Guyana’s third round World Cup Qualifiers launched

TIMES INT'L

-Shabazz pleads for unity among Guyanese

By Melinda Bishundyal 

Golden Jaguars players, coaches, managers along with Dr. Frank Anthony, Sport Minister, Alfred King, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Permanent Secretary, and other officials at the launch

The Golden Jaguars third round World Cup qualifying matches against Costa Rica, El Salvador and the powerful Mexico, was launched yesterday at the Princess Hotel with an intriguing ceremony.

The ceremony was graced by several prominent personalities in the sports arena, along with entertainers Adrian Dutchin, Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo and Lisa Punch performing.

Speaking at the launch, Golden Jaguars’ coach, Jamaal Shabazz delivered a passionate and emotional speech. He started by saying that football in the Caribbean is treated the same as in Europe where coaches and players are at the bottom struggling while executives prosper at the top.

He made mention of the negative reactions he received when he took the job to coach the Golden Jaguars.

“I was told that no Caribbean coach can take a Caribbean team far. They made me feel that Caribbean people have to sit at the feet of the Europeans as if we are just the helpers. So I am very pleased at what the Golden Jaguars have achieved.

Many did not believe in Guyana but we have shown them that if we are united and committed as a team we can be victorious, boasted the coach.

He further stressed on the country unifying during the team’s campaign. The Trinidadian said if everyone does not come together and support sport, it will never prosper. With a note of optimism, he noted that when the Golden Jaguars qualify for the 2014 World Cup, it is the nation that will be recognised not the politicians.

Guyana’s first match of this round is on June 8 against host Mexico before they face Costa Rica on June 12 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony told the gathering that President Donald Ramotar extends his best wishes to the team and will continue to support them.

The minister lauded the players for their brilliance and excellence. According to him the Jaguars have demonstrated that they are passionate and hungry to win.

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