2012: Disappointing year for Nepali Football
As the year 2012 draws to a close, it makes sense to me at least to highlight the lows and highs of Nepali football.
In hindsight the year has turned out to be unproductive, mediocre and far from encouraging yet again. This fact cannot be disputed.
Unlike previous years, 2012 has been more than just the usual talking points like, All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), football development, national team’s performance, domestic and international tournaments.
There were a few attention-grabbing issues and had a lot of people talking. The untimely tragic demise of promising young footballers, FIFA boss Seep Blatter’s Nepal visit, national women team’s potential and President of ANFA Ganesh Thapa’s saga of corruption.
I am aware that sport enthusiasts in the country are pretty well- informed about all of the major developments in the world of Nepali football. It is obvious that they are frustrated and upset with the way things are going.
They will agree that, “Things are the way they are”. I would say, though, ANFA could and should have done a far better job. I have said umpteen times and I will repeat it here: they lack accountability, honesty and commitment.
2012 AFC Challenge Cup & Nehru Cup
The national team continues to struggle in terms of performance. The team participated in two major international championships, AFC Challenge Cup at home and Nehru Cup in New Delhi, India.
The AFC Challenge Cup turned into a nightmare for Nepal much to the chagrin of partisan crowd. Apart from losing all three matches, the host failed to score a single goal.
The Nehru Cup did not go down well either. Not surprisingly, they finished at the bottom with a winless record. They did, however, held India to a draw.
2013 AFC U-22 Asian Cup qualification
Nepal used to be a force to reckon with in age group football in the region, however, we have seen a decline lately. That was evident in the AFC U-22 Asian Cup qualifier held in Kathmandu. The host ended their tournament with a disappointing fourth place finish only ahead of Bangladesh that featured three other teams.
AFC President Cup qualifiers
Nepal Police Club represented Nepal in the AFC President Cup qualifiers (2nd round) in Cambodia. The team put in a lackluster performance and made a total hash of the opportunity. They lost two matches and managed to beat lowly Bhutan.
Governor’s Gold Cup
The absence of India’s prominent clubs took away some of the glitter and competitiveness from this year’s edition of the Governor’s Gold Cup in Sikkim. Star-studded Three Star Club took advantage of a weak field and did well to reach the final. However, their quest for glory was undone by penalty shoot- outs.
Manang Marsyangdhi Club unstoppable
By winning two domestic tournaments Manang Marsyangdhi Club has replaced a struggling Nepal Police Club as the country’s best football club. I would be very surprised if they fail to win the ongoing KTM League.
Women National Team’s progress
The women’s national team has progressed by leaps and bounds, over the years. They are the second best in South Asia and are fast catching up with India. They continue to make progress and get better despite poor infrastructure facilities.
Their second place finish in the 1st SAFF Championship held in Sri Lanka confirms the fact that they have the potential to become a formidable football team.
Rise in the number of domestic tournament
We can rightly say that there is no dearth of football tourneys in the country. There has been a dramatic rise in the number of domestic tournaments lately. We have witnessed a slew of new tournaments across the kingdom, covering most geographical regions.
The competition provides youngsters with an important platform to showcase their talent. It is very clear that football continues to thrive and gain in popularity.
The revival of Birat Gold Cup (Mahendra Gold Cup) is heartwarming. Aaha Gold Cup (Pokhara) and Budha Subba Gold Cup (Dharan) are two tournaments that have grown in status.
The big irony, however, is that a score of tournaments have been abandoned by organizers due to financial difficulties and lack of infrastructure. The majority of district football associations (affiliated to ANFA) responsible for the development of football remains a showpiece.
National League cancellation
ANFA decision to do away with the national league was a huge blunder. What this has done is further isolate clubs (outside the capital) from mainstream football.
It is a damn shame that the football body cannot even organize a national league in the last 18 years. President Thapa can brag what he wants about his accomplishments, but the matter of truth is that he has not lived up to expectations.
Corporate sponsors & cash prizes
ANFA has done an excellent job getting corporate sponsors. I credit them for providing cash prizes to footballers past and present for their contribution and performance.
This year’s ‘A’ Division Kathmandu League ups the ante, with the biggest ever cash prize to the winning team.
FIFA boss Seep Blatter’s visit
FIFA boss Seep Blatter’s visit to Nepal took the football community by surprise. How much his visit benefitted Nepali football, I have no clue.
Ganesh Thapa’s saga of corruption
The number one news maker of the year was ANFA boss Ganesh Thapa, no doubt. He and his son were linked to the disgraced former President of AFC Mohamed Bin Hammam who was charged for corruption.
Start of Women Football League
ANFA finally got the much awaited football league for women going. This is a good move from the football body. I just hope continuity is given to the competition.
Untimely death of ANFA academy footballers
The untimely and tragic death of two promising youngsters Ranjan Thapa and Sagar Pariyar with the ANFA academy was an irreparable loss to Nepali football. They were killed in a bus accident.
“Goal Nepal” leads by example
The media’s crucial role in football development cannot be doubted. Of the many news outlets, including websites, “Goal Nepal” (English & Nepali), stands out in every way when it comes to excellent coverage of Nepali football.
Goalnepal.com CEO, Bikram Thapa deserves a round of applause for his immeasurably invaluable contribution to football in Nepal.
What to expect in 2013?
Let time speak. I am an optimist, and I look forward to positive Nepali football future. ANFA election is scheduled for next year. Already Ganesh Thapa is gearing up for his re-election.
He was quick to announce the appointment of two foreign coaches for the national teams, installation of an Astroturf and construction of a mini football stadium.
Comments
Post a Comment