Lumumba cautiously confident as Alpha leaves for Champion’s League duties

Jul 23, 2011 Sports

After months of stringent preparations and fluctuating fortunes during practice games, the 23 member football squad from the Alpha United FC will leave these shores, one set this morning and another, tomorrow morning, for Costa Rica to participate in the first of two matches in the Champion’s League Football championships scheduled for that country on Tuesday, July 24 next.
Subsequently, the local players return to Guyana for the second game against that country on August 4 at the National Stadium, Providence. President of the Alpha Football Club, Odinga Lumumba convened a press conference yesterday morning at the Waterchris Hotel, Waterloo Street and expressed confidence, albeit cautiously, that despite the many setbacks and challenges encountered during the preparatory stages, his boys are ready to give a good showing and advance to the next stage.
Also sharing the head table were coaches, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and Gavin Browne, Vice President, Steve Ninvalle and captain of the squad, Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams.
The local team is the only English speaking nation to have qualified to this stage and joins Haiti as the other team from around the South American hemisphere to make it thus far. The squad has undergone slight changes to their makeup with Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams replacing former captain of the team, Howard Lowe, while Abassi McPherson is the other notable player absent from the side. Lumumba feels that these changes were necessary to facilitate the inclusion of younger players with the zest to win. The Alpha boss explained that the former captain has not reached the required level of fitness for competition of this magnitude and had to be replaced.
Quizzed on the chances of the local ball weavers of victory, Lumumba said, “I cannot predict what will happen especially since the squad will be up against seasoned footballers from other competing countries.” Nevertheless, the Alpha United boss remained optimistic that despite certain shortfalls his boys could pull off a victory. “We have stronger, robust players that could hold their own against their international counterparts,” explained Lumumba. He said that it would be commendable even if the players could return to Guyana with a drawn decision. “Then they could utilize the home advantage to progress,” opined Lumumba. He described the scenario as one where the local lads are “entering the jaws of the Lion.”
Meanwhile, Alpha’s coach, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover has been positively affected by Lumumba’s confidence in the team. He admitted that the local squad is devoid of the capacity of their international counterparts but feels that the players possess the requisite determination and skill to match those of their nemesis. Dover also feels that he was able to correct the many flaws detected during the preparatory stages and the players are now ready to showcase their skills.
Lumumba further explained that Guyana stands to benefit from international publicity as international television network, ESPN will be airing the match live. Lumumba said that a team from that broadcasting entity recently visited Guyana to evaluate the suitability of the National Stadium, Providence and has given the venue the thumbs up.
(Michael Benjamin)

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Lumumba cautiously confident as Alpha leaves for Champion’s League duties

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