Football KornerKick – spot on like never before!
View(s):I have been following the KornerKick column in your esteemed newspaper and I am impressed with the depth of knowledge of football affairs and the razor sharp observations of the columnist. I also admire the bold and sharp comments that are food for thought and only hope it reaches a wider audience who can benefit from the regular exposures on football and football management.
The Sunday Times has decided to dedicate this column to its readers so that they can comment about contents in our sports columns and features and also write their own thoughts on various sports with letters to the editor.Their views however are not necessarily those of the newspaper.
Football is a long neglected sport delayed among people whose competence in managing anything is questionable! People who are acquainted with the game are only too aware of the ad-hoc nature of national football management. With the Sri Lanka national Team facing the on-coming SAFF Tournament in Bangladesh come August, it is common knowledge that we have still not picked a team. No wonder I read the new national coach saying not to expect great results so soon.
During the tamasha held to welcome the FIFA World Cup recently, a lot of noise was made about a Football 2030 Master plan. From what we have seen, a long term plan such as this has been drilled down to a few pages that gloss over about a transformation all football lovers are waiting for. No discussion with Leagues or even the Ex Co & Council, we learn.
The Ministry of Sports appears to be oblivious to this poor game plan. No prizes need be given for guessing as to who will go on a joy ride to the World Cup in Russia. So the cozy relationship between FFSL & MOS continues regardless of the standards that are now in utter despair. It is time that the football lovers of this country demand a better national representation for this beloved sport before it is too late. Until then, we hope KornerKick will continue to keep a sharp eye on the game!
Tilak Peiris
Soccer Veteran Former National Youth Football Captain