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An Inglorious End to Alpha’s Champions League Campaign

Aug 31, 2014 Sports

“The difference between amateurs and professionals” according to Alpha United’s Head Coach, Wayne “Wiggy” Dover in his post match comments, following his team’s 1-4 loss to Portland Timbers, in the CONCACAF Champions League match on 19.08.14 at the National Stadium, Providence.
Editor, once again the visitors sublime performance, only this time around the margin of victory was justifiable. Since the Timbers were able to convert the goal scoring opportunities they created, while capitalizing on the hosts elementary mistakes!
Once again the crowd support/attendance was poor, primarily due to a lack of proper marketing. The continued non-use of the print media for advertisements; featuring at least 5 pre-match write-ups, in the daily newspapers, along with strip ads would have aided significantly, the product of football as being marketable!
Fliers/handbills featuring the two Brazilians surely would have attracted a few hundred of their nationals, with restaurants, hotels, bars and business places as the source of advertising. But for some strange reason Alpha’s administration on two consecutive occasions remained devoid of ideas!
Finally, in a previous letter I did indicate that Portland Timbers would have been a tougher opponent that the Honduran lineup and mistakes would have to be minimal. Indeed, this was a stark reality, since their display both tactically and technically was superior to that of Alpha. Nevertheless it also must be taken into serious consideration the sad state of local football. Wherein the nation’s National Club Champions with a large influx of foreign players, could not have given a more favorable account of themselves.
Suffice it to say that on three previous occasions, once as a host, Alpha could not have won the Inter-Guiana’s Club Championship.
So, in actuality the transformation to compete against a professional outfit leaves a wide gap, and until and unless semi-professionalism is not seriously looked at, it is hardly likely the results will change for the better.
The upgrading of coaches certification to a higher level remains of utmost priority. Neighbouring Brazil, with a FIFA accredited Elite Coaching course would be the ideal start for two locals.
The Guyanese public ought not to be disappointed with Alpha’s performance, but rather to assess the state of local football, that offers nothing significant for development in comparison to what the visitors at club level offers, i.e. medical staff and warm ups for the substitutes!
With one return match left for Alpha, having lost the return game to Olimpia 0-6, securing a solitary point which is hardly likely or scoring a goal would be a significant achievement. Since from two home matches and one away match, Alpha is pointless, winless and a goal difference of -10; after scoring 1 goal, while conceding 11!
By the way what of the unprofessional display by the Grenadian international Kithison Bain, who is in the twilight of his career and refused to shake the coach’s hand, upon substitution! Would he continue to be a part of Alpha’s lineup?
Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey

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