Who is the greatest football player of all time ?

By Gamini Perera

When ardent football fans congregate, sooner or later the conversation will switch to the question: who was the greatest player of all time'?

Quite recently, FIFA, the world controlling body for the sport, named Pele and Maradona as the 'footballers of the century'.

As for the, 'greatest player of all time'- there is no definite answer, of course. That's probably why those conversations are all the more animated.

Comparing today's outstanding performers with those of yesteryear is always a provocative exercise. Childhood memories are known to be deceptive.

The holidays were always longer and the grass always greener when we were small. By the same token, centre-forwards were always faster, defenders stronger, and the shots were fiercer.

Our own club heroes of the past, like the legendary - T.J. Azeez, (striker), the stylish K.A. Premadasa (centre-half), and M.M. Hashimdeen, hailed as the Best of Asian goal-keepers, are a mere morsel of names that come to mind.

They and the other veterans sans any elementary polishing up of the sport and incentives now offered to our present- day socecerites were known throughout Asia, for their superlative brand of play - the results of sheer devotions and dedication to the sport.

Nobody can be blamed for clinging on to such memories, may be as kind of guard against the march of time and the inevitable claims of a younger generation.

Here, too, football is no different from other walks of life.

But the objective argument, comparing football with other sports, where records have shown that today's athletes are faster, stronger, fitter, better than those of decades past, cannot be denied. There is no sane argument for football being an exception to this proven rule.

The convenient response to say that it is impossible to make comparisons between ages; not only convenient, but relevant.

Thugs rule the roost at final

By Annesley Ferreira

What a shame is it to notice that supporters of a leading football playing school in Colombo Central has taken the powers to their hands and set about the players as well of the spectators when they are on the losing end.

The inter-schools under-18 final between Hindu College, Bambalpaitiya and Hameed Al Hussaniya in the under-18 age group was played at the best football field, the Sugathadasa Stadium.

The Bambalapitiya school won by 3 goals to 1. A spectator of the losing side invaded the field at the Stadium and slapped the captain of the winning school, the reason being he had scored a goal. All this was witnessed by the Secretary of the Schools association and watched by the representative of the sponsoring firm, Nestles Lanka Limited, the President of the Schools Footabll Association and the chief guest, the Mayor of the Colombo Municipality, according to those who were present. The prize-giving which was to be held on the Upper Grandstand had to be held at ground level because of the on-going tension created by the losing side.

The winning team had to stay for over half an hour to leave the Stadium and even then, they and their supporters were attacked when travelling in a bus and according to onlookers the arrival of an Army truck, halted the assault with peace being restored and the winners being escorted to safety.

Even the referee was not spared where his decision of awarding a penalty was questioned, watched by the school officials. Adding insult to injury, an official from the stadium was heard telling that if Hindu College comes into the final, they would not be allowed to play at the stadium.

Anand's feat goes beyond sports

By Gamini Perera

India's first Grand Master, Viswanathan Anand is the reigning World Champion at Chess. He won the FIDE world championship in Teheran last December.

Tall, handsome, witty and diplomatic, Vishy Anand, as he is known internationally was the most loved Grandmaster in the world, before he won the coveted World title.

At the time of writing this profile of the new World Champ, Anand, our own Chess players had been selected for the forthcoming All-island chess championships conducted by Anatoly Karpov Chess Club. (Sunday Times -14 January).

Vishy won the Indian National championship three times in a row- 1986, 1987 and 1988. He represented India in the Chess Olympiads from 1984 onwards. In 1987, Vishy became India's first Grandmaster.

Important aspect

There was an important aspect in favour of Anand's early chess life. Whenever he came for any chess event, he never came alone. Always there was a person accompanying him, quite often it was his mother. Anand was thus effectively shielded from the bad influences that could have destroyed his childhood character and his chess career.

During Vishy's meteoric rise through the Indian circuit, he got his best results when he was accompanied by his mother, Sushila Viswananthan. His father, K.Viswanathan, a high-ranking officer in the Indian Railways, went on deputation to the Philippines, accompanied by his wife and son, Anand.

