In my own heart, the uneven waves of messages which seemed to have followed the absolute deterioration of Football in T&T, was very painful. Many times in the past, the memories of a football career were always memorable to the veteran spectators who lived during the era of excellent teams, superb opponents, and of course the joy of quality football which everyone enjoyed immensely.
Just like the sudden attack of Coronavirus disease which travelled the world in a flash, came the announcement that FIFA will be putting together a normalization committee, to bring some sanity and competence to the TTFA. In almost every department of the great game. Immediately the pain, anxiety and boredom which the dreaded disease (Covid 19) suddenly disrupted our lives, was temporarily ignored when the FIFA vs TTFA battle was advertised.
While almost everyone was aware of the serious problems of awkward money spending over the years, the tension seemed to flare up when a number of unpaid coaches, managers, players etc exposed the debts of millions which were owed by the ruling body. I humbly ask the people of our country and possibly our Caribbean neighbours to pay close attention to the methodology and strategy used by the newly formed committee.
I wish to follow the lessons which the professional experts will formulate systems of management, marketing, accounting, event planning, technical development et al. Whose primary move will be to demonstrate competence in sports management.
It should be noted that the areas in need of appropriate adjustments, are not a recent phenomenon, but would have plagued us for a number of years. This shows that current pattern, as weak as it is in many ways, is not necessarily where the major management flaws started. That is why the length of time requested by the FIFA is approximately two years in order to recognize the errors, then fit them into modern-day sports administration.
As time goes on, the picture which FIFA expects from their national associations, will be completed and hopefully take the path which could improve in the offices and bring qualitative football to national teams as well as leagues and clubs all across the country. We shall take the project as it goes along.
