Latest update April 30th, 2026 12:30 AM
Aug 30, 2011 Sports
-lauds the selfless effort of ‘Ultimate Warrior’
Technical Director of Guyana’s senior national team ‘the Golden Jaguars’ Trinidadian Jamal Shabazz in an interview with Kaieteur Sport yesterday at the National Stadium where the team was engaged in a practice session for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Barbados and Bermuda on September 2 and 6 respectively said it is an exciting feeling to be back at the helm of a team he loves.

Technical Director Jamal Shabazz makes a point to Coach Gordon Brathwaite at the National Stadium yesterday.
Shabazz, who held a similar post sometime ago, was seen spearheading the squad’s preparations with assistance from coaches Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and Gordon ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Brathwaite for the important engagements where Guyana will look to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Among those that attended yesterday’s sessions included UK-based Jake Newton and Chris Bourne, two players that worked with Shabazz in the past.
Quizzed on what were some of the technical stuff that was being worked on during the sessions, Shabazz informed that the team was attempting to perfect ball possession and shaping their defence.
The TD lamented the fitness levels of the locally-based players, but conceded that because not much football had been played over a prolonged period that was expected to be the case.
He said he is positive that the levels of fitness will improve over the next week or so, while the arrival of the foreign-based players will greatly enhance the work ethic of everyone.
Shabazz pointed out that that he expects the overseas-based players to fit into the programme comfortably, adding that the new and younger ones will have to adapt quickly.
“They are quite okay technically, but I’ve noticed some deficiency tactically and that is why I have to applaud the effort made by Brathwaite to come out and attend these sessions because as a club coach you could learn a lot by being present,” Shabazz mentioned.
He said that because some club coaches are not familiar with the advanced methods of coaching when some of the locally-based players are called to the national unit they have to catch up due to the lack of tactical knowledge of the new methods.
Shabazz offered an invitation to coaches desirous of attending the sessions to do so and become familiar with the current methods employed internationally.
Meanwhile, Shabazz stated that he is extremely happy to have Brathwaite out and offering his services, indicating that he is one of the better ones that are domiciled here.
“As you may know, Brathwaite is a former great player for Guyana and what he brings could enhance the programme,” Shabazz said.
A number of other overseas-based players including Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, John Rodrigues and Shawn Beveney are anticipated to arrive shortly.
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