In the Philippines

At that time there was a chess boom in the Philippines and there was a daily half hour chess programme on TV. Anand won prizes by solving the TV quizzes and his interest was further kindled. He also participated at school tournaments there.

When Anand returned from the Philippines after a couple of years, he was a stronger player. Strainghtaway, Vishy plunged into chess tourneys in Madras and all spectators took notice of the growing Anand.

Sooner, speed became his hallmark. He would take less than 20 minutes of his allotted time of 120 minutes for his first 40 moves.

Anand participated in the World Junior championships in Baguio, Philippines in 1987 and won the World Junior champ title.

Vishy married Aruna in June, 1996. In the very first tournament after marriage he beat Russia's Gary Kasparov in the final of the Credit Suisse Masters Rapid chess tournament in September, 1996. This enchanting victory dispelled whatever doubts one might have had about Anand's resilience and ability to win against the best in the world.

Vishy's prodigious chess talent from his childhood days enabled him to be the World's absolute Number One in the new millennium.

In his ever determined ambition to be the World's No. 1 at chess, Vishy not only dazzled his opponents with brilliant combinations, but he also blitzed his opponents off the board. On his way to win the World Title, the experiences he had gained from difficult matches proved to be a great asset.

Spectacular successes

In the last 50 years many Indian sportsmen and women have recorded some spectacular successes. And, as champion sportmen, such as Sunil Gavaskar, Ramanathan Krishnan, Vijay Amritraj, and sportswoman as P.T. Usha, to name just a handful, and a bunch of others, might have been greater entertainers, and rather more popular personalities than Viswanathan Anand.

But the significance of Anand's achievement goes beyond sports.

It is one thing for a sports personality from the so-called Third World to excel at ball games, or racquet sports or athletics. But, it's quite another to do so as well as Vishwanathan Anand had done in a white-dominated intellectual pursuit.

Impossible demands

Pioneering efforts, do have their unique rewards. They also make unique demands, some almost impossible demands. And, it is quite possible that on the way up to the world championship hill, there were times when the reigning champ, felt rather like someone attempting to scale the Everest without oxygen.

Sri Lanka is proud of Anand's feat, coming from our neighbouring country- India.

Who could be blamed for the debacle in South Africa ?

By Bernie Wijesekera

The debacle in the ongoing cricket tour in S Africa, was it properly planned by the hierarchy of the Cricket Board? The answer is no. The management was aware of this tour, months ahead. It was in the international calendar. They knew quite well about the playing conditions and the behaviour of the pitches.

What preparations did the CB or the selectors make to condition the team which included some talented young players, who were making this tour to SA for the first time.

Sri Lanak beat SA for the first time at the Galle Esplanade and Australia also for the first time at Asgiriya at Test level. Both matches didn't last the duration probably ending in three days. But on a pitch that had some bounce and lift at the SSC the Lankan failed to beat SA by six runs.

Here, be it at international or at club level, the matches are being played on slow pitches where the spinners revel. The batsmen, too make runs aplenty.

It does not in any way encourage emerging young fast bowlers.

Even in a country like India, a cradle for spin bowling in the past for the likes of Venkat, Bedi, Chandrasekhar or Prasanna. But today have opted for fast pitches where their batsmen are quite at home when confronting pacemen at home or abroad. The powers that be should have taken notice of this and taken remedial measures.

If Sri Lanka had achieved anything at the international scene it was due to individual brilliance and not due to its infrastructure. Now we are blaming the team for its miserable performances, in SA. The game has hit rock bottom in both Test and one-dayers. The players, too must take part of the blame for not adjusting themselves to the conditions with better application and commitment.

Most of them got out to rash strokes due to lack of concentration. Sri Lanka had high hopes of emerging as the best cricketing nation by Year 2000, Lankans could have come somewhere there if they had proper planning and an infrastructure to meet the demands in international cricket.

Now we have failed in both disciplines despite winning the World Cup in 1996.

