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Europe and Wilson excited to have been part of the ‘Golden Jaguars’
17 year-olds looking forward to more success for Guyana
By Franklin Wilson
It is always a joy to be part of a team when you are the youngest but it is also gratifying when you make a solid contribution towards the success of that team.
William Europe (right) and Daniel Wilson pose at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados.
That’s the feelings of the 17-year-old duo of William Europe and Daniel Wilson who were part of the successful ‘Golden Jaguars’ team on the just concluded 4-game International Friendly series which saw them defeating Barbados senior team twice and drawing once; the Jaguars also defeated Bradley University of Chicago, USA.
The pair spoke with Kaieteur Sport while at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados whilst awaiting their flight back home on Monday last.
Europe, who plays with City side Santos is no stranger to representing his country, he did so at the Under-15 level in the Caribbean Football Union tournament two years ago when Guyana placed 3rd, the best showing to date.
“This was a great opportunity for me; I’m young and have many more years to represent my country. Playing with the bigger players was a learning experience, I have learnt from them and the coaching staff which will make me a better player. I believe I will reach very far in this sport; representing your country is something great.”
Europe revealed that he is accustomed to playing among senior players being an active member of Santos’ senior side. These players he said always give him the encouragement and confidence to do well.
He is well aware that a number of talented players never go on to make themselves and country proud due to many distractions and social ills that rock the society including drug abuse and HIV Aids. He has some words of advice for all players.
“Just don’t go on the bad road. You have good players who are led astray by smoking marijuana and go out there doing bad things and this can end their careers. They have to focus on football but education is a must because you have to have a good education in order to reach far in football.”
The former Ann’s Grove Secondary School student now works at IEL located at God Hope.
His colleague, Daniel Wilson also is no stranger to wearing National colours having represented Guyana in Suriname at the Under-20 level.
While not playing in the games unlike Europe who played in three, Wilson said that he was very happy to have gained the confidence of the Coaches to be picked and the experience of travelling and learning from the senior players will serve him in good stead in the future.
The Pele FC player is encouraging players to use their talent in a positive way and aim for the skies at all times.
“Stay in school, don’t follow bad company and do the right things because football can take you a far way if you remain focus.”
Wilson said that some of the things he does that helps to make him excel is training hard and listening to advice of his coach and elderly persons.
“I would like to represent Guyana always and to get the opportunity one day to play overseas.”
Wilson, who has two brothers and two sisters and resides with his mother, is the first from his immediate family to play the sport but his extended family produced many stalwarts including his uncle Alpha Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and cousin Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams.
Europe and Wilson said that they will be working even harder with the National Under-23 Olympic team scheduled to come together shortly ahead of the CFU Qualifying competition scheduled for later this month or next month.
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