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Golden Jaguars head coach appeals for unity towards football development
Caledonia arrives this week for K&S action, tourney continues today
Head coach of Guyana’s football team, the Golden Jaguars, Jamal Shabazz has made a spirited call for
Jamal Shabazz
Guyanese to unite towards one cause when he hosted a press conference at the Princess Hotel International Providence EBD yesterday afternoon. The Trinidadian was joined by the Kashif and Shanghai duo.
He issued the call amidst the grave division among Guyanese that instigated calls from some sections of the society to boycott the current Kashif and Shanghai football extravaganza. The Trinidadian reminisced on the aura of camaraderie and love that transcended the National Stadium Providence on November 11 last when the Golden Jaguars defeated Trinidad and Tobago to advance to the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
He noted that despite the conglomeration at the venue there was a common variable that was indeed heartening. “The impending problems are symptomatic of the mercurial political atmosphere but we need to reflect on the unity and love demonstrated on November 11 when the entire nation came out in support of the Golden Jaguars,” exhorted the head coach. He feels that Guyanese should consider the broader picture where the entire nation benefits and not just one particular group. He said that it is such attitudes that were responsible for the Golden Jaguars progression into the next round where they will match skills with Costa Rica, Mexico and El Salvador.
Mr. Shabazz further juxtaposed the present volatile political situation to the leagues where several teams are competing for glory. He pointed out that despite the ferocious competition where winning is the ultimate goal, in the end there is one winner and eventually the competing teams abandon all animosity and congratulate the victor.
He called for unity among the citizenry while pointing out that much could be accomplished when a nation cast aside partisanship towards one common goal. Shabazz is certainly no stranger to controversy having been criticized for his role in preparing the Golden Jaguars for the historic match against his national team.
Quizzed on his outlook to the situation the devout Muslim remarked, “Allah is my creator and he has prescribed that a man is permitted to have two wives provided that he treats them equally.” Meanwhile, the Trinidadian disclosed that the Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA Football team will arrive in Guyana within the week to commence their campaign for honours in this year’s K&S football extravaganza.
Mr. Shabazz is the coach of that squad and already he is eying the ‘Holy Grail’ and the top prize of one pound of gold. He said that his boys have been engaged in several practice matches and defeated several top Trinidadian teams including the Defence Force and WO Connection. The team will wrap up their practice sessions with the first of two matches against North East Stars today and next Tuesday before arriving in Guyana on Wednesday.
Several local players now practicing their skills in the Trinidad team will also travel with the team including former Western Tigers player Colin Nelson and former Western Tigers ball weaver, Treyon Bobb. The Trinidadian team will also boast Bevon Joslin and 4 other reputable U-23 players.
Kashif Mohamed joined Mr. Shabazz and urged Guyanese to shelve partisanship for the good of the game. He reminded that the motto of his organization is ‘Nation building through sports.’
The tournament commenced last Saturday with two matches. In the first Pele FC swamped Timerhi Panthers 10-0, while Mill Ballers edged into the next round with a 2-1 victory over Kuru Kururu Warriors
Play continues at the same venue this afternoon when Grove Hi Tec tackle Netrockers FC from 18:30hrs followed by the feature attraction between Western Tigers and Amelia’s Ward starting at 20:30hrs.
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