Who is to blame?

I hear some people condemning government for only trying to do something about football now when for so many years nothing had been done. Yes, it is true that the government officials have only noticed now that the Philippine team AKA the Azkals made it to the semifinals of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao used to be just one of those boxers when he was starting and there were no ticker tape parades to welcome him home after victories on the ring.

Things have changed for Manny, now Rep. Pacquiao of Sarangani Province, since he started winning the big bouts.

As for the Azkals, yes our government had failed and now it is trying to make up for what it had once failed to do, but we must bear in mind that even in the rich countries, government cannot do everything their citizens want.

It is very good that we have people with real interest to develop football, who are helping the team make it this far. 

One reason also why government might not have taken notice is that in the past, they don’t hear of victories of the team in international competitions only squabbling among those who fancy themselves as leaders of the football association.

Not only government was turned off, but also the big corporate backers, who worry that the money they would give, might just end up in the pockets of some corrupt sports official.

The recent success of the Philippines in football will definitely be used by the crooked leaders to further their cause. These are the people, who ought to be crucified.

While our national team may not get a chance to play at home in the semifinals of the Suzuki Cup, let us continue to pray for their success and show our support.

The Azkals have not only shown us the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, but they have also opened the eyes of many to the ills of Philippine football.

Go Azkals!

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While many are now very excited about developing football in the grassroots level, let us not get too excited that we might end up doing programs that cannot be sustained.

The success of any grassroots development program is hinged also on sustainability.

We can probably have so many football fields built, so many clinics in the various schools and towns, so many thousands of balls distributed, but doing the program right must be first and foremost in the mind of those who will plan this out.

One problem that has always been raised is the lack of fields especially in the urban areas. This can be addressed by utilizing the small spaces used for basketball to teach kids ball control.

They are doing this in South America where there are also many Third World countries like the Philippines that have sent teams to the World Cup. We could definitely learn from them.

Another important aspect to consider also is the availability of the right coaches and trainers that could make a grassroots program successful. No matter how good a player one person is, this does not guarantee that he too is a good coach.

This may sound like dreaming, but I believe that there are dreams that come true.

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MILESTONES: Belated happy birthday greetings go to my Tao brother Mark Chang and to Threese Serana, who celebrated last Monday.

The same goes to my cousin Rolando ‘Fr. Landz’ Acas, who turned a year older yesterday along with Suzanne Salva-Alueta, Glenn Java, Jessica Banzon-Natad, Lucille Ballori, and Chris Sta. Maria.

Today’s greetings go to my cousin Rosalie Lebumfacil-Cañete, Jamie Opinion-Ang, Wilson Ng, and topnotch photojournalist Tonee Despojo.

More power to all of you! – THE FREEMAN