Latest update January 6th, 2025 4:00 AM
GDF aiming to end season with unblemished record – Coach Nantambu
By Franklin Wilson
Already winners of the of the First half of Season 
Two of the Stag Elite League, League Leaders Tournament and the Second half which they have wrapped with one game to go, Head Coach of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), Bilall Namtambu says he is fancying his chances of ending on a high with another victory which would be the 10th.
On Sunday night last, the Soldiers wrapped up the league with a resounding 4-1 win over debutants at this level, Linden’s Topp XX with a game still to play which would be against rivals and second placed, Fruta Conquerors.
In an interview with Kaieteur Sport, Coach Nantambu who is in his first stint in charge of the CFU bound GDF, expressed delight at wrapping up the SEL with a game still to play but will be leaving no stones unturned as he aims to end on a high.
”With only one game to go and already winning the league feels like you are only waiting to celebrate but this coming game will be a test to our mental strength. I am expecting to end with an unblemished record.”
They have recorded some huge margins of victory which underscores their knack for scoring (35 in total so far) and at the other end of the spectrum they have lived true to form of their name (Defense) and has conceded the least amount of goals, 6, the same as their closest opponent, Conquerors which they defeated 4-1 when they clashed in December last year.
Their main weapon in the league has been forward, Sherwyn Caesar who has scored a total of 9 goals to date.
Coach Nantambu gave a bit of an insight into the kind of relationship he has established with players which has impacted positively in the way they have approached matches as a dedicated unit always looking to cut down opponents.
”From the onset, the players and I established trust, respect, commitment and determination as the foundation of an ongoing relationship. So the performance of the team is expected to be at a high standard set by us. I’ve had full cooperation of all players involved.”
Himself on a dream run on debut in charge of the GDF which many felt have been underperforming for a long time despite having facilities and resources available to them more than any other team, Nantambu posited that their true opponent is themselves.
”If we can, and have to date, play to our standard, we’ll be successful. However, going forward my emphasis will be on technical excellence, tactical astuteness and more importantly maturity in our management of games and decision making without the ball.”
With qualification to the CONCACAF Club Championships as part of their prize for dominance of local football, Nantambu gave an insight as to how he would be approaching the Caribbean Football Union round of qualifying noting that he would definitely need a few experienced players at this level.
”Certain key positions need upgrading for regional competition but the seasoned players available are all lacking flexibility in their thinking and approach towards the game. It’s what you do without the ball that makes you a good player, a quote from Johan Cruyff, but it is my philosophy.”
But for now, all focus would be on Sunday’s final SEL match against Conquerors which would also be seeking to end the league on a high.
This match would be the third of a triple header on the final day of competition at eh GDF ground.
The other two matches will be between Victoria Kings and Monedderlust from 16:00hrs followed by a clash between Buxton United and Topp XX.
Following Sunday’s matches the Big Four Tournament will take center stage.
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