News that FAM is determined to go ahead and procure a second luxury coach for the Flames, reminds me of a pauper trying to live a million dollar lifestyle.
Early this week the South African Football Association (Safa) donated a luxury coach from the 2010 World Cup remnant treasures. The donation could not have come at the right moment as FAM was already planning to spend K70 million from a Fifa grant to buy a bus.
But I am bewildered, however, to learn that despite the donated bus, FAM still wants to procure another bus to make two luxury coaches for the Flames.
This is the same FAM that threatened to boycott Afcon qualifying matches last year because there was no funding. This is the same FAM that this year has failed to participate in the Chan tournament and has since been heftily fined by CAF.
I will not ask what they are smoking at FAM for fear of being disrespectful and trite. However, this behaviour speaks volumes about the people we have at the helm of football administration; extravagant and ostentatious for nothing!
Imagine what K70 million could do to our football. How many football pitches can we build with that money in a city such as Blantyre where only Kamuzu Stadium is in a playable state. BAT, Escom and many others are dilapidated. On local football, I would like to encourage Surestream not to lose hope despite failing to win a game after three matches. I disagree with those who are suggesting the team should recruit a few experienced players. The idea of relying on old experienced players has killed many young skilful players who do not blossom as they spend too much time warming the bench.
Let the young lads gain experience. They will slowly adapt to the demands of the league and start winning games. Their display against Nomads was much better despite a last minute mistake to concede a goal. Come Sunday, I am hoping the young lads will force a draw against Red Lions.
With domestic leagues almost decided in and around Europe, the main focus is now on the intrigues of the elite Champions League which has reached the semi-final stage. The question making rounds is whether Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich will overturn the 3-0 deficit suffered at Nou Camp in Barcelona on Wednesday night.
It was foolish for Bayern to try and play with three defenders at the back to man-mark the attacking trio. Whatever Pep had in mind, it backfired. Of course Bayern are missing the talents of Alaba, Arjen Robben and Frank Ribbery, but have managed well in the last few games without those players.
Of course, they managed to come back against Porto after losing 3-1 in the first leg when they scored six goals in the return leg. However Barcelona are a different proposition. The Catalan giants attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez proved handful for Bayern. Before the match, they had a combined total of 108 goals which is a world record for a single season. I don’t see Bayern upsetting the tables in the second leg.
Juventus also hold an advantage over Real Madrid. The meeting of the two teams once again brought home the message that money cannot buy trophies. Real Madrid’s hugely expensive squad fizzled under the heat in Turin. Instead, it was Tevez bought for a fraction of what Madrid paid for Bale or Ronaldo who lit up the night with a dazzling display.
Real Madrid are missing the services of Sammy Khedira, Luca Modric and Karim Benzima. If these return in the second leg, it will be interesting to see how Juve will defend their advantage.