Qualified Curator

The CB has a qualified curator, who has gone abroad at its expense to study the fundamentals of wicket preparation. According to MCG curator, Tony Ware, who was interviewed by The Sunday Times, gave a ball-to-ball description about the preparation of pitches. He also confirmed that a curator from Sri Lanka was there to study the preparation of pitches.

Before embarking on this tour the CB should have given a directive to him to prepare bouncy tracks for the local batsmen to get acclimatised. He is well paid and CB must get him to work to a plan even to assist club curators rather than making him to look like a pensioner. In other countries the head groundsman works with the rank and file. Like our Marieamma in the bygone days at the P. 'Sara'. Tony has a young girl working with him.

Ware, works independently without any outside influence, unlike here even the players at times even dictate to the curator in the preparation of pitch. According to Ware the pitches will give opportunities for both batsmen and the bowlers alike for an exciting five days of cricket.

It did happen.......

It happened some years back at the P. 'Sara' in a key MCA match between ACW Insurance and Hebtulabhoy in the 'A' div. After a few overs the side batting first complained of the pitch being, too lively and bouncy and dangerous. The match was called off as a result. The pitch was prepared by Stanley Jayasinghe the former Leicestershire pro., - a cricketer - journalist, curator and a coach. He was jack-of-all trades. The two umpires were I. Anandappa and H. Felsingher. 'Ana' when contacted recently confirmed to this effect. What is happening in SA, are they stopping the matches due to fiery pitches. Play proceeds undeterred. They could overcome this situation if saner counsel prevailed in the governing body, and help prepare lively pitches.

At a recent function the former chairman of the CB Int. Committee, Rienzie Wijetilleke made these comments in his speech in the presence of the Minister of Sports, L. Kiriella, Sidat Wettimuny, the then chairman of selectors, made a suggestion to prepare even side pitches for practices (bouncy), in preparation for the SA Tour.

Ironically the committee moved out for reasons best known to them. They did a good job during their short tenure. The cricket Board should have implemented this suggestion for the greater good of the game.

This is where the Sports Minister must make a directive to all sports bodies especially in some disciplines where big money is involved.

Sri Lanka cricket reached the Everest after winning the World Cup in 1996, in Lahore. The Lankans were expected to give a repeat performance in 1999, but hit rock bottom, in England and put the game to shame. True, Sri Lanka has made some individual efforts (world records). But its not helping the game or the country.

It has to be a concerted team effort all round. Australia is a good example even making an impact without spin-wizard Shane Warne. The Kiwis, with a young dedicated team effort are making an impact under Stephen Fleming.

Our next tour abroad is to New Zealand. Its another daunting task over there on green pitches. Again don't make excuses. If you don't lose then you don't know how to win. Start all over again.

Few months ago skipper Sanath Jayasuriya was a genious. But today in some quarters they call him an imbecile. Sanath has to live with it. Jayasuriya has the class. He's a simple bloke be it in the dressing room or on the field with his team-mates and maintains his integrity.

Ratnapura disaster: What actually happened?

By An Insider

The Motor races at Ratnapura on 14th January, 2001 by all indications was headed for disaster from the day it was planned. If the incidents on the practice day and the problems faced when the meet was first held in 2000 were taken into serious consideration by the Organisers, they would have had second thoughts on holding the Meet and thus assisted in saving life and limb of innocent spectators.

Sabaragamuwa Motor Sports Club is only one year old and since they lack experience, it is a mandatory requirement that new Clubs jointly conduct Meets with - more experienced" Clubs in order to assure that minimum racing conditions are maintained, gain experience and obtain eligibility for membership in the governing body for Motor Sports in Sri Lanka - which today consist of nominees of the Minister of Sports - Sabaragamuwa Motor Sports Club decided on Up-Country Motor Sports Club (UMSC) to help them this year since last year's (2000) Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC) declined to come forward unless certain minimum conditions, required for the safety of competitors and spectators were met.

In 2000 when the Meet was first held, with the assistance of Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC) there was an estimated crowd of well over 100,000. It was an act of god that prevented a major calamity then. Due to the unexpected turnout, uncontrollable crowds gathered in most vulnerable locations, and the Police and officials were helpless. Everyone was thankful that the Meet was concluded without any major incident.

