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Letter to the Sports Editor… A Poor perception of football’s marketability

Dec 23, 2015 Sports

Dear Sir,

With the culmination of the inaugural GFF Stag Beer sponsored Elite League on the 29.11.15 at the Lenora Track and Field Stadium, WBD, with a doubleheader, Slingerz FC recorded a come from behind 2-1 victory, in the feature match, capturing the title and in the process confining Alpha United to the runner-up spot. In the opening encounter, Pele edged out city counterparts Fruta Conquerors 1-0 for the 3rd place, with the Tucville based unit, securing the 4th position. Editor, while it’s good for the sport’s image that Slingerz FC, have been able to add more silverware to their winners’ collection and in the process continuing to disrupt Alpha’s dominance, which by extension that of the capital city, ahead of the second phase in February, 2016, may I inquire! How will all the players remain active for the corresponding period, outside of training with their respective clubs?
Wouldn’t it have been more prudent for players (Elite League) to be assigned to various clubs within the respective Associations, for the end of the year tournaments? While it’s not intended to be compulsory, since the overseas based players would have returned home by now! However, the cost factor of attracting non-Guyanese players from overseas would be significantly reduced. Assigning the Elite League players, via a lottery system i.e. senior national, starters, national under-23s, under-20s and reserves; suffice it to say a maximum of five players per club, two of whom must be under-20s and no more than three of the Elite League players of the field of play, at any given time.
Editor, this suggestion/recommendation though not “fool proof” would have had a twofold benefit, for all and sundry! Whereas, in the training, the non- Elite League players would have been overwhelmed to be training with the likes of a “Jackie Chan” Richardson and “Zorro” Grant much less playing with them. As a consequence punctuality and semi-professionalism would have been paramount! Automatically, with an improved standard of play, attendance at matches by the paying public would have transcended into enhanced tickets sales, albeit additional income/revenue, with a written clause also allowing coaches, trainers and managers to be involved, along with the “loan players”.
In the final analysis “marketability” of the product of football, to make dollars and sense, and not cents, enables the sport to be the ultimate winner! Modalities entailing transportation expenses, medical coverage and stipends, in addition to accommodation and meals wherever applicable i.e Berbice and Linden; are all factors worthy of consideration. And please do not tell me that “contractual obligations for Elite League players do not allow this”. In countering/rebuttal, the precedent was already created with the Guinness Greatest in the Streets! Since it maybe too late for implementation now, at least the issue should not be overlooked for enactment, come next year.
With no offence meant to the Petra Organisation, Organisers of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets, though it can be argued that the competition does not involve clubs, nevertheless, players from the Elite League, participate and not representing the areas where they reside!
Respectfully Yours,
Lester Sealey.

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