AS A football supporter I feel compelled to respond to Mr. Michael Benjamin’s missive that was carried in Kaieteur (News) Sports on Wednesday January 5, 2011. In his haste to sympathise with K&S he gave a historical review of its fortunes without even factoring in the contributions of the main stakeholders, the players and the mistreatment meted out to them over these years.
It is true that the players are not organised and that they operate in circumstances that very often do not allow them the best of leadership as is reflected in the last issue regarding preparation fees. Such a situation would always allow promoters like K&S to divide and rule as they so continue to do, give clubs what they feel like giving, knowing fully well that the GFF is toothless at this time of the year since a number of it’s officers work for and with the K&S organization. It should be reported that during the last negotiations for preparation fees, the GFF through its GS told the K&S not to negotiate with clubs.
I ask, this is in whose interest- the GFF or K&S.
The K&S pay a 1M in levy fees to their (friend), the GFF and this fee is constant for years, but the competition is getting larger by the year and they pay a $50,000 fine to the GFF for non disclosure of their books. What is the criterion on which the GFF compute this constant levy? It is important to note that this organization enjoy duty-free gates –no vat.
In addition, these lovers of football (K&S) among other things charge the nut and plantain -chip sellers $75,000 per person to sell at the event for the season, (10) or so games, while collecting over 20M between GTT and Mackenson, just think what NP and Fish-shop had to pay to sell. I don’t always like the things Mr. Lumumba does, but if Mackeson give over 10M to K&S, why their tournament (Sweet Sixteen) should be played for $500,000, first prize? Size of prizes must be dependent on the amount of sponsorship power and anticipated gate earnings.
Mr. Benjamin, you came to the boxing match without gloves, the facts need to inform your writing on football issues, the players need to earn (not just four teams) and if Mr. Lumumba will ensure that they earn by bringing another tournament so be it, so long as there is a commitment to football development. Lots of clubs have issues but are afraid to speak for fear of being left out the next year. The issue with a new tournament must be its developmental nature along with its prize takings- something that is lacking in Guyana. Why after twenty-one years of K&S, clubs have to be protesting to get preparation fee?
Mr. Lumumba is not the issue he is just one of the messengers and pelting him down will not kill the subject just take note.