Guyana’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers begin Friday

– plans on stream, but corporate support a bugbear – Wilson

BY AVENASH RAMZAN

Acting president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Franklin Wilson, has said that while preparations for Guyana’s hosting of the 2014 Football World Cup qualifiers are on schedule, the response from corporate Guyana, in terms of sponsorship to cover a hefty budget, has not been encouraging.

Wilson said a sum of Gy$50 million has been budgeted for the home and away qualifiers, which will kick off on Friday, September 2 at the National Stadium with the Golden Jaguars – Guyana’s senior national team – taking on Barbados.

He added that hosting the qualifiers will incur a “whole host of expenses”, including, but not limited to, internal transportation for the visiting teams, accommodation, meals, stipends for local players, ground rentals, and Guyana’s airfare for the away leg.

“Corporate support is never enough, so we’re calling on businesses to support us, as well as football fans to come out and view the games,” Wilson reiterated. He added, “In terms of preparation, so far so good.” In the second game of the Guyana leg, the hosts will take on Bermuda at the same venue on September 6.

Admission to the National Stadium is Gy$1,000, and action will commence at 20:00h on both days.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Wayne “Wiggy” Dover has said that Guyanese players have been involved in intense training sessions, and are eagerly looking forward to the qualifiers.

“We’re pretty much satisfied with the way things have gone so far. Four of the overseas players are already here, and we’re pleased with the combination we have right now,” Dover said.

He mentioned that the young players who participated lat Wednesday in the international friendly encounter with India, which Guyana won 2- 1, are still part of the squad. “Well, it’s a learning process for them as well.

“What we’re trying to do is get the best possible combination ahead of the games.” Guyana’s only Major League Soccer (MLS) player is forward Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, who is among four of the five overseas based players already here for the two matches.

Richardson currently plies his trade with the Puerto Rico Islanders. He will be a major boost for the Golden Jaguars in their quest for a maiden trip to the World Cup, to be hosted by neighbouring Brazil.

Left back player Chris Bourne, central midfielder Chris Nurse, and centre back player Jake Newton are the other three foreign players already here; while defender JP Rodrigues is expected in ahead of Friday’s encounter.

The full Guyana squad reads: Eusi Dirk Phillips, Dwain Donald Jacobs, Ryan Anthony Crandon, Travis Brian Grant, Devor Anthony Dennis, Walter Andre Moore, Kevin Keron Sullivan, Anthony Benfield, Vurlon Robert Mills, Colin Nelson, Kayode McKinnon, Trayon Denzil Bobb, Richard Ludwig Reynolds, Akel Kayode Clarke, Gregory Richardson, Jake Newton, Chris Nurse, Adrian Butters, Ronson Williams, Delroy Fraser, JP Rodrigues, and Chris Bourne.