National U-17 Football squad to be named Sunday Coach Joseph satisfied with preparation

Jul 10, 2014 Sports

Head Coach of the National Under-17 Football team, Brian Joseph says he is satisfied with preparations so far as the 25-man squad Tuesday afternoon intensified training at the Buxton Ground on the East Coast of Demerara for their trip to the Dominican Republic to participate in the CONCACF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.
The squad will be trimmed to 16 on Sunday before the teenagers depart Guyana next week Tuesday July 15. The Linden-based Joseph disclosed that ideally he was hoping for some more time to work with the youngsters but added, “It is what it is and we have to make the best of the time we have.”

Bonding! National Under-17 Coach Brian Joseph (left) bonds with his team yesterday.

The Head Coach said from what he was seeing during the practice sessions, the strength of the team is its defence and forward line. “We have a well balanced team and the Captain will also be known when the touring party is announced,” Joseph said after transportation problems in picking up the players from the City based Hotel, resulted in the squad and support staff reaching the practice venue over one and a half hours late.
The players were taken through physical and tactical drills before engaging each other in a practice game, while the three goalkeepers in the squad worked with the goalkeeping Coach Andrew Hazel.
Region 10’s Anthony Stephens, the Coach of two-time National Digicel Schools Champions Christianburg Secondary, has been appointed ‘Developmental Coach’ and, like Physiotherapist Charlene Henry and Assistant Coach Shevon Monchoir, will travel with the team.
Bartician Keno Washington is the only surviving member of the National under-17 team which participated in the last tournament at this level in 2012. (Sean Devers)