Jaguars on show in CONCACAF Champions League

Sep 01, 2012 Sports

Golden Jaguars players such as national captain Chris Nurse, striker Gregory “Jackie-Chan” Richardson, full-backs Walter Moore and Aubrey David and winger Trayon Bobb; have been involved in intense CONCACAF Champions League action in recent weeks, as they prepare to join up with the national team ahead of next Friday’s World Cup qualifier in El Salvador.
This tournament is the Caribbean version of the Europe’s well publicized and established UEFA Champions League.
In the competitions’ 49 year history, Mexican clubs have been crowned champions on 28 occasions.
In the first match-up Moore, David and Bobb playing for Trinidad Pro League side Caledonia AIA versus Major League Soccer (MLS) team Seattle Sounders in two legged encounters played on August 2nd and 29th respectively, lost both matches 3-1.
While Nurse and Richardson playing for North American Soccer League (NASL) team Puerto Rico Islanders, locked horns versus MLS powerhouses LA Galaxy who have established global football stars such as David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan and Salvadoran team Isidro Metapan over two legs also on August 1st and 29th and suffered 4-0 and 3-1 loses.
Both of the games that were played a few days ago on the 29th, was notably televised live on the cable television sports network – Fox Soccer Channel.
Shabazz echoes thoughts
With most of the established foreign based players not participating in the ongoing national camp in Guyana, playing in such high level club matches before they tackle El Salvador, national coach Jamaal Shabazz, who was coaching Caledonia AIA during these games, gave his assessment on it, reasoning it was very good exposure for the players involved.
“For Guyana players it’s a good exposure, since apart from the qualifiers, the CONCACAF Champions league is highest level of football in the region. Along with some of the experienced guys, youngsters such as Colin Edwards, Sheldon Holder and Colin Nelson are also being exposed to the atmosphere of these matches and this can only benefit the country and the individuals’ development”, stated Shabazz.
He continued in a speculative tone on the future of the national team: “However too much emphasis is placed on competition, we need more emphasis on development, we have got to answer the question where is our next generation going to come from and put things in place to ensure they get the necessary exposure, that would equip them to play at CONCACAF level more often in the future.
“Our youth teams have never qualified for CONCACAF level and although our senior team is there now, based on the results versus these higher level teams, we see that a huge gap still exists, between us and the best teams at senior level.”
Shabazz concluded his thoughts on the matter, with his usual call for the fans to continue to support the team and for the Government to recognize how they can use football to be a unification tool in Guyana.
“The challenge is to bridge the gap and this can only be done on a collective basis. The fans have a role to play in continuing to support the team through victory and defeat, the government must do much more and recognize the role that sports can play, especially football in the unification of a country divided on racial and political lines. The other stakeholders also in football fraternity must come together and embrace this challenge. Once this is done, I see a bright future for Guyana’s team”.
Football fans are reminded that the Guyana Football Federation will be allowing free parking at the National Stadium up to 19:00hrs or 7pm for the home game against El Salvador on September 11.
Thus national football fans are once more being encouraged to be at the Stadium an hour before kick-off to set the perfect atmosphere for the home team and inversely an intimidating atmosphere for visiting Salvadorans.
Tickets for that fixture are currently available at Ashmin’s, High Street at $3,000 each. For Private Boxes persons can contact the Guyana Football Federation on 2252906 or 2278758.

Latest News

Jaguars on show in CONCACAF Champions League

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Szeplaki wins LGC/ STP Investments Inc. Golf tournament

GBA Youth, Junior & Under-16 Boxing...

GBA recognises donation of Badminton gear to QC...

Exciting restart of the East Bank Football...

“Easily one of the worst decisions ever...

Harpy Eagles faces toughest challenge yet, as...

Features/Columnists

When silence speaks louder than words

The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation

What did Pres. Ali just do ?

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Jaguars on show in CONCACAF Champions League

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]