GFF should have been more Pro-active in School’s Championships

Jul 24, 2011 Sports

Before I attempt to divulge the harsh but sad realities as it relates to the above caption. May I first and foremost extend my heartiest congratulations to the eventual winners Government Technical Institute (G.T.I) for their resounding 5-3 victory, over fellow finalist Wimar/Christianburg, in the finals of the inaugural Digicel sponsored nationwide Schools knockout tournament, which culminated with a doubleheader on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the GCC Ground, Bourda.
The 3rd place playoff was won by New Amsterdam Technical Institute over Waramadong on penalty kicks. Additionally, the sponsors, Digicel; deserves the “highest commendation” for their untold millions of Guyana Dollars in sponsorship.
And so too are the participating schools; Technical Coordinator, Ministries of Education and Culture, Youth & Sports; Coaching and Managerial Staffs; Referees Council, Media Houses and those too numerous to mention. That a record number, 129 schools, drawn from the 10 Administrative Regions participating, reflective of in excess of 2, 000 players.
Editor, this now brings me to the pertinent point!” That the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) should have been more proactive”? When taking into consideration the monies received from FIFA annually for the development of local football. So, under Miscellaneous Expenses of the Annual Budget! Couldn’t the sum of Guy: $1.5 – $2.0; be utilized for the training of coaches, managers, physiotherapists, match commissioners and officiating personnel from the various schools, which should amount to 1,000 persons.
Or, mildly, put the GFF despite all of its “bragging and boasting of resounding successes attained, in coordinating courses locally”, in conjunction with FIFA, CONCACAF, CFU and the GOA they don’t have the relevant human resources, to achieve meaningful success. Or, the favoured pretenders outnumber the serious contenders? How sad for local football! After all as recent as two weeks ago, the GFF held an administrators course and all that was evident from the photograph in the daily newspapers was continued and recycled failures of participants. Seriously speaking how many of them can conduct a workshop in administration?
Meanwhile with the semifinals, third place playoff and finals held in Georgetown, over a two day period, this would have enabled the National Sports Commission (NSC) coach, Gordon Braithwaithe the opportunity of identifying players for training and selection for national representation, in this year’s Inter Guianas Games.
Did the coaching staff of the GFF seek to identify talented players as future national material? In the final analysis it remains incumbent upon the GFF, as the principal player for the development of the sport in Guyana, to step out of their “ivory towers” and do what is expected of them to develop football, in an atmosphere conducive for development. If not step aside and give someone else a chance. And please allow elected officials to represent its interest publicly, whose comments would be reflective of the Executive’s collective will. Definitely not paid servants, whose comment (s) is a great source of embarrassment. So for next year’s Schools Championship let the relevant systems be put in place early for true development and meaningful success.
Lester Sealey

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