Slingerz FC staged a stunning comeback to defeat Santos FC 3-1 on Saturday, securing their position at the top of Guyana's KFC Elite League. The enthralling match unfolded at a pulsating pace, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

The early moments of the game saw Michael Oie of Santos FC making an impact, putting his team ahead in just the second minute of play. The lead held until late in the half when Darren Miles of Slingerz FC leveled the scores with a timely strike in the 45th minute, just before the halftime whistle.

And as the half wound down, Slingerz FC seized the opportunity to shift the momentum in their favor. Bryan Wharton's powerful strike three minutes later propelled Slingerz FC into the lead, leaving Santos FC trailing 2-1 at the interval.

The climax of the game unfolded in stoppage time when Marcus Tudor sealed the victory for Slingerz FC with another goal, securing a 3-1 triumph. This remarkable win marked Slingerz FC's third consecutive victory, propelling them to the summit of the league table with a perfect record of nine points.

Winning coach Alex Thomas, reflecting on the challenging yet satisfying victory, commended his team's character. "This one was more challenging, more physical but I liked this game because it showed the type of character the team has. To come from one-nil down and still maintain our composure, we were patient, and stuck to the game plan and executed, that is what I like I was very impressed."

In other league action, Fruta Conquerors rebounded from their previous loss to Slingerz FC by securing a 3-1 victory over Den Amstel. Naron Jerick and Makhaya Jarvis played pivotal roles, helping Conquerors claim their first win of the season.

With Western Tigers and Guyana Defence Force eagerly waiting to hit the field, Slingerz FC's triumph has set the stage for an exciting battle at the top of the table. Western Tigers will face Monnederlust FC on Tuesday, while Defence Force takes on Ann’s Grove United on Thursday, both teams vying to join Slingerz FC in the league's pinnacle.

 In an unexpected twist at the Slingerz FC training ground this week, popular Jamaican dancehall entertainer Jahshii took to the football field to engage in a spirited training session with the club's players, leaving an indelible mark on both the team and coaching staff.

The collaboration took place on Monday as part of Jashii's extended stay in Guyana to support the football team during their KFC Elite League match against Fruta Conquerors on Tuesday night. Slingerz defeated Fruta Conquerors 4-1 in another dominant performance under Coach Alex Thomas with Jahshii looking on from the sidelines.

Jahshii, who had previously performed alongside fellow entertainers Masicka and Guyana's Bnick at the Slingerz Westside Mashramani Weekend Celebration at the Leonora Stadium on Saturday, decided to prolong his stay to witness the football team in action.

Under the watchful eye of their newly appointed head coach, the dancehall artist actively participated in the training session and engaged the players in conversation, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Javed Ali, the President of Slingerz FC, expressed his elation at having Jahshii join their training session, highlighting the positive impact on the players and the club's connection to the reggae and dancehall culture.

"We were elated to have Jahshii train with our club. The intensity of the training session showed that the players enjoyed him being there and they were impressed by his footballing abilities," said Ali. "Having such a popular and trending artiste visit the club helps motivate the players, so they understand that they can make it to the very top if they believe in themselves and show the required commitment to their craft."

Ali emphasized the importance of Jahshii's presence in inspiring the players and fostering a connection between music and football within the Slingerz FC community. "Jahshii helped us tremendously in this regard since his music is popular in our dressing room. He was willing to come train and speak to the players, and it was important for us," Ali added.

Coach Alex Thomas echoed Ali's sentiments, describing Jahshii's involvement as a significant boost for both himself and the players. "To see this icon from Jamaica helps a lot. It was a big boost in the little time he was there, and we encourage more of this," remarked Thomas. He emphasized the positive impact on the mental aspects of the players' game, boosting their confidence by witnessing Jahshii up close and personal during the training session.

"For me, when Jahshii joined the practice, that was a big boost, not only for me but also the players and the club. The players accepted him with a warm welcome," Thomas added. "Jahshii training with the club helps boost the mental aspects of their game, their confidence. To see this person, close up and personal training with us; someone they only see on stage or on TV, was a great boost for us."

 In a thrilling display of dominance, Slingerz FC secured a resounding 4-1 victory over Fruta Conquerors in the second week of action in Guyana's KFC Elite League. The match, which unfolded on Tuesday night at the National Training Centre, was another demonstration of the prowess and potential of Slingerz FC, but coach Alex Thomas insists that his team has yet to hit their peak.

Darren Niles emerged as a star for Slingerz FC, netting two goals, while Leo Lovell and Jeremy Garrett each contributed one to seal the comprehensive victory. Despite Dwayne Jones managing to pull one back for Fruta Conquerors, the defeat marked their second consecutive loss of the season.

Slingerz FC, under the guidance of Jamaican coach Alex Thomas, celebrated their second win in as many starts this season. Thomas, who took over the team in February following Charles Pollard's departure, has been steering his squad to success. Their impressive campaign began with a commanding 7-0 triumph over Monedderlust FC on February 25.

