GFF NAMES 18-MAN SQUAD FOR INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY AGAINST TRINIDAD
– Locally-based Squad In Training For Possible Selection For Indonesia International Friendly
7th November, Georgetown: Wayne Dover, Interim Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Team – the Golden Jaguars – has selected an 18-man squad for the upcoming International Friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on November 14, 2017.
The squad consists of 15 overseas-based and three locally-based players including four debutants – Kadell Daniel, Devonte Small, Daniel Jodah and Jelani Smith – who bring needed skills to the national setup.
“One of the four additions is a young, talented Central Defender – Smith,” Dover said. “We have been short of Central Defenders as of recent and although we have identified talent, the likes of Jeremy Garrett and Cecil Jackman, who will emerge as leading defenders in the future, we’ll focus on using the new-found talent for the Trinidad game,” he added. Daniel, while new to the senior national team, played at the national U-23 level in an Olympic qualifier some years ago.
Looking ahead to the Trinidad game, Dover said: “We are expecting a very tough game where Trinidad will bring it to us especially since they’re coming off from a 2-1 victory against the United States. They should be confident but we’re preparing for that. We will try to give a good account of ourselves, give a good match and get a positive result.”
Meanwhile, a 24-man locally-based squad has begun training from November 5, as Guyana also prepares to face Indonesia in an International Friendly on the 25th November in Indonesia. Dover said this squad will be available for selection, he is pleased with the attendance thus far and the players have shown a commitment to fitness, which is one of the critical areas: “Fitness is currently our number priority. Analysis of our previous match against Grenada revealed a number of areas in the team’s performance that can be improved. Such areas included our crossing ability and our execution of combination play. Nevertheless, we have used this knowledge to develop a new training regimen.”
While some of the selected players travel to Trinidad, the others will remain as a unit with identified coaches. “Bryan Joseph and Lyndon France will remain to work with players who are not selected and, in so doing, provide them with an opportunity to improve their fitness and understanding of tactics. This will improve their chances of being selected for the subsequent Indonesian International Friendly,” Dover said.
The overseas-based players, who are all in peak shape from playing in ongoing seasonal matches with their respective clubs, will join the locally-based team members in Trinidad.
The Golden Jaguars are set to depart for Trinidad and Tobago on Friday for their November 14 date with the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s National Team at the Ato Bolton Stadium.