Lessons learnt from that meet should have been adopted more diligently, this year. However the Club which came forward to assist Sabaragamuwa, did not want to listen, learn or understand the underlying issues, mainly due to the pigheaded attitude of certain officials. It could be said that the Sabaragamuwa Motor Sports Club had acquired the services of a bad teacher!

A few points will be sufficient to indicate that the organizers had faltered and ignored basic considerations in the conduct of the meet.

The rules and regulations had not specified that racing experience especially "mass starts" experience - was a prerequisite to enter the race. In all major track events this experience is a must, since it could endanger the competitor, other competitors and spectators. In fact a number of persons were permitted to take part on this very fast Ratnapura track without this prerequisite. This alone shows the scanty and nonchalant attitude of the organisers and the controlling body for motor sports in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Association of Motor Sports (interim) SLAMS (interim)

Insufficient practice laps were provided to the competitors on the previous day's practices which commenced very late and went on till twilight hours. The delay in commencement was due to time taken to sort out the working of newly imported timing equipment. Lack of knowledge in using this newly imported timing equipment due to 'frequency' problems, robbed valuable time available for practices. Also, some favourites of the

Orginasers were given more practice laps than others thereby further reducing valuable time available to be shared. Timing was done in the most haphazard and disorderly manner and lacked credibility. Since the acceptable timing equipment mal-functioned and there was no backup system, normal wrist watches were used. This is a most unacceptable, pathetic and primitive method of timing at a major event - grossly unfair by the competitors.

The scrutinizers were subjected to an insignificant role, since scrutinized vehicle were "rescrutineered" at the start line, thus wasting time and creating precedence. In fact competitors complained that some Officials due to personnel indifferences, used the opportunity to harass them by caring out a second scrutiny of their vehicles.

There was absolute lack of coordination and communication between the start, the paddocks and corner marshals. In the Formula events for instance, the starter commenced the race whilst some competitors who were unable to hear the announcements due to poor equipment were still in the paddocks! Communication between the corner Marshals and the key officials was not available. Communication was so poor that the start line was unaware of what was happening elsewhere on the track. When the major fatal accident took place. the start line was unaware until a competitor having completed his lap informed them! From the time of the incident at which a child died and sixteen others were badly injured, it took the organisers 20 minutes to provide medical care and an ambulance. This matter is of grave public concern and the organizers should be taken to task for apathy and indecisiveness.

The idea of a "chicane" is to make competitors reduce the speed of their vehicle (as a safety precaution) and is intended to safeguard the competitor and spectators. However, the nature of a chicane is subject to much planning and design, and requires considerable experience on such factors as the type of vehicles. attainable speeds, size required width of the "chicane path", maneuverability etc. must be looked into. A badly designed chicane is a greater hazard to competitors and spectators than no chicane. At Ratnapura the ill-designed chicane was indeed a hazard, which definitely contributed to the fatal incident.

Some officials before the races were seen arguing that the chicane should be removed altogether. Considering the nature of the track, this would have permitted even faster speeds causing greater threat to competitors and spectators.

The safety precautions were highly inadequate. No proper crowd control methods were adopted in spite of the expected large crowd (200,000 tickets were printed). No proper barricades, no proper demarcated locations for spectators, insufficient number of Policemen, grossly insufficient number of sand bags (less than last year's) for a venue which requires in excess of 80,000 bags (minimum). The lack of sand bags is obvious when one observes the film clips of the spot where the fatal accident took place. In an earlier event in the race the wife of a doctor had to be hospitalized as another competing vehicle had knocked her down.

It is mandatory that safety warnings be displayed, at a motor sports venue, warning the public and making them aware of the dangers of motor sports. At this meet not a single such board or poster was to be seen. When questioned an official replied that the matter had been overlooked and "not to make an issue of it".

The organising was so poor that certain officials had not been issued with their passes to enter the venue. Inexperienced officials replaced, experienced officials who purposely kept away from the event knew the capacity of the organisers. At various points persons were seen with flags, the meaning and use of which they were unaware. Proper Flag signalling was not done even during the time of the fatal incident.

