In what can be viewed as an unprecedented gesture to incentivise the performance of the team, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has confirmed that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to paying the Golden Jaguars US$5,000 for each victory in their CONCACAF Nations League and World Cup campaign and a mammoth US$300,000 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
This intended act, which was announced in the presence of Ninvalle, was conveyed by President Ali to the team following the conclusion of the Guyana and Suriname Nations League fixture at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, on September 5.
Unfortunately, Guyana failed to win any of their matches in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League. The Golden Jaguars lost the opening contest to their Dutch-speaking neighbours 1-3. They then drew 2-2 away to Martinique in their second fixture four days later.
This is the second act of intended benevolence during this month from the President towards the national programme as the government of Guyana provided approximately G$4,000,000 towards the acquisition of airfare for the Martinique fixture.
Golden Jaguars players lined up before the clash against Suriname on September 5
Director of Sport Ninvalle said, “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the development of sports and his commitment in establishing a culture of excellence is unquestionable. This is not a notional claim but is evident by the largest allocation in the sum of $4.6 billion towards sector. This historic allocation, which is a realisation of annual growth, is rooted in the recognised and established value of a structured and world-class sports ecosystem.”
According to the Director of Sport, “From the establishment of new facilities and the restoration of existing edifices, President Ali’s vision is a concerted move to actualise development through investment in the requisite pillars for advancement, that is, infrastructure and human capital, and underscores his resolve and dedication to establish a vibrant sporting landscape, one that not only acts as a social unifier but a means to enhance and strengthen our ever-burgeoning world standing.”
Ninvalle further stated, “While wearing and representing the national colours is an honour second to none in the athletic world, President Ali’s monumental pronouncement serves as an additional motivation for the team in their quest to attain greatness.”
He added that the president’s gesture was well received by the players.
Guyana will get another opportunity to benefit from the President’s decree as they are slated to face off against Guatemala on local soil on October 11 before concluding their campaign four days later in the return fixture against Suriname.
The Golden Jaguars are also scheduled to resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2025 away to Nicaragua and home to Montserrat. To date, Guyana sports a record of one win (3-1 vs Belize) and a defeat (0-2 vs Panama) in their campaign.
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