We have a talented and young team and we’ll bounce back – ‘Golden Jaguars’ Captain Matthew Briggs

Jun 27, 2021 Sports

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2021 Concacaf Gold Cup…

By Franklin Wilson in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida compliments of the GFF

As preparations for the Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ continue here in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida ahead of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup competition, Captain of the team, Matthew Briggs is quietly confident that they will bounce back and show what they are capable of doing.

Briggs, who plays with Vejle Boldklub, one of the most successful clubs in Danish football history, says he is aiming to lead this young and talented team to glory days in a new era of development that has commenced with regards to restocking the team.
And, still early in charge of the team, having taken over the Captain’s arm band in June this year during the final two matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers in St. Kitts and Nevis against the home nation and Puerto Rico, Briggs reminded of the disappointing run of matches that saw Guyana bowing out of contention but assures that the team would rebound.
“This mission is very important, it’s a major tournament, obviously we are disappointed from the last camp – world cup qualifiers, and not being able to reach the target that we wanted to achieve; so I thought that this is very important in the sense that we need to bounce back and show people that we are a better team than we displayed on the last sojourn, because I know we are. We’ve got so much talent in the squad and as Captain I want to lead the team to victory.”
Whilst acknowledging what happened in the past few months, Briggs was also quick to point out that they would not be dwelling in the past but have vowed to quickly learn from their mistakes.
“I’ve taken a conscious effort to remind the boys that this is the Gold Cup, we’ve got Guatemala coming up and it is vital that we give it everything we’ve got to progress to the next round and get into the group stage. For us and Guyana to get into the group stages once again would be a big, big thing for us and the nation. I try to make it clear that it’s a world stage, so many people are watching in America, Europe, all over the world really and it’s a chance for us to put on a good display and hopefully get scouted. If that doesn’t motivate you, then I don’t what will.”
Friendly matches in these very challenging times of covid-19 have been seriously hampered with many nations not being able to play due to varying reasons. The fact that the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has been able to organize two matches here in the USA and invest in the team coming together almost two weeks ahead of their first match is highly appreciated, Briggs stated.
“I think this is so important in the sense that we get to train and play these warm up games to get our fitness and use them as a fitness exercise. But not only that, we get to work on our tactics that we’ve been working on in training and in team meetings for the players to understand their role and responsibilities within the team so that when we come to play Guatemala, everybody will know what they are doing and we can go into the game full of confidence and with a game plan.”
Looking at the rebuilding process that the GFF has undertaken to ensure a solid foundation going forward, Briggs noted that it can be hard at times and will take some getting used to.
“But, I think we have got a good group of boys in the team from Guyana and overseas which is exciting and promising and we are taking it in stride. It is also exciting to see the amount of talent that we have coming out of Guyana, the more games they play the better they’ll get. It’s all about the time you spend together, the longer the team stays together, the quicker we’ll adapt to each other and understand each other’s game and become a more solid team.”
Whilst acknowledging that their opponent on July 3rd next will be tough opponents, Captain Briggs posited that they will be going for a win and nothing less noting that the team has more than enough ability and talent to come out victorious.
“We are going there to win and our focus is on qualifying for the group stage of the Gold Cup.”
Captain Briggs is encouraging the fans to keep supporting their team: “I want to say to the fans to keep believing in us, keep supporting and cheering us on. I know it’s been frustrating seeing us lose a few games but nobody is more frustrated than us as players, we don’t want to go on the pitch and lose games, we want to win. Just stick with us, it will take a little bit of time through this transition of this new squad coming together and build a solid base. I think we are on the right track, just keep believing, keep supporting because we need you the fans, you are our 12th man and without your support we are at a disadvantage.”

 

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