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The state and condition of Malaysian football is again under the microscope after both our nation's representative were crushed in the Asian Champions' League by 2 Singaporean teams. One must be equating this to David defeating Goliath considering the demography and population of both countries. The last time Malaysian football was embarrassed was when, as co-host, our national squad suffered an early and humiliated exit.
First, I would like to say that I will not point my finger to anyone - simply because too many will have to take responsibility. I urge therefore, that more active involvement and effort be put in by all quarters (and this include the fans) to make Malaysian sports (not just football) become something, rather than nothing in the near future.
I think there are serious underlying causes as to a poor performance in the international sports arena by Malaysians. There are of course the obvious - not much "investment" and attention given to sports (as opposed to, say, Singapore who imports many sportsmen in every year). But that is just a surface factor.
More for concern is of course, the issue of local talents being overlooked, or not being able to step up for a sporting career. Let's face it, for Malaysians- especially the city folks, success in life is measured by how many properties owned or how fat your bank account is. This spur many parents, discouraging or even preventing their kids from pursuing a career in sports. Sports, for them, is of course "low paying and no future". The kids being influenced by the whole "success culture philosophy" - of course would have to (or rather forced to) focus on academic performance - the barometer of what constitutes success. By the time they realize where their passion lies, it is already too late to start over. It is not hard to imagine why, as many who had jumped into their work life would rarely go back and study - the same is true for the once upon a time young tennis wizard or football whizkid.
Do not, however misconstrue me for criticizing the abovesaid parents. They have valid and plausible reason to do so. After all, why would you want to earn RM2,000 - 20,000 max (about USD 500 to 5,ooo) when you can be a doctor or lawyer or businessman earning much much more. And mind you, your sporting career ends before 40. Therefore, as things turn out, we might be stuck in a rather sticky situation.
What can we do to address the TWF (short for 'Talent-Without-Future') syndrome/crisis? It is up to everyone reading this article and everyone who thinks Malaysian sports has future. The magic word is 'Incentive'. Traditionally an exclusive economics term, Michael Armstrong had defined incentives as "any factor (financial or non-financial) that provides a motive for a particular course of action, or counts as a reason for preferring one choice to the alternatives." All of us sports (football or otherwise) to put our heads together to think up creative ways to offer more incentives for the teenage talents and their parents alike to change their mind about choosing the safer academic route rather than taking the risk with pursuing a professional footballing career. The key is changing the mindsets and the "cultural/psychological" barrier that was built up in them rather than just offering more money.
Perhaps a campaign may be started to instill that passion above all else - for football, as are all sports, is a passion first and foremost. Then come the various Sports Association and authorities that are and have to be the "lighthouse" for the respective sport. Promoting football among the laymen and children is as important as building a strong national squad or employing esteemed foreign coaches.
Of course, there is always the financial consideration that stands in the way. Which is why, as stated above, more creative ways should be plotted out to get around this "wall". The Internet, for example, can be a good start - as well as going to the "roots" - the schools, the local council and other community outreach, rather than traditional ways like the T.V. or poster/billboards(in which people have already been desensitized and give a deaf-ear to). And on a larger level, I do contend that all Malaysians who pay attention to sports can and must play a role (whether financially or not) on giving our beloved Malaysian Sports a shot, instead on concentrating so much on EPL (in which I myself am guilty of myself) and Roger Federer.
In conclusion, I would like to say that there are certain things in this world that are impossible, but the international emergence of Malaysian football/tennis/athletics (amongst others) are not. If everyone could put aside 10 ringgit everyday for their favourite sport and 10 minutes everyday, then our nation will be a constant feature in the Olympics Gold Medal Tally. 'Malaysia Boleh!'
This article is by LOTP's blogger Nic Hor.
First, I would like to say that I will not point my finger to anyone - simply because too many will have to take responsibility. I urge therefore, that more active involvement and effort be put in by all quarters (and this include the fans) to make Malaysian sports (not just football) become something, rather than nothing in the near future.
I think there are serious underlying causes as to a poor performance in the international sports arena by Malaysians. There are of course the obvious - not much "investment" and attention given to sports (as opposed to, say, Singapore who imports many sportsmen in every year). But that is just a surface factor.
More for concern is of course, the issue of local talents being overlooked, or not being able to step up for a sporting career. Let's face it, for Malaysians- especially the city folks, success in life is measured by how many properties owned or how fat your bank account is. This spur many parents, discouraging or even preventing their kids from pursuing a career in sports. Sports, for them, is of course "low paying and no future". The kids being influenced by the whole "success culture philosophy" - of course would have to (or rather forced to) focus on academic performance - the barometer of what constitutes success. By the time they realize where their passion lies, it is already too late to start over. It is not hard to imagine why, as many who had jumped into their work life would rarely go back and study - the same is true for the once upon a time young tennis wizard or football whizkid.
Do not, however misconstrue me for criticizing the abovesaid parents. They have valid and plausible reason to do so. After all, why would you want to earn RM2,000 - 20,000 max (about USD 500 to 5,ooo) when you can be a doctor or lawyer or businessman earning much much more. And mind you, your sporting career ends before 40. Therefore, as things turn out, we might be stuck in a rather sticky situation.
What can we do to address the TWF (short for 'Talent-Without-Future') syndrome/crisis? It is up to everyone reading this article and everyone who thinks Malaysian sports has future. The magic word is 'Incentive'. Traditionally an exclusive economics term, Michael Armstrong had defined incentives as "any factor (financial or non-financial) that provides a motive for a particular course of action, or counts as a reason for preferring one choice to the alternatives." All of us sports (football or otherwise) to put our heads together to think up creative ways to offer more incentives for the teenage talents and their parents alike to change their mind about choosing the safer academic route rather than taking the risk with pursuing a professional footballing career. The key is changing the mindsets and the "cultural/psychological" barrier that was built up in them rather than just offering more money.
Perhaps a campaign may be started to instill that passion above all else - for football, as are all sports, is a passion first and foremost. Then come the various Sports Association and authorities that are and have to be the "lighthouse" for the respective sport. Promoting football among the laymen and children is as important as building a strong national squad or employing esteemed foreign coaches.
Of course, there is always the financial consideration that stands in the way. Which is why, as stated above, more creative ways should be plotted out to get around this "wall". The Internet, for example, can be a good start - as well as going to the "roots" - the schools, the local council and other community outreach, rather than traditional ways like the T.V. or poster/billboards(in which people have already been desensitized and give a deaf-ear to). And on a larger level, I do contend that all Malaysians who pay attention to sports can and must play a role (whether financially or not) on giving our beloved Malaysian Sports a shot, instead on concentrating so much on EPL (in which I myself am guilty of myself) and Roger Federer.
In conclusion, I would like to say that there are certain things in this world that are impossible, but the international emergence of Malaysian football/tennis/athletics (amongst others) are not. If everyone could put aside 10 ringgit everyday for their favourite sport and 10 minutes everyday, then our nation will be a constant feature in the Olympics Gold Medal Tally. 'Malaysia Boleh!'
This article is by LOTP's blogger Nic Hor.
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