NOT for the first time, Guyana's preparation ahead of a regional first-class match hasn't been ideal. But they are ready for their Carib Beer International Challenge semi-final against Barbados.

"We didn't do a lot of work as a team together in the time leading up to this match, but most of the members were involved playing cricket," captain Reon King said yesterday.

"We feel a bit satisfied with most of the guys' fitness and the amount of cricket they've had."

While they did not come together as a unit until a few days ago, the players were busy in local competitions and in Trinidad.

Like the other teams, Guyana have also found challenges with the lengthy stoppages throughout the competition that started more than four months ago.

"It is not easy playing one match in November, another set in January and a semi-final six weeks after," King said,

"It is most challenging, but we've just got to be focused on what has to be done."

Guyana also have to contend with the unavailability of captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul and vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who are sidelined with injuries.

"Shiv and Ronnie [leave] very big boots to fill, but we have youngsters who are eager and hungry to play," King said.

"Shiv has led the Guyana team very well in the past. There has been great respect for him as leader and a leading batsman."