Players, coaches must stand up against ANFA boss Thapa

The   second leg match of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers between Nepal and India played in Kathmandu was a stalemate much to the chagrin of   partisan supporters.

The result was merely a consolation for a team that has been struggling for years and   trying to figure out how to succeed.

The latest setback is worrisome, however, more than that, the ongoing slump the national team is going through is a huge source of concern.

It means that Nepal is eliminated from the first round of the competition. I have to admit, I am not a bit surprised. I saw it coming. It is all becoming too predictable now and that is very frustrating.

At least, home supporters were spared from the ignominy of a loss. Nepal had to fight back from a 2-0 hole against the Indians going into the crucial home game.

Despite the odds, the coaching staff and fans was optimistic about the team’s chances. They needed a much-improved performance to close out the deal.

They did put in a much inspiring performance but fell well short of their target, when it mattered most, at the end.

Ultimately, their inability to convert the bagful of scoring chances that came their way undid them.  At times, they were bogged down by the fear of failure, as well.

On the other hand, India’s   performance was far from convincing, but they did well defensively to frustrate the opposition and keep their slate clean. All they needed was a draw to sail through to the next round.

It could be argued that the goalless draw was/is a fair result considering Nepal’s poor preparations for the competition. That said, it’s not a good enough excuse for the debacle.

Fans have had enough and 20 years of mediocrity is way too much. Apparently, they are overwhelmed with agony, frustration and anger.

In retrospect, the result was another major setback for Nepali football .As always, it was a case of poor planning, flawed selection process, untrustworthiness of coaches, corrupt administrators.

Who is responsible for the national team’s subpar showings and continual failure in international tournaments? The answer is simple; the   blame lies with All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

The truth of the matter is that ANFA never takes responsibility for poor results. Players are always used as scapegoat whenever we lose games.

What is the point of sticking to Coach Jack Stefanowski? He needs to be sacked because he is not bringing results. Undoubtedly, he has proven himself to be a mediocre coach.

Remember, a great coach can take a mediocre team and make them either good or somewhat competitive. Neither has happened, unfortunately.

Also Coach Stefanowski has failed to create an environment conducive to success and address or reduce problems confronting the team.

The opinion expressed by Sagar Thapa, skipper of the national football team that players are happy playing for the country despite the sad of affairs is understandable.

Certainly, his statement underscores the dire state of Nepali football that is mired in corruption, bureaucracy and surrounded by uncertainties.

My question to the skipper is, how long are you and the entire football fraternity going to endure the sufferings inflicted by ANFA?

You along with your teammates and coaches cannot afford to be mere spectators any more. If you seriously intend to put an end to the sufferings, it is time for action, and to cease being passive spectators.

You have a crucial role to play, and that can make a big difference. So I say to you: be united, rise above petty politics, self-interest, and greed to confront the corrupt, repressive leadership of ANFA President Ganesh Thapa. You can succeed where others failed.

Two decades of Mr. Thapa’s rule has put football in a deep rut, bringing more misery, pain and despair to footballers, shame and disgrace to the country and stagnating the infrastructural developments of the game further.

The ANFA boss with the support of his lackeys has driven Nepali football to the brink of catastrophe.

He has essentially turned the football body into his own fiefdom and using it for personal gain, especially to amass wealth.

Long as ANFA is in the hands of shamed, disgraced, corrupt Mr.Thapa, Nepali football landscape will   remain unchanged, and footballers and football goers  will continue to experience  failure, frustration ,disappointment and misery.