Some questions on the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation

Jan 07, 2009 Sports

DEAR EDITOR,
From 1995 until present, I’ve been privileged to be in Guyana during the Kashif and Shanghai knockout football tournament.

Firstly, let me introduce myself for very little is known of my football experience. I represented Guyana as a junior National in both 1977 and 1978.

During the years 1971 – 1975, I played with the U.W.I combined teams against the National teams of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados in their respective countries.

During my post graduate studies in Europe between 1980 – 1982, I played 3rd division football as well as cricket in Holland at the ripe old age of 30.

America was my abode throughout the eighties (80’s) and early half of the nineties (90’s) where again I played competitive football as well as coaching. At the risk of being self-recommending, I was and still is fortunate to be above average in any endeavour I have undertaken. My opinion therefore, is not wild speculation or ignorant ramblings.

In response to a question posed to me by a very popular sportscaster and reporter, ‘re: my opinion of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament’, I venture to say based on the proceeding bio-data that this tournament should be viewed from two different points of view.

Firstly, the tournament is undoubtedly the best organized, publicized and prestigious one in Guyana. It’s not the largest tournament (number of teams) nor does it offer the largest prize money but it is eagerly anticipated. Its biggest plus, is that it has been built to be seen as the premier football tournament in Guyana, attracting overseas based players, thereby raising the standard of the games played ( some games leave a lot to be desired) to another level. It has also managed to attract the attention of corporate sponsors not usually associated with football.

However, with regards to the next aspect of the tournament and it’s only important here because of the claims of both the organizers and corporate sponsors that they are contributing to the development of football in Guyana.

Because of space, it would better serve all constraints if I pose a few questions which all and sundry would know. Neither of the organizers are by no stretch of the imagination bashful or shy people who would stay away from a publicity opportunity and since none had been reported by any form of media, you the reader may venture to answer and conclude for yourself.

1) Did any player as a result of his participation in the Kashif and Shanghai, been scouted and transferred to a pro-team (where the local club has gained financial compensation for producing that player)?

2) Has the organisation ever facilitated an exchange visit of any player to a college or pro-team?

3) Has Kashif and Shanghai contributed in cash or kind to the development of a nursery of any team that have participated in the nineteen (19) tournaments (the reason being obvious)?

4) What have teams benefitted from the competition who has never reached the semi-finals?

5) Has any of the profits made over the nineteen (19) years ever donated to any player, coach, club, center, etc?

6) Has the organizers ever recognized that it’s the work of coaches that sustain this tournament and therefore issue invitations to coaches outside participating teams?

7) Has Kashif and Shanghai ever organized a football seminar, symposium, lecture or any aspect of football which requires input without immediate tangible returns?

8) Has Kashif and Shanghai and or a sponsor of the tournament ever organized a school competition?
In conclusion, if you are aware of what are necessary for football’s development in any country then your answers would provide further pertinent answers.

Regards
Bilaal Eusi Nantambu
Coach