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“[…] There is a saying that: ‘The Pessimist complains about the wind; The Optimist expects it to change; but The Realist adjusts the sails’.
“Trinidad and Tobago football is in need of realists—persons who want to serve and adjust for the betterment, enhancement and development of our young players: boys and girls…”
In the following press statement, former Strike Squad captain, UTT FC head coach and ex-National Futsal Team head coach Clayton ‘JB’ Morris announces his attention to run for the vacant position of Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) president:
I received a call on the morning prior to the announcement of the TTSL president’s resignation. I thought I was dreaming when the voice said to me: “I am quitting my position as president of the TTSL… I quit. I done. That’s it bro—I have had enough. Let someone else take up the fight now.”
Hate him or love him, we all have faults. But I will always remember the passion and love that this individual gave to the TTSL and Trinidad and Tobago’s football, and the electrifying energy and upbeat way in which he got things organised in the correct manner.
My tears began to flow while expressing my gratitude to him, for his never say die attitude and commitment to the TTSL and, by extension, Trinidad and Tobago football.
I’m reminded of a man who filed a lawsuit against a woman for a dog he claimed was his. In court, the women insisted it was her dog and even gave information about where she purchased it. But when the judge released the animal in the courtroom, everyone knew the identity of the real owner.
Tail wagging, the dog immediately ran to the man.
(Copyright Annalicia Caruth/Wired868)
Solomon settled a similar issue in ancient Israel with two women each claiming to be the mother of the same baby boy. After considering both arguments, he requested a sword to divide the infant in half. The real mother begged Solomon to give the baby to the other woman, choosing to save her son’s life even if she couldn’t have him. Solomon gave her the baby.
Wisdom is necessary as we decide what’s fair and morally right and wrong. If we truly value wisdom, we can ask God for a discerning heart, like Solomon did.
A true patriot, Mr Keith Look Loy made a wise decision like the mother of that baby boy. Be aware that the time, knowledge and wisdom that you gave to this country’s football in your resolute style, as you tried to add structure to the reformation of the national teams, will never be forgotten.
May God continue shower his blessings upon you and your family! Thank you!
I am a strong believer that God uses ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plans.
(Copyright Chevaughn Christopher/CA-images/Wired868)
I mentioned in a recent interview, during the Fifa vs TTFA impasse, that persons who want to serve our football going forward must come ‘squeaky clean’. Well, it seems God wants me to take up this challenge of the TTSL presidency and lead the way.
There is a saying that: ‘The Pessimist complains about the wind; The Optimist expects it to change; but The Realist adjusts the sails’.
Trinidad and Tobago football is in need of realists—persons who want to serve and adjust for the betterment, enhancement and development of our young players: boys and girls.
We all want progress, and our football to get back to its glory days. But if you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road. In this case, who turns back soonest is the most progressive.
In the business of football, footballers are required from the get-go to bring to the table: integrity, accountability, transparency, and honesty—added to fitness skills and teamwork—before representing our beloved country.
How many of us who have ambitions to serve at the TTFA’s administrative level truly understand these characteristics?
For decades, we have had many business persons holding very important positions in our football. We believed that because they had money, they were qualified to lead our football and we were good to go. But that didn’t work; or if we got success it was for a very short period.
Total respect to those persons for the time and money they gave to the sport, but it’s time we see that it takes more than that to succeed.
It’s about truly understanding the emotions and sacrifices of the main stakeholders. Without players and coaches, there would be no need for administrators.
There is a need for better coaching education at infant/youth level generally. This is where the development starts and once this is not addressed properly, it will take a very long time for Trinidad and Tobago to get back to the top 50 of the Fifa international ranking.
Hawks draw players primarily from the inner-Port of Spain and Morvant/Laventille communities.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)
Coaches should constantly be aware of their privilege to impact on the lives of our children and youths. Their impact on a single child may affect a million others a thousand years from now.
Players must always strive for excellence, understanding that great sacrifice will provide huge rewards in the end.
My aim is to put the welfare of coaches and players at the forefront of everything we do in football.
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“[…] The administration should set in place a programme to begin teaching the youngsters the technical aspects of the game. Read more
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Actually, the jury is still out on what qualities are needed in any administrator hoing to be successful at the helm of the TTFA.
I submit that the Wallace experiment has taught us that naiveté and innocence won’t cut it even if honesty is present. So if feet of clay can’t walk the walk, maybe feet of Clayton will?
Worth a shot, methinks.