Guyana-based duo leaves today for camp ahead of Women’s WC Qualifying

Oct 21, 2010 Sports

Collette Hope (left) and Ronette Cort.

Lady Jags Ronette Cort & Collette Hope excited for Guyana

By Franklin Wilson

Local based ‘Lady Jags’ Ronette Cort (goalkeeper) and Collette Hope (defender) leaves Guyana today for Miami, Florida where they will join the USA and Canada based ‘Lady Jags’ for a 4-day camp ahead of their historical sojourn at the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament also known as the CONCACAF Female Gold Cup finals set for Mexico from October 28 to November 8, 2010.
The duo will travel to Miami via the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. They have both expressed their delight at being a part of this history making team that is the first to reach this level for Guyana.
Hope, who hails from Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara and who is also a multi talented athlete having represented Guyana at Rugby, said it feels good seeing Guyana among the best teams in CONCACAF and having the chance to make it to the World Cup. The winner and runner-up of the eight-team tournament will qualify for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Germany. The United States has won six of the seven titles dating back to 1991 including the last three.
The tough defender told Kaieteur Sport that it has always been her dream to represent Guyana at the World cup and she is closer to that dream.
“It has always been my dream to represent Guyana at the highest level ever since I started playing football from the age of 10. I am looking forward to the challenge along with my teammates, playing the likes of Canada and Mexico and of course Trinidad, among other nations.”
Hope who plays for the Eagles United FC in the City said she was looking forward to the T&T clash noting that they were not as experienced now as when they faced off at the Marvin Lee Stadium in May, the Guyanese going down 3-0.
Ronette Cort, who also plays for Eagles United is also looking forward to the challenges that will face them in Mexico.
“ I am a bit nervous of course since this is the first time we will be there but with time I will overcome the nerves. We are going there to do our best for Guyana.”
The duo said they are encouraging clubs, corporate Guyana and the Ministry of Education to support the serious development of female football given the heights this team has reached.
“We would like to see more emphasis being placed in this area because it’s very important. We would also encourage players to focus on their education which is vital and to be positive at all times.”
The 4-day camp starts tomorrow at the University of South Florida and Central Pssco United Soccer Association Soccer Complex.