Shabazz gives ‘fringe players’ a taste of International football

May 11, 2024 Sports

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– Golden Jaguars depart today for Trinidad and Tobago

By Rawle Toney

Kaieteur Sports – “A chance to expand our talent pool and provide fringe players with a taste of international football,” – that’s how Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz sums up the selection of the 24-man squad for two warm-up matches against Trinidad and Tobago.

Today, the Golden Jaguars set off for Trinidad and Tobago, gearing up to face the Soca Warriors on both Monday and Wednesday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Kick-off for both matches is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Among the selected players is Marcus Tudor, the standout striker from Slingerz Football Club.

Tudor, who leads the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League in scoring with 12 goals from nine matches, has earned his place alongside France-based Antonio Smith, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) striker Stephen McDonald, and the seasoned regular, Kelsey Benjamin, making his return to the squad after a three-month layoff due to injury.

“Tudor literally picked himself from his league performances and he’s also been sharp in training, stated Shabazz.

“This is what the league provides,” Shabazz stated, while adding, “It gives us people who perform, and we now give them the opportunity. So friendly matches for no points against Trinidad and Tobago, gives us that luxury.”

Also included in the squad is Chris Macey, who was named Player of the Year last season while playing for the GDF.

Despite being frequently overlooked by Shabazz; the Jaguars’ Head Coach maintains that he is a supporter of the stylish midfielder.

“I like Macey; he has improved, showing more desire and intensity. Plus, he is adapting to our tactical patterns,” assured Shabazz.

The squad comprises players who are considered mainstays under the guidance of Shabazz and his long-time assistant, Wayne Dover.

Western Tigers’ Daniel Wilson, Colin Nelson from GDF, and the Slingerz FC trio of Curtez Kellman, Jeremy Garrett, and Leo Lovell all bear the unmistakable stamp of approval from Shabazz and Dover.

“These are the individuals who truly make the Guyana national team feel like home. They’ve demonstrated immense commitment to Guyana’s football and serve as the backbone of our national squad,” explained Shabazz.

The Trinidadian-born, self-proclaimed Guyanese coach is also keen to provide international exposure to three players who have consistently performed at the club level.

“Ryan Hackett (GDF), Darron Niles (Slingerz FC) and Amos Ramsey (GDF) will definitely get playing time in Trinidad,” he insisted.

However, Shabazz noted that this trio often finds themselves on the periphery when overseas-based players like Elliot Bonds, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Stephen Duke-McKenna, and Liam Gordon are available for international matches.

“There is a pecking order in this squad. Sometimes guys are doing well but the players selected ahead of them are either more experienced, in great form or simply a better player,” he added.

Also joining the squad are newcomers GDF defender Cedric Osborn and Canadian-born Terique Mohammed.

Osborn has been a consistent presence in GDF’s back-four, contributing to a defence that has conceded only four goals so far this season.

Meanwhile, Mohammed, who previously represented Canada at the U20 level, has opted to switch his allegiance to Guyana, his mother’s birth country.

Shabazz has orchestrated a significant achievement by securing the services of the speedy left wingback, especially considering Mohammed’s eligibility to play for Trinidad & Tobago as well.

“My Dad is Trinidadian and my Mom is Guyanese. Coach Shabazz approached me two years ago and I am convinced that Guyana is the place for me,” stated Mohammed.

The goalkeeping department may be perceived as the local squad’s weakest link heading to Trinidad and Tobago.

With veteran keeper Akel Clarke side-lined due to injury, GDF’s Jamine Cumberbatch has been given the chance to step up after serving as the third choice during two previous trips with the national team.

However, the surprise inclusions are Santos custodian Simon Emmanuel and US-based Amari Thompson.

Despite this, Shabazz doesn’t view the goalkeeping situation as a weakness, stating, “I see three young men with tremendous ability getting the opportunity of a lifetime. If they embrace the challenge and have faith in themselves, then we will be competitive.”

Now in his fourth stint as Guyana’s National Coach, Shabazz continues to demonstrate his ability to construct a squad that balances both locally and overseas-based players.

When questioned about the key to achieving this harmony despite criticism from naysayers on platforms like Facebook, who advocate solely for a home-based team, Shabazz emphasized, “Guyana belongs to Guyanese, whether they reside at home or abroad. As long as the roots are Guyanese, the tree will flourish, bearing fruits for Guyana.”

He continued, “Those who debate over a Guyanese’s place of birth fail to grasp the global reality. They overlook why Guyanese born overseas return home for events like Mashramani, Linden Town Week, or cricket carnivals,” Shabazz asserted.

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• Golden Jaguars, Head Coach, International, Jamaal Shabazz, Rawle Toney

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