Though the meet was to commence at 8.00 a.m. it got off the ground after l0.30 a.m by 1.30 p.m. only 6 events were completed. Accordingly, it would have been 7.30 p.m by the time all events were completed. (Provided there were no incidents). This goes to show the degree of inadequate planning that had gone into the conduct of the meet.

Another reason for the failure of this meet was that some officials, perhaps due to ignorance, perhaps due to vanity, perhaps due to greediness - held more than one post. This was a major meet and the tasks should have been wisely allocated and shared. Not so. For example there was a clerk of the course who was also the secretary to the meet. How on earth he intended perform both major functions efficiently at the same time is anyone's guess.

One wonders where the Stewards of the Meet were during the races. It is the duty of the appointed Stewards to see that the track is conducive to racing - and for the safety of competitors and spectators before and during the entire length of the meet.

This was not done. Stewards are appointed by the two controlling bodies for motor sports as well as from the organisers at a motor sports event. They are vested with the power to stop a meet, at any juncture, if safety or any other relevant factors are being compromised. Normally, knowledgeable and experienced persons, able to take prompt decisions are appointed as stewards. In this instance, the stewards should have taken immediate action to stop the meet when control of spectators became an issue. Since 200,000 spectators were expected for the meet proper and adequate safety measures should have been planned and adopted by the organisers and the stewards should have monitored and insisted at least on minimum conditions. The stewards should take equal rap and be held responsible for their ineffectiveness in the face of obvious grave danger and for the fatal incident. There were five stewards listed in the published programme, but not one of them recorded their concern over poor crowd control, safety of spectators.

No one seems to have taken as iota of interest in the safety aspect at this meet, which is deplorable and tantamount to negligence which resulted in a fatal incident - a natural outcome of such gross negligence.

Now the tossing of the ball from one court to another will commence - and the final outcome will inevitably be that none will be held responsible for this most pathetically and ill organized motor sports event which resulted in the loss of life and limb of innocent spectators, who, little knowing the danger of motor sports flocked to most vantage and interesting locations.

The fatal incident cannot be termed an "accident". Had the officials responsible for the conduct of the Meet proper been more concerned, open for discussion and had not been pigheaded, alternative precautionary steps could have been taken. This unfortunate incident, will now effect all future motor sport events in Sri Lanka and could have been avoided.

The Minister responsible for sport should instigate an inquiry into this most sordid affair and just and fair action initiated. Remember a life of a 10-year-old child has been lost and many more severely injured - due to negligence.

In brief

Royal-Thomian past cricketers' annual dinner

Former Royal and Thomian cricketers will be gathering at a formal dinner on February 28, 2001 at Hotel Taj Samudra, from 7.30 p.m onwards.

This eleventh annual gathering by the old stalwarts that too before the Battle of the Blues, is a much tooked forward to even among the past cricketers of the two institutions, bringing back nostalgic memories.

Those who are interested to attend this dinner should contact Sasi Ganeshan (Singapore Airlines - 300750), Lakshman Thalaysingham (Associated Motorways 448306), Ajita Pasqual (HSBC 341006), Neil Chanmugam (Harrisons 698908), Anushka Polonnowita (Dimo 449797) or Trevor Rajaratnam (Mackinnons Travels 421547).

Gunewardena inquiry to continue

The inquiry into the petition filed by Susanthika Jayasinghe and five other athletes against Sunil Gunewardena, the AAA president and athletic coach, will continue on the instructions of the Minister of Sports and Tourism Lakshman Kiriella.

This was disclosed to the Sunday Times by the Director of Sports, Milton Amarasinghe, who stated that on the instructions of the Minister he had given appointment letters to Dr. Jayatissa Costa and Chandrasiri de Silva to conduct the inquiry and submit the report in two weeks' time.

Oosadie to coach Bloomfield

Former Anandian all-rounder, and Level II coach, Oosadie Weerasinghe has taken over the coaching of the Bloomfield C and AC cricket team. He takes over from Brendon Kuruppu. A keen student of the game, Weerasinghe who is still fit to play, has been entrusted with the coaching of the Reid Avenue Club. The team is oozing with young talent for the future.

