Shanghai picks up Shabazz support

Shanghai picks up Shabazz support

Former Guyana Technical Director and Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz has come out in total support for Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major’s candidacy for President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Major is the person who came up with the idea to bring Shabazz to Guyana’s football in 2005, when the Golden Jaguars rose to prominence making a huge impact in Caribbean football.

Then again in 2011 Major again insisted that Shabazz be brought back resulting in Guyana’s historic qualification to the semi final round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, last year.

“Shanghai have my total support and endorsement to become President of the Guyana Football Federation. He brought me to Guyana and introduced me to a people and a country whom I love very dearly and has always been a sincere brother to me in all aspects of my life., stated Shabazz.

“Every time I think about Guyana and our football it drives me to tears the love and brotherhood that we built in our work, I thank Almighty God everyday for the opportunity he has given me to meet a brother like Shanghai  and all the wonderful people who I met in my work here., stated an emotional Shabazz.

Always a man quoting from the scriptures, Shabazz stated. “Jesus peace be upon him has given us a yardstick from which we can choose our leaders. He said by their fruits you shall know the trees, explained Shabazz.

“When you look at the fruits of Shanghai over the years you see a man who has worked tirelessly for his people. Way back in 1990’s he brought the likes of Collie Hercules, Charles Pollard, Jermaine Scott and company to Trinidad, which has opened doors for so much players from Guyana to become professionals, added Shabazz.

“As recent as three months ago Shanghai had a hand in teenagers Trayon Bobb and Daniel Wilson and veteran Walter Moore, signing contracts in Europe. His vision and passion for the game and his country is what we need right now if Guyana is to transform into the footballing giant that it has shown the potential to become.”

Shabazz who now coaches his native Trinidad and Tobago, national senior team felt that Shanghai’s pedigree crosses all political, social and racial boundaries.

” Shanghai has the respect of the Government, the Opposition parties, the Africans, Indians, Portuguese and the Amerindians. He is respected by the rich and is loved by those who are needy. His personality is just what Guyana needs at the moment.”

“He is a man for the people, the players, the coaches and if we are honest, his time has come, he  has earned this right to be President, added Shabazz.

Asked whether Shanghai had the sway to bring him back for a third stint in Guyana, Shabazz was non-committal, stating “I love Guyana and the way you have accepted me and I will always be close. But my time has passed and Shanghai had the vision for us to groom Wayne Dover, even when others in the GFF did not want him, Shanghai stood up for Dover. If I am to pinpoint two persons who played a special part in the success of my work with the Guyana National team, I would say Wayne Dover and Aubrey Shanghai Major”

The Trinidadian, went on to mention that “Guyana does not need a third coming of Jamaal Shabazz but you need an Aubrey Shanghai Major for President. I fully endorse Shanghai and his slate for the Guyana Football Federation elections”

The GFF Elections is set for Saturday April 12 and Major, along with Alfred King, Ivan Persaud and Christopher Mathias are the candidates via for the post that was held for over two decades by former President Colin Klass.

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