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Lady Jags rearing to go as Olympic Qualifiers loom
Scotia Bank donates handsomely to the cause
By Michael Benjamin
The recent revelation that the executives of the ruling world football body, FIFA, are bent on nurturing the distaff aspect of the sport has seen a local upsurge in that department. As the developmental phase continues,
Ashely Rodrigues (left) of the Lady Jags received the cheque from Marketing Manager of Scotiabank Jennifer Cipriani in the presence of her team mates and officials of the GFF NC
the members of the Normalization Committee (NC) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have shortlisted a team of competent lasses in preparation for the Olympic qualifiers scheduled for next month.
Yesterday morning those administrators hosted a press conference at the GFF to brief the media of the team’s progress and from all appearances all systems are intact. Chairman of the NC, Clinton Urling chaired the proceedings and was joined by several members of his staff including Coach Mark Rodrigues, Technical Director, Claude Bolton and NC Member Tariq Williams. Captain of the Lady Jags, Ashley Rodrigues and a few of the players also shared the head table with the NC members.
Mr. Urling said that his committee are bent on fulfilling FIFA’s mandate and had only been able to put the modalities in place about three months ago. He said that the players responded to the call on short notice and he felt ingratiated to them.
He said that the development of female football was one of the strategic priorities of the NC when it was initially inaugurated. A former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Urling also said that when he examines the situation (while wearing the hat of President of the PSC), he would have felt inclined to invest in female football. He also expressed confidence in the team’s ability; “I am very optimistic and from all indications we could very well go on to win the (Olympic) Qualifiers,” said Mr. Urling.
Mr. Bolton praised the work ethic of the team despite the fact that they were operating devoid of any stipend or monetary reward. “These ladies are all ambitious and demonstrate a high level of independence,” exhorted the coach. He said that the team had had a great stint in Canada where they were encamped in preparation recently.
Mr. Bolton further explained that the team traveled to Guyana and were encamped but they were restricted by certain limitations, chief among them was the inclement weather which restricted practice sessions somewhat.
“The squad defied these conditions and rose above such adversity,” said Mr. Bolton. He also said that the players engaged in practice sessions at the recently inaugurated athletics facility in Lenora WCD. “While I am impressed with their application and discipline I would (cautiously) applaud because I know that much more could be done,” said Mr. Bolton.
Commenting on the absence of adequate remuneration for the players Mr. Rodrigues disclosed that the ladies felt a deep sense of commitment to their country and were not impressing upon payment for their services. “These girls are adamant that their mission is to serve their country and even if they receive payment they would donate it to a worthy cause,” he pronounced.
Captain of the Lady Jags, Ashley Rodrigues, endorsed her coach’s statement and speaking for her colleagues said, “We’re passionate about what we are doing for our country.” She further assured that her players are prepared for the long journey and not just the immediate challenges.
Meanwhile, Marketing Manager of Scotia Bank, Jennifer Cipriani, arrived at the venue bearing good wishes and a hefty cheque of five hundred thousand dollars which exchanged hands with the executives of the NC.
“Women football is just as exciting as the males and Scotia Bank wishes to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality,” she said while assuring that her organization is deeply committed to football development.
“Scotia Bank has always been a good corporate citizen and has demonstrated a commitment to the development of the sport and we are indeed grateful for such input,” said Mr. Urling. He further issued a call to other corporate entities to emulate such gestures towards the development of football.
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