Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde on Wednesday said Linden can host more international football matches in 2017, paying tribute to the Linden community for its hard work in staging its first international football fixture since 2011 after this week’s sell-out clash with Martinique.
The Golden Jaguars fought bravely against a strong Martinique team that is preparing for its fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup appearance, with Tuesday’s match ending in a compelling scoreless draw at the MacKenzie Sports Club Ground.
“We believe Linden is the right place to host more home international matches in 2017, and last night (Tuesday) was a great example of what football should feel like for the fans,” said President Forde. “Of course, there is some work to do to improve on what was achieved last night, but we have every faith that we can make Linden a premier venue for football in Guyana once again.”
The GFF has pledged to stage senior men’s international games in each FIFA window throughout the year, in order to give the squad the exposure it needs to develop and to perform more effectively in regional competitions.
The match, under the patronage of Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, brought together the entire Linden community in preparing for Guyana’s first international match of 2017. “The Linden community made Guyana proud on Tuesday night,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “It was wonderful to see international football return to the legendary MSC Ground, and to see the venue packed with fans – there was an electrifying atmosphere.”
“I want to say thank you to the whole of Linden for making the game against Martinique a night to remember, with a special mention to the Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, the MacKenzie Sports Club, the Upper Demerara Football Association and, of course, all the passionate fans that came out to support the Golden Jaguars.”
The Executive Committee of the GFF is eager to help revitalise football in Linden and to restore the brand of football across the country to increase fan engagement and to attract more private sector support for the game.
“Football has the power to provide an economic boost to communities, and we hope that the staging of further international fixtures in Linden will benefit the business community as well as the development of football in the area,” Forde said.
There are four more FIFA windows for official or friendly international fixtures remaining in 2017. The GFF will announce plans for further senior men’s international games in due course.
