Dear Editor
CONSTITUTIONAL articulation and its strict adherence were always the catalysts towards determining the progress that was reflective of meaningful governance, in its true sense of where the administration of football was, its intended sense of purpose and futuristic direction. As a consequence, I am compelled to add the “widow’s mite,” in what best can be construed as a pertinent factor. More so, with the publication of an article captioned, “Why the MSC ground?” SN 22. 03.17 Sports Scope Our Opinion. While I haven’t ventured recently to both the MSC or the #5 grounds, it’s only out of honesty that I can surely say that I am in no position to offer my opinion about the existing conditions of the two playing surfaces.

But what I’m concerned about is a quote in the article, “MSC poor lighting and a playing surface that resembles a dust bowl, a parlance better suited for cricket.” With this factor being taken into consideration, then at least it can be that the playing surface at MSC, isn’t as “grassy for football.” By the way, how long would it take to have the MSC surface match-ready and improve the lighting, based on the initial request for rental of the venue?

Editor, in relation to the economic aspect of Region 10, albeit “the financial success for the wise GFF.” Surely, I can’t be in full agreement with Sports Scope, since national economic growth has declined to some extent. Suffice it to say, that “matches held in Linden during the Limacol Championship didn’t even threaten the halfway seating capacity, despite featuring three teams from the area.” Unfair, is how best I can describe such an assessment without taking into consideration attendance at matches in other competitions, namely: Stag Elite League and UDFA Annual Christmas Tournament.

In the final analysis, while playing surfaces matter, so too are seating accommodation, lights and dressing rooms. Does the #5 ground, situated at West Coast Berbice, much better than MSC, in all three areas? When marketing of football as a saleable product is taken into consideration, fans, spectators and supporters would go beyond the extra mile to attend, irrespective of transportation costs. By relevant comparison, the cost of transportation to West Coast Berbice and Linden return, is basically the same. However, as it relates to the caption, “Does the GFF Constitution still include a Ground Committee?” It’s out of sincerity that I posed the question.

This is primarily due to the fact that as a former member of the Sub-Committee, jointly with competitions. Our tasks ahead of international friendlies, CFU Qualifiers and Local Competitions always entailed: Designated areas of responsibilities consisting of examining playing venues and amenities; coordinating practice venue (s), transportation, meals, accommodation, laundrying and liaising with the relevant authorities. The GFF within a specific time-frame would have been duly informed of our observations from interactions, followed by a “Proposed Budget of Expenditure.” If for whatever reason the Grounds and Competition Committee is no longer enshrined in the Constitution, then Sports Scope would continue to have a “field day and quite rightfully so, since the current GFF executive would have performed the final rites” by not pursuing some measure of improvements to a well-defined inherent policy, from former President Colin Klass’s stewardship of “enacting sub-committees, within the constitutional framework.”

But then again, this is Guyana, where investigative journalism, in this aspect sports, is sadly lacking. Can Sports Scope ascertain how many grounds where the Stag Elite League is played have proper grounds-men and the required equipment, most importantly a water sprinkler? “Dust bowl” playing surfaces, albeit suitable for cricket, have been around for decades now. This nevertheless, is primarily due to economic circumstances, whereby many clubs and definitely not teams can’t afford to cut their grounds on a regular basis, much less the occasional rolling and proper nurturing of the grass to a specific height, which automatic ally would create the relevant thickness, evenly, for a proper playing surface.

By the way, is the privately managed MSC in receipt of annual subventions from the Regional Democratic Council, Linden Municipality, Bosai, Sports Ministry and the NSC? Is the soil on the MSC ground conducive to the growth of grass, which is suitable for playing proper football? Maybe, a scientific evaluation is needed, along with a CONCACAF-funded seminar, on “Proper care and Maintenance of Playing Surface for Football.” While the cost factor for the National Stadium, and limited seating for the Leonora facility can’t be overlooked.

Regards
Respectfully Yours,
Lester Sealey.