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International friendly set as football administrators plan developmental strategies
As local footballers continue to hone their skills in preparation for the semi-final stage of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, a team of these ball weavers will engage a Bolivia team in an international friendly match slated for Wednesday.
President (ag) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Franklyn Wilson made this disclosure at a press conference convened at the GFF Section K Campbellville offices yesterday morning. Several other football affiliates were also at the forum including national coach, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover, Assistant General Secretary, George Rutherford and Brazilian, Americo Falopa, who complements the physical fitness department. Top footballer, Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams was also in attendance.
GFF President ( ag) Franklin Wilson (3rd right) addresses the media as other officials listen.
Mr. Wilson lauded the progress of the local players even as he pointed out that matches of this nature are planned to give the players much needed international exposure in the run up to actual competition matches. He said that to date the local players have engaged in 14 international matches and improvement has been apparent in their level of play.
Mr. Wilson made mention of the local players’ involvement in the Parbo Cup tournament in neighbouring Suriname last February; a test to determine the local players’ ability. He said that his administrators were able to spotlight emerging talent, one of them, Treyon Bobb.
Mr. Rutherford supported Wilson’s observation and intimated that his executives are currently employing strategic approaches towards the development of the sport. As such GFF executives are working assiduously towards the enactment of programmes for players from the U-16 level up to those in the U-23 group. He posited that the developmental plan is projected to last for a minimum of eight years and should commence around year end. “We are in the process of installing a cadre of players at every level who will practice and compete together,” Mr. Rutherford said.
Notwithstanding, Mr. Rutherford explained that the need to establish the availability of human resources and defining the mode of approach towards their development will be pivotal in the planning stages. He also spoke of the phenomenal pattern of migration that compels selectors to seek out players residing overseas for local duties. Towards this end, a three man committee has been identified to examine the modalities. They include Mr. Rutherford, ‘Wiggy’ Dover, Jamal Shabazz and Americo Falopa.
These gentlemen would be tasked with implementing a holistic programme for the advancement of local footballers into the international arena. However, each administrator remains adamant that irrespective of the input of the hierarchy of the GFF, the role of supporting fans, referred to as the 12th man, is of utmost importance.
Mr. Falopa acknowledged the graceful remarks delivered by the members of the head table and said that he regards Guyana as his second home. He then committed to continued application to the training of local players.
Mr. Dover also endorsed the useful input of the Brazilian fitness guru even as he revealed that the players were encamped approximately one week ago. The national coach lamented the adverse effects the inclement weather had on the team’s preparations and said that the players were forced to shift activities indoors. Additionally, workmen are engaged in maintenance works at the Providence facility.
Touching on the compilation of the team bound for Bolivia, Mr. Dover said that special emphasis has been placed on the younger players with the hope that they will gel into the required competence for duties in the 2014 World Cup tournament.
The full team for Bolivia reads: Colin Nelson, Walter Moore, Sheldon Holder, Colin Edwards, J P Rodrigues, Nick Millington (USA based), Jamal Smith (European based), Daniel Wilson, Treyon Bobb, Vurlon Mills, Dwight Peters, Kayode McLennan, Dwight Peters, Richard Reynolds, Kester Jacobs, Kanata Manning and Andrew Murray.
Shabazz is the coach with Dover as his deputy while Rawle Adams and Mark Xavier will serve as manager and assistant manager respectively. Trevor Burnette is the equipment manager while Kerry Dollaway will perform medical duties. Mr. Falopa will also double as the goal keeping coach.
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