By Avenash Ramzan
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has confirmed that the Golden Jaguars were successful in securing a practice match with a top Saudi Arabia club side, slated for Friday.
For Shabazz, this is a wonderful opportunity for the players who missed out against Cabo Verde in the opening game of the newly introduced FIFA Series on Thursday night.
The Golden Jaguars lost 1-0 at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but Shabazz’s men gave a good account of themselves after Cabo Verde’s skipper Ryan Mendes netted as early as the second minute.
“I can confirm we’ve secured that practice game and it will allow our players, especially that ones who missed the FIFA Series, to gain some valuable experience playing against a professional club side,” Shabazz said.
“We want to maximize on the opportunities here in Saudi and this is one way of doing so.”
The match will last 60 minutes, with two substitutions.
“Everyone must have a chance on the pitch in Saudi and this is what this is all about. This is a great opportunity for our players to hone their skills outside of their own confederation, as that is the founding principle of the FIFA Series.”
The match will kick off at 22:00h Saudi time or 15:00h Guyana time.
Importantly, it will not be televised.
Next up for Guyana in the FIFA Series is a clash against Cambodia on March 26 at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium.
The game will start at 15:00h Guyana time, and will be televised.
