Nepal's struggle in international football continues

The national   football   team   of   Nepal   mediocre   World   Cup   qualifier   run   finally   ended, following a   hard fought 1-1 draw against Jordan in Kathmandu recently.

After being blown away by the Jordanians in the  first  leg,  Nepal  did make  a tremendous fight back to hold  the mighty  opponent  to  a draw  much  to the delight of the packed stadium who braved the heavy  downpour.

The team deserves    a round of applause   for   their   fighting spirit and positive attitude despite the massive   setback   in   the   first leg. The matter of truth is   with    the right kind of climate, management and   infrastructure   the   talent   we   have   can   rise   to the occasion and deliver the goods.

The big question is, will   or can   it ever happen?  I say this because   we   have waited far too long and there are no indications   yet things are improving. 

The     second leg   outcome   did   provide some   breathing space to Ganesh   Thapa led All   Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the root of the   problem.  All these years they   have   been   living   in denial, and they have   practically pushed   football into oblivion.  

Agreed that   given   the state of affairs it is easier said than done, however, there is a big difference between willingness and unwillingness   to do whatever it takes to get the job done. In the case of ANFA,   there is total lack of sincerity, seriousness and commitment   to the cause.

Once   responsibilities are shouldered no matter what you must perform and be in public’s good books. There    is no excuse for failing to live up to the expectations unless you are sincere to your work.  The less said the better.

After   the   Jordan   ignominy, ANFA official   Lalit Krishna Shrestha at a press meet   brazenly put the blame on players though accepting partial responsibility, which to   me   was   preposterous and outlandish.    

Nepal’s   shocking   0-9 reversal at the hands of Jordan   was a stunner and drew wrath from all quarters.  

Apparently, nobody expected the national   team   to   crumble like a house   of   cards.  The   result   enraged, devastated and frustrated   hard core fans across the country.

In my   opinion   it   would   be unfair to scapegoat players for   the   humiliation    that loomed large on the horizon even before they left for Jordan.

They played to their potential and ability but literally got overwhelmed   by  a far superior and   adequately prepared opponent.

The real culprit   for the debacle is ANFA that turned a blind eye to a timely and effective build up.  While Jordan   was engaged in a series of quality warm up matches, ANFA   had our side confined in closed camp in the capital.

This   is   a   clear case of gross negligence on part of ANFA.  Someone, please tell   me,   how Nepali   football has   benefited   under   President   Thapa’s   watch in the last 16 years ? The answer is short and simple: Nothing   substantial   and significant.

With the kind of revenue ANFA generates and   Thapa’s   clout and connection, Nepali   football   should   have    had a healthier   look   by   now   in terms of development.  Regrettably,   the president‘s obsession for   power and personal interests   has   considerably slowed down the pace of development.  

Prior to   Nepal’s encounter against Jordan   Thapa was   busy flying to Mexico and Germany.  Upon his home coming he barefacedly   admitted that the team was well short of proper    preparation.   Can you believe   this?

Where   is   the outrage?  Where is the protest?  Why are our sport scribes   defensive on the issue and    so protective of Thapa? 

It is time sport enthusiasts rise up against   Thapa’s   failed leadership and rescue the most popular game from further destruction.