Colombo based football clubs at a crossroad!
After two decades of dictatorial rule, when the Incumbent President occupied the top seat of the Football Controlling Body in Sri Lanka the past players and the soccer loving crowd had high hopes that there will a drastic change in the football administration which they felt, would pave way to the development and promotion of the sport.
Officials are just involved in dirty soccer politics, just to safeguard their positions in the Controlling Body, unable to even conduct a tournament properly - File pic
It is rather disappointing to note that much headway has not being made to improve the standards, technically, or organizationally to promote it, as a truly national sport. There was only lightning and thunder in the Football House but no rain. This is not something new to us. Unwarranted arguments and senseless debates taking place frequently between the officials sharply divided, charging each other with corrupt and fraudulent practices. Amidst this highly tense atmosphere, the Hon, Minister of sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage once intervene and warn those officials involved, to stop this nonsense.
When all these episodes taking place in the Controlling Body, a top brass of the City Football League surrounded by few veteran footballers is trying to bring a motion, that the Colombo – based clubs should be allowed to register their players to play in tournaments conducted by only one particular league of their choice not for both leagues namely the Colombo Football League and the City Football League. However, taking into consideration the size and the population of the Colombo city and its Suburb, officials of the past era rightly allowed clubs to play in both leagues.
Before one propose a motion of this nature, he should study the history of the two leagues and the services rendered, by the officials then to the Colombo – based clubs for over seventy years without any interruption and tug – war which itself is a record by any human standards.
These two leagues have a history much longer than that of the National Body. For instance, the Colombo Football League under its original name Colombo Association Football League was formed in 1911, followed by the City Football League in 1922. By late 1940 s both leagues were hive of activity with the domestic tournaments an annual feature. The principal competition, namely the League (points) Tournament and the knock – out Tournament for the Senior Football Clubs and League (points) Tournament for the youth were the traditional annual tournament of the two leagues. In addition to this the Colombo Football League conducted the prestigious Gold Cup and the Silver Cup competitions annually. They are the pioneers to introduce flood-lit football in Sri Lanka, also organized that fabulous Ranpandu Gold Cup soccer festival in 1972, with a little bit of international flavour which nearly 40,000 spectators witnessed and really enjoyed. I was blessed with the “Best Player” award in this tournament. The City Football League on the other hand organized the Times Cup, Major’s Cup and the Abdul Rahuman Cup in addition to the League and knockout Competitions. In these tournaments more than 100 clubs participated from all corners of the Colombo City, which was held equally in two or more divisions. These annual tournaments attracted a wide public patronage a part from affording the players a fairly tight season of competitive football, In fact, a cursory glance at our national squads between the year 1945 – 1970 would show a strong representation in both the senior and youth national teams. Such was the quality and character of football in those two leagues then. Gone are those vibrant Football League which once served the sport – assiduously which produced plenty of soccer – stars to our country.
As a soccer player who was born at the Slave Island Police barrack adjoining the City Football League grounds, learned my ABC of the game of football, beside my three brothers, who subsequently represented our mother land. I also had the privilege of representing the City Football League senior team at the National Inter League Tournament as a school boy when I was only sixteen. Later coached the City League Senior team in 1996 to become the inter League Champion. Further I represented the Colombo Football League Team at the Dehli Cloth Mills tournament in 1969 held in New Delhi. With such a background I am in an unbiased position to make relevant comments with regard to these two popular leagues.
To be frank, from the late 1970’s we have had nothing but square pegs in round holes at the top, centre and bottom of the administration in these two leagues. Officials are just involved in dirty soccer politics, just to safeguard their positions in the Controlling Body, unable to even conduct a tournament properly. When did they last win the Inter League championship? Were they able to draw up a sensible football training programme for the youths in Colombo during their tenure in office? Evidence clearly indicates that the official in these leagues is men without an inkling of technical knowledge or competence. Some even have not kicked a football properly. Business tycoons, and other professional men who sadly ignorant of the sport who serve these two leagues have virtually ruined the football standards in the Colombo City. Wittingly or otherwise they have damaged the base which the others had tirelessly built over the years.
Decades ago men of quality and fine stock holding office in these two leagues kept the game and administration on the right track. There weren’t any grants nor sponsors either. All by themselves they worked so hard, finding the necessary finances keeping all the affiliated clubs in active competitive football.
They were competent and experienced men, new the subject with authority and thoroughness unlike today, when a couple of money – men kept under their thumbs, some mediocrities who for many reasons, shall not raise their brow against their master, the old order had a galaxy of clever and brilliant men who were totally independent in thought and action, making the two leagues somewhat a seat of learning. Football need such personalities, if it is to reach good standards. What a pity that we do not have even a modicum of such talented and knowledge today. That is one of the major reasons for the decadence of football here in the recent times. Only providence could save us from this calamity is to replace the officials who have failed to produce the goods and ensure that the persons with technical experience and administration knowledge are appointed to guide the sport at all levels. We need exemplary leaders not self – seekers. It is the leader that certainly matters!
When you take into consideration the total population and the number of football clubs existing in Colombo and its suburb, two leagues can easily conduct its tournaments to make the game of football popular and meaningful.
Instead of weakling the two leagues, just limiting its activities to be paper leagues is indeed a crime. I humbly request the existing clubs officials to appoint those who are technically and administratively knowledgeable and competent to run its affairs properly and efficiently.
Unless and until the Club officials are geared to implement the proviso’s mentioned above, the few clubs which are playing now in low gear too will wind up. Proposed motion to the Colombo – based clubs to play to one league is not the right solution to the problem!
I conclude with an old saying, “An army of stags led by a lion, would be better than an army of lions led by a stag”