Shabazz credits Slingerz FC’s perfect start in Elite League to players commitment
Jun 18, 2025
…former National Coach focused despite Slingerz FC’s dominance
Jamaal Shabazz and his goal scoring machine, Kemar Beckford.
Kaieteur Sports – For Slingerz Football Club head coach Jamaal Shabazz, while his side is off to a flawless start in their quest for a second GFF Elite League title, he remains grounded and fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead as Round Two kicks off on July 26.
Shabazz, a seasoned tactician, served Guyana’s national team from 2003 until parting ways with the Guyana Football Federation in October 2024.
During his 21-year tenure, he had a record four stints at the helm of the Golden Jaguars and also coached the Trinidad & Tobago men’s and women’s national teams, as well as St. Lucia’s men’s senior team.
His appointment at Slingerz FC sparked renewed interest in the 2025 GFF Elite League season, as fans and football enthusiasts were eager to witness the return of the former national coach on the domestic front.
Slingerz FC, arguably Guyana’s most popular football club, along with Shabazz’s star power, has been instrumental in packing the stands at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, the battleground for Elite League clashes.
After nine matches, Slingerz FC sits atop the standings with nine wins from nine outings.
Reflecting on his role, Shabazz said, “I see my role as Coach at Slingerz FC as a continuation of my commitment to the development of Guyana football.”
“We set high standards in our training, planning and what is expected of the players and staff. Our interest goes beyond the pitch we want to develop role models through football in Guyana,” Shabazz pointed out.
With 43 goals scored, the most in the league, and only two conceded, the fewest so far, Slingerz FC has been dominant at both ends of the pitch.
“I’m very pleased with the players’ commitment to training and delivering results on matchdays,” Shabazz noted. “I am very pleased with commitment of the players to training and getting results in the matches.”
According to Shabazz added, “We are unbeaten because the administrators, players and staff has invested time energy and resources. And it seems like Allah has accepted our sacrifice and the reward is nine wins from nine games.”
“Opponents whose players miss training, are unfit or who fail to commit will get a reality check from our efforts on the field. We want the success and we will continue to work hard to achieve it. There is no easy street or short cuts for us,” the usually candid Shabazz said.
Leading the attacking line for Shabazz is Jamaican forward Kemar Beckford, who has been nothing short of electric this season. With 16 goals in nine matches, he currently leads the league in scoring.
“Beckford is genuine goal scorer and though he misses a few he has demonstrated that he must knock in one or two goals a game. However, our team has additional strengths for instance Curtez Kelman and Darron Niles commitment in midfield and we have seen a return of the controversial Job Ceasar.”
“Akel Clarke and Jeremy Garret have shown tremendous leadership in organizing the team on the pitch. Generally, we have a team with good leadership where on any day Kelsey Benjamin, Quincy Adam or a Leo Lovell can step up and carry the team,” the Trinidadian said.
Commenting on the competition, Shabazz lauded defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC, and Western Tigers for their consistency.
Currently, Slingerz FC leads the table, followed by Western Tigers in second, Police FC in third, and the back-to-back champions GDF in fourth after a shaky start.
“Matches among us and these clubs is what generates the interest in the league. The biggest marketing success of this league is the rivalry between these four clubs. And the interest these clashes generate,” Shabazz noted.
He further added, “Then there are teams like Santos, Dem Amstel, Conquerors and Monedderlust who will give the big teams a run on their day. Teams like Ann’s Grove and Gold Stars need to show a greater commitment to training if they want to compete.”
Shabazz shared his deep connection with the club, stating, “I’m in love with this team; it’s an honour and a privilege to be part of the Slingerz family. I pray that Allah blesses the investment made by Javed Ali and his family.”
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