U-17 footballers receive kudos for outstanding performance

Jul 31, 2010 Sports

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GFF administration pleads for corporate support

The local football fraternity is celebrating another milestone following the outstanding performance and subsequent qualification of the U-17 Male Football Team to the second round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) qualifiers for the CONCACAF U-17 Championship scheduled for next month in a country to be named later.
The local ball players were unstoppable, registering a 2-2 draw against Netherlands Antilles and decisive victories over Dominica (5-0) and Aruba (7-0) to finish with a positive 12 aggregate.
Yesterday morning, the General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Noel Adonis, chaired a press conference to outline the performances of the young footballers and clarify issues pertaining to their advancement. Also present at the function were coaches, Sampson Gilbert and Herbert McPherson, technical director, Lyndon France and Manager of the squad, Carlos Bernard. This group joined their General Secretary in lauding the performance of the young footballers while remaining optimistic that the sports ambassadors would also perform creditably in the next leg of the championships.
Mr. Bernard lauded the players labeling the general performance as excellent. He noted that they were summoned into duty mere hours after their arrival and were not allowed the luxury of acclimatization. This was apparent in their first encounter against the Netherlands Antilles which ended in a 2-2 stalemate. The team manager further said that the players quickly asserted themselves and their trouncing of Dominica and Aruba was indicative of grit and determination.
Head coach of the team, Sampson Gilbert echoed the sentiments of Mr. Bernard while lauding the application of the players during preparations for the tournament. He noted that the players enjoyed a three week period of encampment which allowed the coaching team to implement a solid training programme. “Our emphasis was on physical development which to my mind supported development in other aspects of the game,” Gilbert said. The coach further opined that the team’s physical fitness was primarily decisive in their overall performance.
A large percentage of the team had comprised the U-15 squad that had traveled to Suriname sometime last year for a tri nation goodwill tournament and had performed creditably. Gilbert believes that unity, an important component in the team, was established since the players were playing as a unit for more than a year. “What we are witnessing here is years of hard work, a good nutritional programme and the general exposure of the coaches,” concluded Gilbert.
He subsequently echoed the call of his General Secretary for support of the youngsters. “We have the talent but need the support of the Government, corporate Guyana as well as other stakeholders. We must appreciate that this is a national effort and not just a GFF initiative,” he said.
Sampson’s assistant, Herbert McPherson admitted that irrespective of the performance of the team, the coaches always yearn for more. Nevertheless, he praised the performance of the youngsters while singling out their exemplary behaviour for special praise.
Meanwhile, Mr. Adonis underlined the importance of continued support for the team. He said that the local footballers would now be matched against tougher teams the likes of Haiti, Jamaica and Barbados and would be required to dig deeper if they are to replicate their recent performance. Mr. Adonis further revealed that the monetary demands to prepare the team have been astronomical. He envisages a large bill for the second leg of the tournament and joins coach, Sampson in appealing to the business community for support.
Also present at the function were captain of the team, Mark Waldron, Kerwyn Benjamin and prolific striker, Pernell Schultz, who had scored in each of the matches.
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GFF General Secretary Noel Adonis (seated centre) make a point at yesterday’s briefing in the presence of team officials and players.

Systems in place for Port Mourant Emancipation race meet this Sunday
Photo finish camera ready to be used

By Samuel Whyte
A few new sponsors have come on board to make the Port Mourant Turf club grand annual Emancipation horserace meet set for this Sunday August 1 (Emancipation day) even more interesting. With new features already on the cards including the use of a new multimillion dollar photo finish Camera. The Port Mourant Turf which is one of the oldest in the country and is expected to be a hum of activity as is a usual feature on Emancipation day
With over $3.6M in prizes and trophies at stake and over 65 horses taking entry, Turfites can expect a treat. Some 10 newly imported animals are slated to taste the track for the first time.
According to the organisers the photo finish camera has been tested and worked perfectly and is ready for use. With the Camera and the starting gate in place they will go a long way in helping to eliminate controversies at horserace meets. Rehabilitation works have also been completed and all is set for an entertaining day.
Overseas based Guyanese Shook Shivmangal of Shook’s Import and Export of USA has taken over sponsorship of the feature B class event with an input of close to  $1M, with the winner set carry away $500,000 and the Guyana Star (Bulla) Memorial Trophy. The distance is now 1800M.
The animals entered are similar to a Guyana who is who in the horseracing circle. The Elcock stable has thrown three top runners in the event with Miss Republic, The Message and the newly Imported Prince Charming, expecting to lead the charge. However they will have to overcome other top runners in, Sweet Caramel, Annie’s, Playmate, Sweet Revenge, and the newly imported Silver Source among others in what is expected to be a battle for championship honours.
Banks DIH has now taken charge of the Three Year old Derby event for horses Bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies. $400,000 has been put forward for the winner. With the trophy compliments of another overseas based Guyanese, Saul Narine of New York. Peaceful and Celebration of the Elcock stables headline the top class entries which also includes, Sabrina’s Princess, Stormy Lass, Stormy Deal, Fantastic Choice and Sky is the Limit in the 1700M race.
Better than Gold of the Jagdeo Stable will be looking for another gold medal performance in the  Two year old event for horses bred and Born in Guyana and the West Indies in the Kings Way of Rose Hall Town and Sham boy of New York sponsored event for the $300,000 winners money and trophy. Most of the horses are new to racing in Guyana and anything can happen especially if names can be use to pick a winner. Big Impact, Sabrina’s Joy, Zodiac Princess, Surprise Riches, Money Up front and Pay Day will be looking to draw down in what is expected to be a classic over 1200M.
The E class event sponsored by Jumbo Jet for the Ramdeen Pancham trophy has a winner’s money of $250,000 with the distance being pegged at 1300M. Mattarazzi will be looking to have things its way, but will have to over come, Madame Butterfly, Home Bush Baby and Laura lee In Flight.
The G class event have horses such as Face the Music, Stylish Line, Air Control, The Gap and Prixie Fire looking to burn up the track for the $220,000 top prize over1200M in the Customs Racing Stable sponsored event for the Mohammed Shawkhan Memorial Trophy.
Digicel has taken control of both ‘I’ class events. Clear Victory, Zebra, Indian Flag, Baby Boy, Graphic, Dream Girl, El Gato and Bounty Flyer will be looking to fly away with the top prize of $120,000 in the 1300M race.
The other race the I3 maiden event also compliments of Digicel has winning money of $110,000 to aim for and among those expected to turn on the heat are Extra Heat, Socem, Black Shadow and Sporting Time.
Top individual performers will be presented with trophies compliments of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall Bourda Market.
The day’s activity will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).
Last minute queries can be directed to Tribhowan (Turbo) Jagdeo on 322-0369, C. Ramnauth 0n 337-5311 and Lionel Moonsammy on 614-5812.
Race time is 13.00 hrs.

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