Time to sack Ricki Herbert!?

Ricki Herbert, being a coach with World Cup experience has already failed to shine the Maldives football within the region even though we got the most talented and skillful players in the region. Of course, he came with a huge reputation and the supporters, then management of Football Association of Maldives has high hopes.

Last night was another nightmare for the Maldives football after losing to Yemen by 2-0 in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifying playoff game. But we are aware that we beat them in 2007 in the FIFA World Cup qualifier with the same score. Now the question is that what is happening to the beautiful game.

Ricki Herbert said to the host broadcaster of last night’s game that he didn’t get enough time to prepare the team for this game and FAM didn’t do much for the preparation.

Well, being a World Cup coach it’s a shame to say that. He must have a clear idea about the time that any coach will get for an international match like this.

Under his reign Maldives failed to qualify for the final of the last edition of SAFF Championship after losing to India by 3-2 for a record fifth time and third time in a row. Few days later, Maldives participated in Bangabandhu Gold Cup and again we were beaten by Nepal in the semifinal with a shocking 4-1. I would like to highlight that this is the first time in the last 17 years that the Maldives lost a competitive football match to Nepal. Their last defeat to Nepal was back in 1999 SAFF Games.

After the bitter results in SAFF Championship and Gold Cup, Maldives team headed to Guwahati, India to participate in the SAFF Games. And yes as usual we lost to 10 men Nepal by 4-3 in the extra time of the game. During the normal time the score was 2-2.

During these games Herbert usually said that his aim is to gain experience to the young players and result is not what he matters most.

And last night we have witnessed how we played against Yemen in National Football Stadium, where we had historic results against Asian super powers.

Now the question is that the new management of FAM will give Ricki Herbert more time to gain experience at regional level! Well I will say he has done enough damage to Maldivian football and even the supporters has raised their voice last night after the game against Yemen.

“It happens everywhere in the world and that’s the life of coaches. I have no intention to resign from the post and the board will decide on that.” Ricki Herbert said after the match.

Let's wait and see when and what will be the decision of the newly elected executive board of Football Association of Maldives who has promised to take Maldivian football to the next level.