…Coach Fernandes Believes in Team’s Potential
The Guyana Hockey Board has finalized its squad for the 2024 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Challenge Series, set to take place in Hamilton, Bermuda later this month.
Head coach Phillip Fernandes expressed optimism about the team’s chances, despite the tough competition they will face.
The Challenge serves as a qualifier for the PAHF Cup, which is slated for Uruguay in 2025, and is a crucial step for Guyana in its pursuit of qualifying for a World Cup.
While Guyana enters the competition as the lowest-ranked team, they will be competing against top contenders such as Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Jamaica, and Bermuda.
Coach Fernandes acknowledged that the team is expecting tough matches against these seasoned teams.
He pointed out that Guyana’s preparation this year was hindered by limited access to proper practice facilities, which made training more challenging.
However, in recent weeks, the team has had better access to fields, improving their gameplay and boosting confidence.
The Guyana women’s team last participated in the PAHF Challenge in 2011, where they finished as runners-up to Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Out of that squad, only five players remain: goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Gabriella Xavier, Trisha Woodroffe, Samantha Fernandes, and Chantelle Fernandes.
The current squad also includes Princessa Wilkie, Sarah Klautky, Abosaide Cadogan, Tekeisha Deleon, Carolyn Deane, Makeda Harding, Kirsten Gomes, Kezia Chinian, Makaylah Poole, Clayza Bobb, and Madison Fernandes.
The team will face Peru in their opening match on Saturday, September 21.