Latest update April 18th, 2025 8:12 AM
It’s an honour to have Football as a Jubilee event – Shabazz
The Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s National Football team, will battle the Canadian Olympic Under-23 team in a International Friendly at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Sunday.
Team talk for the Golden Jaguars yesterday.
The feature game of the double header commences at 19:00hrs after Digicel Secondary Schools Champions Christianburg/Wismar face-off in what should a riveting schools match-up with Georgetown Milo Champs, Chase Academy from 16:00hrs.
Yesterday, Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz said it was an honor to have football as a part of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and is encouraging Guyanese to attend all events to mark this Country’s 50th anniversary and not to miss the football.
The Trinidadian-born Shabazz demonstrated a good knowledge of Guyana’s history pointing out that since 1958 Jagan and Burnham began the foundation for Guyana becoming an Independent nation 50 years ago. He urged the fans to come with their yellow shirts and national flags to show unity as they support the Golden Jaguars.
“The recent rain has been a challenge since grounds to practice are unavailable but today (yesterday) is a happy day for me since we have been allowed to train here (Stadium). Five days of this and we would be ready for Brazil” Shabazz remarked.
Jamaal Shabazz and Assistant Coach Wayne Dover talk tactics at the Golden Jaguars practice session at Providence yesterday.
“Getting a full size ground to practice on has been a challenge but with the help of the Director of Sports Christopher Jones and Mr Anthony Xavier, who is now my best friend after fighting with him to use the Stadium, we are here today (yesterday)” Shabazz said.
Shabazz informed that three or four overseas based players are in the squad but stressed that the majority of the players in the team have been playing in Stag Elite League.
“Playing against Canada will be a good test for the young players. We wanted to give the younger players a chance to get exposure and experience since having a team with all of the overseas guys would not have benefited them much in a game like this,” explained Shabazz.
He said that a win would be a good Independence anniversary gift to the nation adding that after this game he would be in a better position to judge how organized the team is on the pitch.
“The senior guys, including the Captain, are not likely to start but if we need a win and they are needed they will play,” Shabazz disclosed.
Shabazz said he had a look at the opposition on tape and they are a well organised and professional bunch and should provide a stern test to the Guyanese team. (Sean Devers)
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