Experts don’t see immediate activities of football in Guwahati

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The lockdown to combat COVID-19 already make a big uncertainty to the football season in the city. The former footballers and coaches won’t see the beginning of football activities in Guwahati in near future.

The soccer clubs in Guwahati generally start their preparation for new football season from the last part of May and the different competitions kick off from June. The Super Division League, one of the prestigious soccer league of the state organized by the Gauhati Sports Association, starts around July.

But there is no chance to begin all the activities as per schedule this year because of COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting the Government’s decision on lockdown the former international footballer Debashish Roy said: “Right step has taken by the government because safety of the life should always be given first priority. Yes, lockdown will create a big impact in the coming football season and I feel there is no chance to start the season immediately. We should wait a few months more after lockdown is withdrawn and can shift the league to November-December. It will also help the club officials to get a little time to collect necessary funds which I feel would be a very difficult job this year.”

The coach of Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club (ASEBSC) Ganesh Rai also feels it would be the right step if the Super Division League is deferred till December. Rai said: “We are going through a difficult period and I don’t see any chance to start football season within next three or four months. First we have to wait for the decision to be taken by the government on lockdown and other related matters on COVID-19. Once the green signal comes then we have to start our activities.”

Rai, who hold the record to win most number of Super Division League title as a coach, also added, “Footballers and coaches should make a little sacrifice on their remuneration this season as all the clubs will face crisis to collect fund due to impact on lockdown.”

The duo is supported by the coach of Gauhati Town Club Sawan Thapa. According to Thapa,” It will be a very difficult year for football in Guwahati. I don’t see there is any chance to kick off the season in the near future even if lockdown is withdrawn. There are two crucial reasons behind it. Parent would not send their kids easily into the ground and the clubs too will struggle to collect necessary fund to prepare their teams. “

Thapa, who is also associated with the Gauhati Town club Football Academy, advised the players to do little workout during their stay at the home. “We have sent instruction to our academy’s players to do regular practice, whatever they can, during their stay at home. I want to give similar advice to all the footballers of the state,” said Thapa.

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