As T&T was drawn against the USA again in yet another tournament, I could almost hear the collective yawn from a group of men in this country, who seem only interested in what football can do for them and not what they can do for football.
Can we describe them as a "gang" or should we say something else? That is a debate worth listening for in the next few weeks.
Some of these individuals, who have sadly been described recently as probably, false prophets, jokers or pretenders, would have represented this country at one time or the other but now that their best playing days are behind them, they are still struggling to stay in the limelight with irrelevant dialogue and misplaced words. Did someone say, once a footballer only a footballer?
Imagine if you may and if you care that is about football on the field of play, that the majority of our local players have been inactive for almost four to five months in terms of league football, whether at Pro League or Super League level.
It is safe to say that there is nothing professional or nothing super in what is being described as plans to amalgamate the two leagues. As can be expected, it appears everyone is waiting on some decision to start something with much more concern with apparently defending his or her own beaten up turf.
It is absolutely shameful and signifies to everyone, why it is that a lot of administrators are not trusted in various sports in this country and in the region. It is easy to talk but action speaks louder than words.
If I did not know better, then I could believe that this was an intentional conspiracy by well-known figures, to ensure that current national football coach and goal-scoring hero from Bahrain, former player Dennis "Tallest" Lawrence and his staff are embarrassed at the upcoming Gold Cup.
However, when last I checked, it was Team T&T that is wearing our national colours and hopefully, that should mean something to people who purport to know better.
What a lot of these "men", seem to have forgotten, is that many persons are well aware of their concerted plans and therefore a lot of respect has been lost if not already eroded and perhaps that is why some of their complaints, no matter legitimate or not, will be tarnished by their obvious apparent selfish behaviour. It is not too late though to change all of that.
So this is the current reality.
Firstly, T&T will play against USA, Panama and Guyana in Group D at the Gold Cup, with local players who will most likely have only played three or four friendlies as their match practice ahead of this encounter.
Secondly, while football burns on the field, all we hear is gun talk about this and that off the field, who wants to be in charge, who should be in charge and who can do what, if in charge, real gangland it seems.
Thirdly, our local footballers meanwhile are earning no money and therefore are being forced to find other ways to earn a living so they can support their family.
Given all of the above, we have to ask why the T&T Football Association is not involved and the answer is that it again appears those at both the Pro League and Super League, do not believe that is a "wise decision". But meanwhile our local footballers are inactive and frustrated and quite naturally are wondering if during this process to establish a new league system, there is some promised funding from UEFA or FIFA.
It is a relevant and perhaps extremely pertinent question in light of the concern for many with being paid for their services especially with so many creditors arising from apparently nowhere recently.
Sadly, nobody cares enough to attempt to intervene in the matter and instead, we the public wrongfully will demand success from Lawrence and his squad despite the obvious lack of match practice. That is just how the people of this country behave, many times passing judgement without all the necessary facts.
It is actually ridiculous that there is not a greater outcry by more. But I want to bet all of you, reading this today, that if it was friendly charity match, then all these so-called former footballers from the past, would be the first set enquiring about playing, about uniforms, about food, about drinks and everything else.
We have become too self-centred in this country and there is a misguided opinion that talking loud helps but let me convince those with those errant thoughts, that it is the complete opposite.
When the public was recently asked about what was wrong with sports in this country, they all pointed to current administrators and many who seek to be administrators or returning administrators, in other words, the public can see the cloth you wear or the lie you pile.
What is happening with the senior national football team should concern these people if they really believe in football instead of agendas and sadly, there are many in the media for their own personal self-gratification that has fallen prey to such. What can be said, soon the truth will set all free.
The good thing is that after the last few weeks in listening to the public on the radio and television, is that there is now an awareness of the reality that is football in this country, that a few do not care about our footballers but rather themselves. I get the feeling the public can name this "gang" if asked.
Lawrence though, given his upbringing and training from overseas, is not allowing the many obstacles being placed in front of him to deter his purpose, and the processes he and his team have put in place. It is sad when people forget that their legacy is now being written and it is one filled with self-interest for football and no care for its future and it does not matter, where you were educated or if you played football in the ’70s, ’80s or ’90s, it is being documented and I expect a strike back soon.
A lot of intelligent persons have stated that it is a case of a lot of jealousy and while some have learnt hard life lessons, others only seek to destroy at all costs, regardless of the innocent aspiring footballers that are being hurt daily by the behaviour of a few.