Latest update April 8th, 2025 7:13 AM
Head Coach Márcio Máximo believes that Government’s role is essential for progression
– eager to get back on the training pitch ahead of crucial encounters
SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo and other Technical Staff chat with players after a warm down session on Feb. 28, 2020 at the GFF National Training Facility. (Franklin Wilson photo)
SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo and other Technical Staff observes his charges during the warm down session yesterday the the GFF National Training Facility. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Ahead of what will certainly be a busy year for football in Guyana, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifying as well as CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 Qualifiers in the USA mere months away, Head Coach of the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team, Márcio Máximo is eager to get back to the training pitch to whip his charges into the best possible shape.
The experienced tactician who is in charge of his fifth national team, having worked with Brazil, Qatar, Cayman Islands and Tanzania believes that the Government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that Guyana maximixes its chances of qualifying and making the nation proud.
Citing the pivotal role played by governments and the private sector in countries where he has worked before, the Brazilian posits that this Government’s position is important whilst noting that he is optimistic by the new vision for sports he has seen being displayed by the current Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr.
“Guyana is different in many aspects, our population is also different; we have a lot of local players that needs to play, I am not pro international or local players, I am Guyana national head coach. My team and I think about the general aspects of development and exposure for all our players here and overseas; basically its equal opportunity for all, with the progression of the nation top of the agenda.”
Máximo reminded that Guyana is blessed with talented players and if they are not afforded the opportunity to play and given that chance, they will eventually lose motivation.
Guyana’s first match in a competitive Group ‘F’ for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying is against old rivals and neighbours Trinidad and Tobago on March 25th, 2021, Máximo said, “Notwithstanding the current challenges being faced as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, some level of training needs to commence within the confines of the guidelines and regulations.”
“Our opponents have been making the rounds and preparing and we would like to have the opportunity to commence preparations. I hope that the new government with the new and modern vision that I have seen displayed would join with us and walk together in this quest to make the nation proud. I know bright days are coming for Guyana’s football.”
Along with Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in Group F are Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and Bahamas.
The ‘Golden Jaguars’ have been drawn to play Guatemala in the 2021 Gold Cup Prelims (set for June 2021) as a result of their performances in the Concacaf Nations League group stage which was played in September, October and November of 2019.
Máximo expressed gratitude to Guyana Football Federation President and his executive as well as Technical Director Ian Greenwood and his Technical staff for the work that has been done so far.
He noted that they have been meeting on a regular basis using available technology to keep up to date and informed so that when the green light is given to recommence training, they will hit the road running. (Franklin Wilson)
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