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CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup…Anguilla ready to battle Guyana as they start rebuilding of national brand
By Franklin Wilson
Guyana’s biggest win in its history was achieved against Anguilla on April 16th, 1998 at the Caribbean Cup tournament which was played in Antigua and Barbuda and it is the worst defeat ever suffered by
Anguilla National Team Captain Kevin Hawley (right) with Head Coach Leon Jeffers (center) and Manager Nigel Linton at yesterday’s press conference.
Anguilla, 14-0.
Eighteen years hence, the two nations will clash again in Group 5 action of the Caribbean Football Union Men’s Caribbean Cup with the Golden Jaguars having home advantage tonight at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence from 19:00hrs.
A huge crowd of supporters decked out in their yellow or golden jerseys are expected to fill the stands and roar in support of the home team.
One might be tempted to say it will be a David vs Goliath scenario with Guyana ranked at 156 in the FIFA Coca Cola World Rankings to Anguilla’s 204 but in the modern world of football, no one will be taking the other for granted.
Nonetheless, the Golden Jaguars are expected to roar to a resounding win against a side that has an average age of 23, their most seasoned player and Captain, Kevin Hawley, with over 20 years experience will have his work cut out against a star studied local outfit.
Team Manager Nigel Linton in remarks at a press conference held yesterday at the 704 Sports Bar, Albert and Lamaha Streets, said that the team had a solid period of preparation which commenced about two and a half months ago following the conclusion of their national league ahead of today’s match and they are here to do their best.
“We have our objective set out, we have worked tirelessly and with a young team we are here to do our best to put our country first and represent in the best way possible.”
He {Linton} also informed that the nation is in the process of rebuilding and the majority of players drawn in this current squad are part of the top two teams from their league.
“It’s always difficult for an association or federation to decide when it’s time to rebuild, when it’s time to move forward from what you already had or the players you have had before. We have started our preparation already for 2022; long term succession planning is always effective.”
While accepting that enough homework was not done on the Guyanese team ahead of this clash, Linton is of the view that enough preparation would have been put in tactically and technically and they have a winning strategy. The squad has about four Under-20 players with the youngest being a 15 year-old.
Head Coach Leon Jeffers in his remarks noted that this tournament presents the opportunity for his young team to showcase what was achieved during the period of training. He noted that the Anguillans are also ready for the other team in the group, Puerto Rico whom they face on Saturday at home in Anguilla.
“We just want to invite the general public to come out and see us tomorrow (today) performing.”
Team Captain, veteran Kevin Hawley stated that he was very happy to be leading a new and young team of players who have been drawn from the country’s national league.
“We are confident in our abilities; we are confident that we can compete against Guyana and expect a good result. So we just look forward to do our best for our country, for our families, for ourselves and make the most of this opportunity.”
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