The Guyana Football Federation has tested its squad and senior men’s national staff for the COVID-19 virus before resuming training for the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifying games in March and June and the Concacaf Gold Cup in July .

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo

The tests, which took place at the GFF National Training Center in Providence this week, followed approval for the resumption of national team activities by the COVID-19 National Task Force, which paves the way for a safe and competitive domestic and safe-ball return international foot.
The GFF, supported by Ministry of Health professionals, tested 32 players, who – once everything is clear – will be free to take part in initial physical evaluations, scheduled for Saturday, January 9th and Sunday, January 10th at National Training. Center. On completion of those evaluations, the cohort will begin training under strict health and safety protocols.
Ten members of the national team’s backroom staff were also tested.
“This is an exciting moment for the players and staff as we make progress in implementing our 100-day ‘Bounceback’ plan, following our engagement with the UEFA Assistance program,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “We are extremely grateful for the support and guidance of the COVID-19 National Task Force in approving our plans, and the Ministry of Health in conducting these tests. We take every possible step to provide a safe COVID environment, so that the cohort and staff stay safe and well during training.

GFF President Wayne Forde

“With many important matches on the horizon, it is important that we begin our preparation as soon as possible, as long as conditions permit, to give Guyana the best chance of success in the FIFA 2020 World Cup qualifying matches in March and June, and then by our historic return to the Concacaf Gold Cup stage in July. ”
The national cohort will be split into two groups of 16 for physical evaluation on Saturday and Sunday, with weekly COVID-19 tests designed to monitor the group’s well-being as they progress through their training schedule.
“I would like to reinforce the importance of testing for everyone’s safety. All players were present, with no absences, which proves they are aware of this issue. They represent the nation. We hope the results are good and that we can continue our work, ”said Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo.

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