Guyana v Canada Men’s U-23 Friendly Int., nations promises exciting showdown tonight

May 15, 2016 Sports

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Ambassador Giroux hosts teams under theme – ‘Growing Together’

By Franklin Wilson
Tonight’s historic international friendly between Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ and Canada’s Men’s Under-23 side at the Guyana National Stadium from 19:00hrs promises to provide scintillating action as neither

side will relent.
Canadian Ambassador to Guyana His Excellency Pierre Giroux yesterday hosted both teams at a reception which was held at his residence in Bel Air, an event where the respective Head Coaches, whilst acknowledging that its Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary as well as the 50th year of Diplomatic relations between the two nations, will celebrate this momentous occasion with fierce rivalry on the field tonight.
The Guyanese have opted to expose a number of younger players even as they are in preparation mode ahead of Round 2 action in the Caribbean Mean’s Championship whilst Canada is on the path to putting together the best possible team for this summer’s Olympics for which they have qualified.
Gracing yesterday’s occasion were Director of Sport Mr. Christopher Jones and Acting President of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Bruce Lovell.
Ambassador Giroux in welcoming the teams reminded the gathering of the friendly relations between the two nations, pointing out that over 150,000 Guyanese reside in Canada, noting that the relations are very deep and strong.
“And that is why the theme of our 50 year relation is ‘Growing Together’. So today is a great day for us, your presence here, the Canadian team to play with the Golden Jaguars is part of our year long celebrations of activities. But what we really hope is a further step in strengthening the very deep relations we’ve had now for several centuries. Now we hope to extend it in the sports field.”

Giroux further informed that plans for this match was initiated months ago when he was visited by Canadian / Guyanese Footballer and Hall of Famer, Alex Bunbury and he was happy that it has become reality.
GFF President (ag) Bruce Lovell noted that one of the grand strategic aims of the new executive is rebranding the image of football in Guyana and one of the mechanisms is exposure of the national teams to high quality football.
“And I dare say we have begun to see that strategy bearing fruit because from the start of this year to now we have jumped some 32 places in FIFA’s rankings. Hosting of Canada is all in line with our strategic aim.”
He said the skills that the visiting team brings with it would be a good test for the local boys.
“High Commissioner as you rightly observed, it is for us more than a game. It’s about growing together and certainly advancing the 50 years of cooperation that Canada and Guyana have had over the years. Certainly this football match is an expression of that.”
Lovell urged both teams to play good, hard but friendly football. Director of Sport Christopher Jones welcomed both teams telling Canada that they were now in the most beautiful country in South America, noting that Guyanese are the most hospitable.
He noted that when plans were being put together last year for the 50th Jubilee celebrations it was the desire of His Excellency President David Granger to have an international friendly football match with any country; this was indicated to the GFF.
“All of Guyana is indeed excited that you guys are here to play with the Golden Jaguars and of course I want to take the opportunity to welcome international players from the Golden Jaguars. The hype and the excitement are in the streets, lots of persons are out getting their Golden Jaguars jerseys to be part of the match tomorrow (today). We will be rooting for friendly and exciting play between you guys and we would like to wish you all the best.”
Canada’s Men’s U-23 Head Coach Michael Finlay expressed congratulations to Guyana on its 50th Independence Anniversary on behalf of Soccer Canada, his players and staff pointing out that his nation always loves to stretch their hands and help but that would not be the case tomorrow (today).
“But what we would like to say there is nothing better than a football match to celebrate something and we look for to it; it gives us a great opportunity to engage in competition but most importantly to advance ourselves as a nation and yourselves and also CONCACAF.”
Guyana‘s Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz in his remarks noted that it is a big moment for CONCACAF’s football, the fact that Guyana is being afforded the opportunity to play the Canada Olympic team; complimenting Canada on their qualification.
“You will indeed get a test tomorrow (today), you will get a huge test and we intend to put our best foot forward. We also want to thank the Canadian government over the years, not just for helping Guyana but for opening up its doors to Caribbean people. We look forward to strengthening these ties.”
Also complimenting the government of Guyana for including football on the calendar of activities to celebrate the Jubilee, Shabazz stated that it is only fitting for the Golden Jaguars to destroy the Canadians today.
“So we look forward to meeting you on the pitch, we look forward to trying to break you down and defending against you trying to break us down and competing with a fierce desire to come out on top.”
At the end of formal proceedings, the respective team captains, Colin Nelson (Guyana) and Maxime Crepean (Canada) exchanged autographed jersey’s as a mark of friendship between the two sides.
Nelson in an invited comment said that his charges will be approaching the game with the same intensity like every other game as they are using this encounter as preparations for the next round of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup; Guyana set to play Curacao on June 1 and the United States Virgin Islands on June 7.
Gates will be opened from 14:00hrs today with a supporting match between the Digicel nationwide Schools champions, Christiansburg Secondary and Milo champs Chase Academy commencing at 16:00hrs.

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