By Fredrick Nadulli aka Razor,
The world’s biggest sporting bonanza,perhaps only rivaled by the Olympics,is upon us.For the 32 teams going to Brazil,its time to
buckle up for a rollercoaster ride.
For the rest like Kenya,its time to reflect what might have been.It is time to take stock.Going by the current trend,Kenya’s dream may be akin to finding snow in the tropics.
SEASONAL CAMPAIGNERS
While the tournament may be fun for neutrals and other smaller nations,for perennial participants like hosts Brazil,Germany,Spain,Argentina,Cameroon et al,it is not child’s play.To them,football ranks only second to religion.It unites warring factions.
It elicits emotions.It is the opium of the masses. From a layman’s point of view,lifting the cup is a given for these global giants.On the contrary,for players and managers who will be slugging it out on the pitch,its a different story altogether.
The hopes of an entire country will lie squarely on their shoulders.In a tournament of this magnitude,expect no miracles.One or two upsets may be in the offing,but history firmly suggests the latter stages will as usual be dominated by the big boys.
KENYA and HARAMBEE STARS
For our beloved Kenya,it will be business as usual.Flat screens,beer and the remote control.Nothing out of the ordinary.It is at such times that we recoil into our inner sanctum and ponder where we went wrong,where the rain started beating us.For starters,world cup qualification does not just happen.
It takes a fine blueprint and near precise execution.Its a long term project. It therefore makes our hearts bleed when the FKF gives no damn about youth development.For those not in the loop,the federation has withdrawn the u-17 national side from a Caf international tournament.
The youth are the future. Someone needs to hammer this into the heads of our administrators whose priorities appear lopsided.
SOCCER FIESTA
Since we are so used to expecting miracles,let us do what we do best. Sit back and cheer other nations. Africa’s five will be there and for lack of a better alternative,we shall be quick to jump onto the bandwagon and identify with our ‘African brothers’.After all its a soccer fiesta for all right?
Meanwhile after the dust settles,the Harambee Stars will re-assemble,receive shambolic preparations as usual and expect to
qualify for the next world cup.There,we shall play Argentina in the first game.
A real hiding will be inevitable. Maybe only divine intervention can help our motherland Kenya.Or a serious street revolution as a last resort.Until then,enjoy the World cup.
