half after Guyana arrived and a few apologies and excuses he sent someone to, according to the official, “Rescue the squad.”

“The hotel accommodation was awful. There was at least 2 dozen cats constantly roaming around the players and staff’ apartments, not to mention the dogs that followed us around constantly. The toilets in several players rooms backed up from day one and they were forced to walk across the courtyard to other players rooms and the physiotherapists’ room to use their bathrooms at all hours of the day and night. They were never fixed even with us complaining.”

Proper drinking water and ice too was a problem a member of the staff had to purchase proper drinking water for the team to consume.

“We asked for ice and only received a plastic shopping bag’s amount on game day, which was in blocks and was no good to us. We asked for bread and never received any. We eventually found some on our own.”

The official stated that more ill treatment was on the cards and all along the players were trying to keep their composure and focus.

“When we got to the stadium for training on Friday (50 minutes away from the hotel), the players asked to use the bathroom in the building we were in which was housing the Cuban team. We were refused and they {players} were told to walk around the stadium to the other side to use the game-day make shift bathrooms. They walked for about 10 minutes and had to wait another 5 for someone to bring the keys for them to gain access.”

Access to train on the field was also limited with the Lady Jags not being able to use certain areas of the field (which had no grass up the middle, or in front of the goals, and was bumpy). We then had to train in front of the entire Cuban team and coaching staff.”

Kaieteur Sport understands that Guyana officials objected to Cuba being there but their objections fell on deaf ears. Another challenge the team had to endure was lengthy power outages during the evenings.

On game day, the bus arrived for the team one hour late after requesting a 13:30hrs pick up. The team was waiting around for 30 minutes before they were told to go to one of the players’ room to relax. Mind you the game was set to kick off at 16:00hrs and from the hotel it was a 50 minute drive. The Lady Jags eventually arrived at the playing venue at 15:05hrs and following their arrival, a meeting was held with the Match Commissioner who agreed to a 17:00hrs kick off as requested by Guyana due to the circumstances.

The Match Commissioner agreed to the rescheduled kick off time but Team Guyana later learnt from a Cuban Coach that they had it changed to 16:30hrs. The change in time again was a setback for Guyana since the players hadn’t too long eaten some sandwiches having eaten lunch since 12:30hrs.

Just before their warm up time, the skies opened up and soaked the field and the team was informed that they would not be allowed to warm up on the field after the rain stopped.

“As a result, they made us warm up on the concrete under the stadium where one of our key midfield players “tweaked” her ankle and completely sprained it during the game within the first 10 minutes of the game without anyone even touching her.”

As it turned out Cuba scored early but smart thinking by the Technical Staff who changed the strategy of the Lady Jags enabled them not to concede any further goals for the remainder of the game.

“The players were tired, exhausted, dehydrated and hungry by the half but they battled to the end and we are so proud of them. We created 3 quality scoring chances but failed to capitalize.

When the fittest player on the field (for both teams), Alison Heydorn collapsed on the sideline after the game from exhaustion, then you know that something is wrong. Fortunately we managed to limit her dehydration and she recovered enough to walk after 20 minutes.”

Following the Cuba saga, Kaieteur Sport understands that the team met and have devised a new plan and strategy for the return game on Saturday at the GCC Ground.

“We had a good team meeting on Saturday night prior to leaving, discussed the trip with the players and the new plan and strategy going into Guyana. They are all confident that we can beat Cuba, and I know we can once the playing field is level in all areas.”

“The players were awesome in the way they handled all of the adversity thrown at them, and it only motivates them to win on July 3rd and advance. They are all happy that they have the opportunity to clinch it in front of their home crowd,” the official noted.

Fans are being urged to come out in their numbers for Saturday’s game to cheer the Lady Jags on to victory and history for Guyana.

 

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