The flaws in the national football system

Jul 06, 2011 Letters

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Dear Editor,
There is urgent need for the technical department of the Guyana Football Federation to re-organize, refocus and redirect its operations.
Following the performances of the national teams over the not too distance past, it should be realized that the most limiting among the many constraints to our football attaining regional success, is our coaches.
The Under-16 male national team, coached by Gilbert Sampson, to the Dominican Republic was, simply put, embarrassed. This was followed by a Wiggy Dover coached senior male national team to Guadeloupe, who failed yet again to qualify for the Concacaf Gold Cup.
The “Hitman” Collie Hercules then led the Under -20 male nationals to Suriname, after replacing the “Ultimate Warriors”, to a resounding defeat. Lastly the under 23’s attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games next year, came to an abrupt but all too familiar end in Cuba losing all their games. Again this team was led by Collie Hercules and directed by Mr. Banta, compliments of the FIFA.
Our women fared no better. The much touted and publicized senior Lady-Jags were pulverized in Mexico, under the expert guidance of Technical Director of the ladies football programme in Guyana, Canadian Mr. Rodrigues, assisted by Wiggy Dover.
Recently, a senior ladies team travelled to Suriname for the “usual exposure”; they were severly mauled by our competitive neighbours.
Our girls were under the tutelage of another Canadian coach, Mr. Bacchus, ably assisted by Sheri Abrams.
Mr. Andrew Hazel, the goalkeeping coach was selected to prepare all keepers with the exception of the senior men national team, The latter were under coached by Mr. Gavin Browne. This is  important, because upon casual analysis of the statistics from the above “tours”, it will be realized that our national teams were out-scored on average four goals to one  per game.
What I find amazing is that all of the coaches with the exemption of Mr. Bacchus prior to leaving these shores, with exuberance and confidence, publicly assured the football fans, sponsors and the G.F.F. of imminent victory.
However, after each tournament there is a familiar set of reasons given by each coach justifying their loss; Insufficient time to prepare; Players are not at the required standard for national duties; Lack of adequate fitness; Finishing; the lack there of ;and Players not following game plan.
A good starting point, therefore, is for the technical department of the G.F.F to address, nationally, the above listed areas of restriction, which have become as well known as the national anthem.
I must express utter amazement, bewilderment and disappointment in Collie accepting, perpetuating and fostering unto present players, conditions for which he revolted against.
If coaches do not stand on principle then they will accommodate anything and everything and this is the basic problem.
Qualified and experienced coaches vis-a-vis Sampson, Dover and Hercules have proven by their continued acceptance of national duties and under the prevailing conditions, that they are willing to sacrifice professionalism for expediency.
One may contend that
there is nothing inherently or morally wrong with this principle but then the excuses given in hind- sight are both baseless and futile.
The choice of expediency over professionalism was clearly exhibited at the National Stadium, where “Alpha” squeezed into the finals of the Concacaf clubs championships, using a de facto national team.
It however back fired in the Guiana’s cup recently held in French Guiana, where the reserve players who were called upon to represent Alpha, came up woefully short. “Mediocre!” said coach Dover, when these same players were denied the opportunity, the exposure and the necessary experience a few weeks earlier.
This principle of expediency over professionalism was also employed by Milerock’s Brian Joseph in that club’s successful completion of the C.F.U first round.
All coaches as well as players need exposure for the development of their abilities as well as their careers. It is therefore understandable that coaches, like players, will use each available opportunity presented to accomplish both.
The reality, however, is that the advancement of any coach’s career (unlike a player who can still have a successful career whilst playing for a losing team), depends on the successful performances of their team(s).
The fact that none of our coaches has been or is being scouted by clubs or countries is a direct result of our regional and international performances.
The technical development officer Mr. Lyndon France, coach of Buxton United, has admirably qualified himself in almost all aspects of the game.
The above initiatives coupled with a system based on merit as the main criterion for national selection of coaches (who are should be adequately compensated for their successes or be duly demoted or fired for failure), would result in harnesses coaches to be more responsible, accountable, focus, professional, motivated and hopefully successful.
I insist that all coaches discern the difference between service and servitude.
Bilal Eusi Nantambu

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