Guyana head coach Jamaal Shabazz will be absent for their World Cup Concacaf Group B qualifier with Mexico at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston tonight, although he intends to coach from afar.
Shabazz's assistant Wayne Dover said while he could take the lion's share of duties away from Shabazz for the match, management will use an alternate strategy in order to allow the T&T born-Shabazz control at the BBVA Compass Stadium-Skype-after the coach did not travel with his side due to personal reasons.
Shabazz is also expected to step down as coach of the Guyana team at the end of the qualifying campaign on October 16 away to Costa Rica after which he will be fully focused on local club, Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA-duties he currently shares with Jerry Moe.
"There are technology systems (Skype) that will allow him to communicate with the group," Dover said.
"The players here know the style of play, and I'm sure they'll give a great exhibition."
Guyana is bottom of the group that includes El Salvador, Costa Rica and Mexico with one point from four matches, while the Mexicans have already qualified for the final round with 12 points. Second-placed El Salvador with five points, and Costa Rica, a further point behind, are the two teams in main contention to make it to the final round of qualification.
"They're a superior team, they're at all the World Cups," Dover said of Mexico, adding that the experience will ultimately benefit his side.
The first match between Mexico and Guyana ended with Jose Manuel de la Torre's boys notching a 3-1 win at the Estadio Azteca.
