‘Golden Jaguars’ set to battle Guatemala on November 17 in Atlanta, USA

Nov 12, 2010 Sports

Howard Lowe

Jags’ first friendly Int. in the USA; organised by USDF & GFF

By Franklin Wilson in New York
Following its inaugural game in London England in September, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ will be heading to the United States of America to engage Guatemala in its first game in the USA set for November 17 at the 8, 300 capacity, Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium, Atlanta.
This fund raising event which also serves as much needed exposure for the National team is being jointly organised by the Guyana Sports Development Foundation (USA based) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The Guyana Association in Georgia Inc. is also playing a major role with regards to promotion and awareness of the event.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, President of the GSDF Colin Baker informed that plans generally, have been progressing admirably to date and they are anticipating a very good turn out for the game.
The Golden Jaguars have just qualified for the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC) scheduled for Martinique later this month and will use this encounter against Guatemala as part of their warm-up schedule going into the DCC as they seek to emulate the ‘Lady Jags’ by qualifying for their first CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Some twenty players have been shortlisted for the game; based in Guyana, England, USA and Trinidad and Tobago. Manager is Aubrey Hutson while Head Coach is Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover.
Baker acknowledged that it has taken a consorted effort on the part of the GFF and GSDF to bring off this game which will provide vital exposure for the Guyana team.
“We feel this game after many years in North America is very important especially in opening doors for the future and marketing of the team. The GFF despite its limited financial resources believes that this game was important enough to pursue as an investment to the future. It was also felt that we need to start playing on the FIFA dates against recognized teams.”
Baker revealed that GFF Women’s Technical Director Mark Rodrigues Stan Harmon, Garth Nelson and himself have been working to ensue the event is a success. Atlanta beat he said is responsible for promoting the game.
Other organisations and individuals involved in various ways are, Georgetown United, Orrin Jordan and Lindon ‘Colt’ Carter,“We have been progressing nicely so far and we are looking forward to an exciting and successful game for Guyana. We are also aiming to target games in New York, Miami and Toronto next year.”
All the entities and persons who have come on board as sponsors, Baker said, would be recognised at a Welcome Reception Dinner to be held on November 16.
Tickets for the game are available via the internet at website www.theatlantabeat.com, and click on tickets.

Wayne Dover

Tickets are also available from a number of designated agents; Georgetown Food Market (4055 Covington Highway Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 534-0208), Caribbean International Shipping (Gordon & Sharon Barnwell 3044 Miller Road Lithonia, GA 30038 (770) 469-6688), Bourda Green Caribbean Grocery (Patrick Sanford 2575 Snapfinger Road Decatur, GA 30034 (678) 418-7270) and The Guyana Association of Georgia (Austin Thompson (404) 587-3949).
Guyana, ranked 98 in the world would be seeking to take care of business against opponents who are ranked 122.
Guyana drew 1-1 with Cray Wanderers when they met in London a few months ago and also drew with Trinidad and Tobago by a similar score line when they met in Georgetown, recently.
Since the T&T friendly, the Jaguars lost to the Twin Island Republic in their Digicel Caribbean Cup game in Trinidad last week by a 2-1 margin but have racked up wins against St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Netherlands Antilles and St. Lucia along with a draw against Haiti; all in the DCC competition en route to the final round in Martinique later this month.
Guatemala have also played a number of friendly games this year, losing to Honduras (0-2) and Japan (1-2) while notching up wins over Belize (4-2), El Salvador (2-1) and Nicaragua (4-1). The clash against Guyana will be a good tester for both teams.
The players shortlisted by the GFF are Christopher Bourne, Fabian Brown, Howard Netwon and Ricky Shakes – England.
Chris Nurse, John Rodrigues, Sean Cameron, Brion Baker and Kevin Beaton – USA.
Walter Moore and Shawn Beveney – Trinidad and Tobago.
Howard Lowe (Captain), Derick Carter, Dwayne Jacobs, Dwight Peters, Dwayne Ali and Richie Richards – (locally based).