Commitment shown by players and staff brought the results – GDF Head Coach Joseph Wilson

Jan 05, 2020 Sports

By Franklin Wilson

Head Coach of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Joseph Wilson is high in praise for the collective efforts of his players and staff as well as the management of the football club and others which combined to help them win the GFF Super 16 Cup, 2019/2020.

All Smiles! Head Coach Joseph Wilson (stooping at right) with the GDF team after downing the Guyana Police Force in their semi final clash.

Against the odds, the GDF defeated Fruta Conquerors 1-0 in the final at the GFC Ground on New Year’s night, tournament MVP, Benjamin Opara netting the goal that saw the Army collecting the top prize of Two Million dollars.
On their way to winning the historic Brass Aluminum & Cast Iron Foundry manufactured trophy, the GDF defeated Essequibo’s Mainstay Gold Star at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground 5-0 which booked their quarter final place against fellow Elite League side, Buxton United.
In that match, the Soldiers erased a one goal deficit to win that clash 2-1 which resulted in them setting up a semi final date with the Guyana Police Force. In that match, which ended 4-2 in the Army’s favour; they had to again pull out all the stops even though they had drawn first blood.
Coach Wilson along with his Technical staff would have made the right changes at the right time and all his players ensured they performed on the field whenever they were called upon. The GDF exhibited a high degree of endurance in the final 15 minutes of their matches.
The Police match saw them ripping their opponents defence to shreds in the final ten minutes which set

The GDF players and staff celebrate after receiving the championship trophy for the GFF Super 16 Cup, 2019-2020.

up a final showdown against Fruta Conquerors. The championship match was another stern test for the Army which they passed thanks to Opara’s goal which sealed the deal.
Opara ended the tournament with five goals, the same as Conquerors’ Delon Lanferman but on the winning side which saw him riding off with the Marics Honda sponsored 125cc Motor Cycle; GDF ended as the only undefeated team in the 16-team knockout tournament.
Coach Wilson, who joined the ranks of the GDF as their chief tactician in October of last year, stated that the tournament generally was fairly well put together from an organisational perspective with a few challenges.
The experienced Coach made an instant impact on the team which resulted in their championship win and credited this achievement to the collective efforts of all involved.
“I hope that the win serves as the catalyst for a firm and competitive Army team both locally and internationally. A very good sign also is the commitment shown by most of the players and staff. There seems to be lots of expectations which I will have to temper as we seek to make this team a solid one.”
Coach Wilson did state that his philosophy would take some time to get firmly rooted into the physique of the team, whilst point out that the signs going forward look promising but only time will tell.
His instant success he said could also be credited to the fact that the President of the GDF Football Club, Loring Benons is a former player of his so they have a high level of understanding which redounded to the team’s success and will only get better going forward.
Commenting on the tournament from a general perspective, Coach Wilson indicated that it was encouraging but much more needs to be done, generally.
“Guyana’s football needs the involvement of the experienced local coaches, since there is a strong perception out in the public that we have lost our way, serious thought should be given by all stakeholders as to the way forward. It’s time to get rid of hate animosity and selfishness. Let the game be the bigger picture. Love and respect always to the people who deserve it. Peace.”