By Ras Wadada

HEAD coach of the Fruta Conquerors FC, Sampson ‘Bennaiah’ Gilbert is not satisfied with the team’s performance in the first half of the GFF-STAG Elite League, despite finishing second in the points table and is prepared to make the necessary adjustments for a better output in the second half.Speaking to Chronicle Sport on his reflections of the first round of matches, the head coach, who rejoined the club in August for his third tenure at the helm of the coaching staff, related his dissatisfaction with the commitment of some key players.
“The team could have performed better with more commitment from the senior players who failed to step up and help the younger players who were playing at this level for the first time.
“For an important game against the Army these players neglected training to participate in street football, so our preparation was poor; but the result was not too disappointing. I was not satisfied with the performance and wasn’t expecting any positive result.
“Our performance was so poor in the first half that we had a tall order to overcome in the second which we played much better in holding the Army to a score-less half, the only team to do so,” coach Gilbert revealed.
“The main cause for the indifferent attitude of some players is the fact that players are hardly being compensated and the delayed process of payments of stipends by the GFF would have led to training, commitment and performance being affected.
The process of commitment has already begun as after the 3-1 loss to the Army the captain, Delon Williams, was relieved of his post for being disrespectful to me and the team,” the dreadlocked ‘Bennaiah’ stated.
Gilbert, who was the assistant coach at Alpha United last season, added that ‘the mass migration of players from the club after promises were not fulfilled also forced the club to expose new talents this season and they responded admirably, especially 16-year-old wing defender Rishaun Ritch who, in my opinion, was a standout for a rookie’.
Looking ahead to the second half of the League, Gilbert hinted at being better prepared,” The 2nd round will be more competitive so we need to be better prepared and committed. The break offers all the teams the opportunity to get better organised, with tactical awareness being the emphasis. I am looking forward to using younger and committed players.
“I am also looking forward to the transfer window next month where I can get players who are committed and can fit in to our chemistry where the focus will be on professionalism and commitment.”
Coach ‘Bennaiah’ is however not in agreement with the extended break. “The length of the time for the break is unusual since we are just six teams and the short playing time does not aid in the development of the younger players at this level. I think early January should be the restart.
“It is obvious that the Technical Committee is lacking knowledge and maybe it is time to involve the coaches. Decisions should not be related to off-field issues, but more on the impact of the players if the League is to grow,” Gilbert suggested
In his general overview of the first half the coach stated, “The League was generally competitive and a good thing for the sport, but it needs more depth.
“To have a League at the highest national level is good for the sport. Regrettably, what appeared to have a football political flavour was the cause for four teams to withdraw. I don’t think the effects of the withdrawals were considered,” Gilbert said.