GOAL Project progressing smoothly - Klass

GOAL Project progressing smoothly – Klass

Jul 03, 2010 Sports

– Talk of 2014 WC qualification wishful thinking

By Rawle Welch

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Colin Klass speaking with Kaieteur Sport at the entity’s Head Office yesterday said that the FIFA GOAL Project situated at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo is progressing smoothly and he expects the first phase to be completed on schedule.
The much maligned President informed this newspaper that the clearing of the land has been completed and the Contractor is now working on preparing the road to the site.
“I was there as recent as Monday last and even though the weather is giving us a fight, I was told by the Contractor (Alki Investments Inc.) that by the time the FIFA Development Officer arrives on July 11, the Project would have advanced significantly,” Klass said.
He pointed out that based on the current weather conditions, they are quite satisfied with the progress made so far, adding that no major delays have been experienced to date.
The initial phase worth US$400,000 is estimated to take five months to be completed and will include a playing field, dressing rooms, referees room and a dormitory to accommodate at least one team. Klass indicated that it is indeed regrettable that more could not be achieved in the first phase, but he attributed this to the rising cost of materials. “You have to remember that this Project was expected to start nearly ten years ago, but due to bureaucratic bungling, it could not commence until recently.” He added that since then materials and other related costs has risen significantly.
Asked whether he will be applying for the second grant at the completion of the first phase, Klass responded in the affirmative, disclosing that that among other matters will be discussed with the Development Officer during his visit.
“I know it has been done in other countries and we are hoping not to have any pause in the Project, but rather will try to seek FIFA’s approval very early,” Klass commented.
FIFA’s Announcement –
The GFF Head did confirm that FIFA’s President Sepp Blatter announced at the last Congress in South Africa that all affiliated members will benefit from the profits accrued from the World Cup and will be given US$250,000 each.
However, Klass stated that all that has happened so far is that he made that announcement, but the details or paperwork as to how it will be disbursed hasn’t been released.
“There is no kind of documentation as to when and how the money will be disbursed, I could only say that the President did make the announcement at the last Congress,” Klass confirmed.
He added that Guyana will be benefiting from decisions made at the Congress as well including the hosting of five more programmes during this year.
Klass said that they will be benefiting from the presence of expert personnel, who’re expected sometime this year to assist in all aspects of the sport, including training of local personnel and education.
The Community Programme will cater a lot for the development of the women’s game, while the Grassroots programme according to Klass has been pushed back to 2011when the GFF intends to apply for funding from FIFA.
2014 Qualification-
The President said the question asked by a few as to whether Guyana could become the fourth Caribbean country to qualify for the World Cup is just wishful thinking and nothing else.
“First of all let me say this, we don’t even have a proper football facility or the infrastructure to aid in the development of the game here.”
He said that for us to talk about qualification in the next four years is a clear indication that those who’re attempting to create such a discussion are ignorant about the reality of the sport.
“I would say that we stand a chance at the junior level, but to talk about qualification for Brazil is highly unreasonable and profoundly unrealistic unless the Government plays a more pivotal role that could enhance our chances in the future.”
Klass pointed to the lack of a large amount of senior players playing at the professional level and the absence of a Professional League here as the major impediments to our progression on the world stage.
He, however, conceded that there are other benefits to be derived from the hosting of World Cup in our neighbourhood.