TD Mark Rodrigues satisfied with performance of ‘Lady Jags’

Nov 04, 2010 Sports

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The 'Lady Jags' took time out to take photos with Mexican fans who cheered them on in during their games. The Mexican showed their appreciation for the Guyanese players.

Future is bright for Women’s Football

By Franklin Wilson
in Cancun, Mexico
With the compliments
of GT&T, Fazia’s
Collection, Bakewell and
Crown Mining Supplies

Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation Women’s Programme, Mark Rodrigues said he is quite satisfied with the performance of the ‘Lady Jags’ in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying final Round which will also decide the number one team in the Confederation.
The semifinals will be played tomorrow in Cancun, Mexico with the United States facing home team Mexico in the feature match, Canada oppose Costa Rica in the first game.
Guyana lost their three matches, 7-2 to Mexico; 8-0 to Canada and 4-1 to Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport following the ‘Lady Jags’ final game on Tuesday against the Soca Princesses, Rodrigues said himself and staff were very proud of his team and the effort they put in against the 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed team in CONCACAF.
“We were given the task of taking on the top teams in CONCACAF with only four days of camp and missing four key players from previous rounds. Throughout the round our setbacks have been mainly due to the fact that we aren’t able to give our girls the precise fitness, tactical, and mental training that many of the nations competing have been able to provide. Because we are a fledgling programme with limited resources it makes it difficult to properly prepare this group of girls to perform at the highest level in women’s football.”
Rodrigues however noted that the strength of the programme is its future given the fact that many of Guyana’s players are Under-18.
“The experience they have gained in terms of professionalism, speed of play, fitness and tactics will be valuable in the upcoming years. Our strengths were our competitive nature, the ability to adapt to tactical changes and video training. With the amount of pressure we were under our back four (defenders) played admirably. Additionally, our goalkeeper Catherine Kobelka did a fantastic job with only five (5) days of training and no previous high level GK experience.”
He made mention of the short comings: “Our short comings are evident with the inability to provide our players with constant training and detailed fitness plans. We must rely on the local training our players receive at their home bases. We are unable to see our players on a consistent basis and provide the training needed to have the players playing in rhythm.
With all these odds stacked against us we still performed at a level higher than Guyana has ever seen on the women’s side. It is important that all of Guyana and all the supporters of the ‘Lady Jags’ continue with their amazing support as we continue our quest.”
Guyana he said has registered for the FIFA World Under-20 Championship in 2010 with qualifying starting next year. The majority of Guyana’s team is Under-20; with the experience gained in Cancun, Mexico, and some other U-20 players set to join the programme, Guyana should field a solid team.
A number of players stood out during competition against more experienced and older players.
“Melissa Elie and Tessa Edwards were quality new additions to the programme, and will both fit into the U20 squad quite well. They are the future along with Justine Rodrigues who has matured tremendously in the last year. Briana DeSouza continues to be her usual outstanding self. Both of them will play leadership roles in the U20 squad. Alison Heydorn played a huge role with her ball winning in midfield. Captain Ashley Rodrigues was again a great leader, consistently speaking to the younger players during the game, to calm them down.”
The different styles played by Mexico and Canada, Rodrigues said was good for his charges and it also gave the Technical staff the opportunity to teach the players about playing against different styles and systems of play.
“Even though we lost 4-1 to Trinidad, we do believe that we have improved significantly. The staff and players firmly believe that with our starting goalkeeper and missing players, along with our new additions, we can beat Trinidad.
Knowing the U20’s that we have coming into the programme (who were unable to make it), we believe that our U20 programme will be stronger than theirs, and look forward to meeting them next year in qualifying.”
Rodrigues, ever since taking up the post as Technical Director, has been on the hunt for players and has a very good network of College Coaches across the USA and Canada who are always on the look out for prospective players. And a few more are soon to join.
“We are very excited about Satara Murray from Texas who will be attending the top Women’s Soccer University in America (North Carolina) next year on a scholarship. We have also identified two new and exciting U17 players in the United Kingdom who are playing at top clubs. Our latest addition to the coaching staff – Peter Barry has been very helpful in sourcing out new players in the United Kingdom. He is directly responsible for one of the two new prospects.”
TD Rordigues said the level of progress was gratifying given that they have only been together for 16 months pointing out that they have come a long way.
“I am happy about the progress we have made, and the future bodes very well for women’s football for Guyana. Coach’s Ali Tabrizi and Chris Brown have supported and helped guide this programme from inception and have been an amazing staff to work with.
Their knowledge and experience is invaluable. They continue to give of their time to Guyana without looking for anything in return, but with a passion for what we are trying to achieve for Guyana that would rival any Guyanese.
The GFF continue to do what they can to support us within their limitations and restraints, and we are very thankful for all that they have done. Without their support, we would not have been able to achieve the successes we have enjoyed”, he stated.

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