A three-in-one cricketer, Weerasinghe insists on discipline on and off the field. Fitness is the key to success in any sport. It was nice to see him running with the boys. He believes not in mere coaching, but to lead the lads by example. This was evident at the nets.

With more facilities afforded to the youngsters by the new president of the club Upali Dharmadasa, they should enjoy a successful season even without some of their key players including Sanath Jayasuriya on national duty.

With mustard keen Weerasinghe's guidance, the youngsters are bound to make an impact and be at the finish, with their devotion and dedication.

Evergreen D.P. Wickremaratchie is the cricket Secretary. D.P. has served the club for over 25 years. 'Wicky' is always on the ball with the squad, be it at the nets or whilst playing looking into their needs.

A lover of king cricket, he is sacrificing much of his personal time.-(BW)

600 Schools under 12 football development programme

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka in association with the Ministry of Education is to launch the above Programme for the Development of the game at School Level. The launch of the above programme will be held on 22nd January 2001 at 2.30 p.m. at the BMICH Colombo under the patronage of Hon. Ministers of Education and Sports and the respective Secretaries of the Ministry. The principals of the 600 Schools selected for the programme, Regional Educational Directors, Schools Coaches, Foreign dignitaries, Media Personnel, Officials of the Football Federation and Sri Lanka School Football Association also will attend.

The concept of the Programme will be to train 18,000 under 12 schoolboys from 600 schools in the year 2001 and continue for 8 years to completed by year 2008. The programme will intake additional 18,000 under 12 boys in every 2 years time to continue the achievement of reaching 72,000 schoolboys participating in the Youth Development Programme. These schoolboys will be coached and guided by professionals who are qualified and attached to FFSL. Arrangements also have been made to distribute footballs and other materials to the Principals of these schools.

Invitations have been already send to 1,500 participants to grace the occasion.

Veterans' Cagers for Australian Masters

The Veterans' Baksetball Association who won he bronze medal at he Asia Pacific Masters' Games in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia has decided to participate in the Australian Masters' Games in New Castle Australia in August, Nowfel Maharoof, the Secretary of the Veterans' Basketball Association said.

He further added that over 45 and over 50 years teams will be entering the Games and requests all players who have played for Sri Lanka to attend practices to be held on Saturdays. The first practice session will be held on Saturday, January 20 at the Kings Courts at the Otters Aquatic Club at 5.30 p.m.

More details could be had from Nowfel Mahroof on 077308857 or 581032.

Southern Province Chess Tournament

D. Akila Miraj and Dulani Pankaja won two titles each at the Southern Province Chess Touranament for boys and girls respecively conducted by the Queen Star Chess Coaching Academy, held at the Devapathiraja College, Ratgama.

Miraj won the open and boys- under-15 titles while Pankaja too won the same titles. The winners and runners-up of the other sections are:

Boys under 10 - Hasith Eranda, Charith Perera, Thejan Nanayakkara.
Under 13 - A.P.C.J. de Vas Gunawardena, Thrindu Bandaragoda, Nuwan Chanaka.
Under 15 - Sarath Pramaranjan, Damidu Prasad Kumara, Thilina Weerasinghe.
Over 15 - D. Akila Miraj, Sanjeewana Lamahewa, Madushantha Soysa.
Open - D. Akila Miraj, Sanjeewana Lamahewa, Sarath Pramaranjan.

Girls under 10 - M. G. Sumudu Gimhani, M. Nadeeka Rangani, Thisari Sasiprabaha.
Under 13 - Piumi Maheshika, Niroshi Danajali, R.W. Gangani Kanchana.
Under 15 - Dulani Pankaja, W.K. Arunodi Abeywardena, Apsara Niranjali de Soysa.
Over 15 - R. W. Nadeesha, Chandima Dilani, Nadeeka de Silva.
Open - Dulani Pankaja, R.W. Nadeesha, P.M. Piumi Maheshika.

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