However, despite the early triumphs and a goal tally of 11 for and only one against in two matches, Coach Thomas believes there is still room for improvement. In a post-match interview with Sportsmax.TV, he stated, "The team’s performance tonight was average. We didn’t play up to expectations. Nevertheless, we came out on top."

Thomas acknowledged that the players are gradually understanding his coaching philosophy and instructions. He expressed satisfaction with their progress but emphasized the need for continuous improvement, particularly in the mental aspect of the game.

Slingerz FC currently holds the second position in the league with a perfect six points, trailing Western Tigers FC on goal difference. The latter secured a 4-0 victory over Ann’s Grove United FC on Sunday. The Guyana Defence Force is also at the top with six points after a convincing 6-1 win against Buxton United SC.

In another match on Tuesday night, Den Amstel SC clinched their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Santos FC.

Alex Thomas made an electrifying debut as the head coach of Slingerz FC in Guyana, orchestrating a spectacular 7-0 victory over rivals Monedderlust FC in the opening match of the 2024 Elite League at the National Training Centre on Sunday night.

The star of the show was undoubtedly new signing Marcus Tudor, whose remarkable display saw him net an incredible five goals, leaving Monedderlust FC reeling from the onslaught. The emphatic win served as sweet revenge for Slingerz FC, who had suffered a 1-0 upset at the hands of Monedderlust FC in the Elite League playoffs back in January.

Despite Tudor's stellar performance, Coach Thomas was quick to commend the collective effort of his team, highlighting their adherence to the game plan and flawless execution on the field. Speaking to Sportsmax.TV in the aftermath of the resounding victory, Thomas expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and expressed optimism for the season ahead.

"The key to the emphatic win tonight was the players sticking to the objective, sticking to the game plan and executing," remarked Thomas, visibly elated by the result. "I want to say congrats to the Slingerz team. It’s good to start out on a winning note, put our best foot forward and plan for the next one. The team was organized and patient with the ball in possession and in transition, those were the key elements."

Singling out Tudor, Coach Thomas praised the young player but emphasized that he will work to make him better as the season progresses.

"His performance  was good last night. He is a youngster and I do not want to put too much pressure on him. Five goals, that is big for him but I will take him one game at a time and help build his mental and physical capacity but kudos to him. He did well for himself last night."

Thomas, 41, assumed the role of head coach at Slingerz FC just over a week prior, following the departure of Charles 'Lilly' Pollard in early February. Pollard, reflecting on his decision to step down, cited difficulties in conveying his message to the players as the primary reason for his departure.

"I think I lost the dressing room for some reason or another because it’s difficult to get my message across to the players, and that’s why I believe that I lost them," explained Pollard to Stabroek Sport. "As a coach, you have to know when to say or acknowledge that I can’t penetrate these players and need to walk away."

In light of Sunday night's dominating performance, it appears Thomas has successfully revitalized the team, with every player back to performing at their best. The victory not only marks a promising start to Thomas' coaching career in Guyana but also sets the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead for Slingerz FC in the Elite League.

Slingerz FC will play next on March 5 when they take on F/Conquerors FC.

Former Molynes United FC head coach, Alex Thomas, is set to kick off his campaign with Guyana's Elite League Championship team, Slingerz FC, as they face Monedderlust FC in a much-anticipated grudge match on Sunday at the Guyana Training Centre, scheduled for 6:00 pm (5:00 pm Jamaica time).

Thomas, who took the reins after departing Jamaica Premier League unit Molynes FC in November 2023, faces a challenging start, aiming to avenge Slingerz FC's previous 1-0 upset defeat to Monedderlust FC in the Elite League playoff last January. Despite the setback, Slingerz secured their place in the championship by defeating Victoria FC a week later.

With just one week to prepare, Thomas has hit the ground running, emphasizing the mental and physical aspects of the game to his new squad. In an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, Thomas expressed satisfaction with the warm welcome and effort from the players.

“I have had to do things fast. I’ve been trying to get to know the players, trying to get them to understand what I want, how I want them to play mentally and physically. It’s a lot of work but they have given me a warm welcome and they’re putting in the work.

“In the future, you’re going to need more players to complete the squad but this is the squad that I am working with for Sunday.”

Notwithstanding, he believes the team will be ready to begin a successful campaign against the team that upset them in early January.

“Definitely, I have prepared the players to the best of my ability so the players can execute well on Sunday. They understand that Monedderlust FC is the team that beat Slingerz FC in the playoff for promotion and Slingerz finished second so it’s going to be a big grudge match, so it’s going to be more of a mental game, get them up to speed, get them vibing, energetic but they’re doing what they do best.

“At any given time you want to put your best foot forward, especially in a new job, a new challenge, a new environment because coming from Jamaica you have to understand everything going on around you, the culture, the people, everything; so it’s a learning process not only for football but the whole general aspect of things but you always want to put your best foot forward to win.”