Shabazz pleased with Golden Jaguars’ output at Brazil training camp

Guyana Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz shared that he was happy with the players’ focus and commitment during the two-week training camp in Rio de Janeiro, which concludes on June 2.

The Golden Jaguars will depart neighbouring Brazil on Sunday with positive feedback after four matches against local teams, including powerhouses Fluminense FC and Flamengo FC.

These games were part of the team’s preparation for their first 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match on June 6 against Panama in Panama City. They lost two matches, drew one, and won the fourth.

On May 24, Flamengo FC, one of Brazil’s premier clubs with the second-largest global fanbase, defeated the Guyanese squad 2-0. Four days later, the Golden Jaguars faced another 2-0 loss, this time to Second Division club CAXIAS FC.

However, they bounced back on Friday, May 31, with a 2-2 draw against Fluminense FC, the reigning champions of Brazil’s National League and Copa Libertadores winners.

They then concluded their test matches with a 7-0 victory over Tigres Academy. Twenty-eight players have been in the Brazilian capital since May 19.

The games were a valuable opportunity for the coaching team to assess the players’ skills and readiness for the World Cup journey.

Summarising the trip, Head Coach Shabazz stated that “the results were not as important as the physical output from the players, and we are happy it worked out.”

He explained that at least 20 players had 90 minutes of playing time during the May 31 matches, which were played with a one-hour rest period.

“We wanted at least 20 players to get 90 minutes of playing time so playing the back to-back matches afforded us the opportunity,” adding that “it’s a big plus to have sports scientists of the calibre of Chris Riley of Tottenham Under-18 team and Dylan Palmer who formerly worked with Coventry City. Their advice helped us navigate playing these two matches one hour apart.”

The goal scorers for the Golden Jaguars were Stephen Duke McKenna, Deon Moore, Kadel Daniel, Ryan Hackett, Kelsey Benjamin, Miguel Scarlett and Chris Macey.

The training camp focused on tactical strategies, fitness drills and game readiness, and was facilitated by State Transport Secretary of Rio de Janeiro Washington Reis and Guyanese businessmen Faizal Khan and Kabir Khan. After their match against Panama, the Golden Jaguars will face Belize in Barbados on June 11. (GFF)