Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:14 AM
Battle lines drawn this evening in Guyana/Suriname friendly
Captain Jacobs looking for a win on debut
By Franklin Wilson in Suriname in association
with Fazia’s Collection and Fitness Express
Good old rivalry in the field of sports will be renewed this evening at the Andre Kamperveen 
Stadium when football foes Guyana and Suriname clash in a friendly international game as both nations prepare for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifying which continues in June with second round matches.
While the teams have enjoyed fierce battles over the years with Guyana holding the upper hand
in the recent past, focus would be on getting necessary leg hours ahead of World Cup qualifying, Suriname set to open away to Nicaragua on June 7 at the EstadioNacional Dennis Martinez, while Guyana is away to St. Vincent & the Grenadines on June 10 at the Arnos Vale ground.
The respective Head Coaches, Jamaal Shabazz and Dean Gorre’ and other officials were yesterday present at a press conference held at the Excellence Hotel, Paramaribo.
Debutant Captain Dwain Jacobs said he is looking forward to start his campaign on a winning note if not a draw to keep the team on a high as they seek to maintain their unbeaten record so far this year in international friendly matches.
Guyana drew with Barbados in the Land of the ‘Flying Fish’ which was followed
From right, Jamaal Shabazz, Golden Jaguars Captain Dwain Jacobs and Dean Gorre’.
up by wins against St. Lucia and Grenada at home.
Jacobs, who plays with local club side Slingerz, noted that regular Captain Christopher Nurse has been an inspiration to him and the team and the local based players are aiming to keep the unbeaten record intact while also aiming to show the Technical Staff that they belong.
“The players are very focused in order to get the job done for many reasons; this is a local squad called for the game and they have to get the performance in order to make the final pool for the world cup qualifiers so a lot is at stake for the local based players.”
Shabazz stated that football always excites the peoples of the two nations and thanked Dean Gorre’ for accepting the invitation to play.
“This game against Suriname would be very good for us to prepare for our very own qualifiers. Of course we would have to play with a lot of passion because our people in Guyana want never for us to draw or lose to Suriname; not even in the friendly game for women. So we want to play hard and give our best to get a good result and give the Surinamese people a good game also.”
Gorre’ who was born in Suriname but grew up in England took over as Head Coach in February this year and the Guyana game this evening would be his first game against another National team. The Surinamese drew with TT Pro league side WConnection on Boxing Day last year 1-1 to a sold out Andre Kamperveen Stadium.
“I’ve got a big squad, from that squad everybody will get minutes in the game. We want to make a very competitive game and to win same as Guyana because I already have people chasing me on the street saying, you are not allowed to lose, so you can understand the amount of pressure I’ve got on my shoulders.”
Gorre who never played for Suriname although he wanted to, represented Holland at the U19, 20, 23 levels but not their senior national team.
Meanwhile, the Suriname Voetbal Bond headed by President John Krishnadath, in preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers has petitioned the Government by way of two bills to parliament with a view of allowing the hundreds of Dutch players with Surinamese roots to attain dual-citizenship.
Looking ahead to the time when the Holland and other based players would have the opportunity to play, Gorre’ indicated that they have two teams in training, one based in Holland and one in Suriname.
“We are looking to get dual nationality in Suriname so we got a team in Holland with players of Suriname roots and we got a team here with the local boys. If the authorities are working with us, soon we’ll be able to mix the international players with Suriname background to play for us.”
Guyana starting team: Akel Clarke, King Solomon Austin, Adrian Butters, Chris Camacho, Clive Nobrega, Colin Nelson, Sheldon Holder, Kanata Manning, Dwain Jacobs (Captain), Vurlon Mills, Pernel Schultz.
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