Imran smiles at us when receiving the shield, but where is the real joy?

Everyone who loves football in Maldives were hoping something different. Something exclusive!! Something unique for the new season. But it did not happen. First of all, the first match that was played in the 2007 went all wrong.

The match against Indonesia in the Beijing Olympic qualifiers had a bitter taste and a wound which would not heal easily. I expected people with flags with Red, Green and white colours all over the stadium. But it did not happen. I felt we are playing the match in an away pitch. And as coach suzeyn mentioned in the press conference, the team felt they were defeated just before the kick off the match.

When Maldives Under 23 team played in Sri Lanka in the South Asian Games, there were much better support from the supporters during the match. The fans lifted the spirit of the team when they were one down against Pakistan.

But in here, from a match we had chance to qualify for the second round, we set idle. But the question is why it happened?

I would blame a lot of people. First of all I would blame FAM. There is a marketing department in FAM, but I don't think there is anyone who is employed there at the moment. So how can it be promoted? When Golden Jubilee tournament was played, it was all over media. But this time nothing was done at that scale.  So I would blame the media as well.

We all expected a new change when Zariyandhu, Maattey and Addo was appointed to the posts in FAM. But Mattey moved out and still the place is operating in the same old style. Yes!! A lot of new regulations has been passed out! Executive committee meetings have been held more than ever!! But does the public see any changes?

Next came the big match!! The kick off match for the year season 2007. There was not even a song played! Not even a performance shown!! We are much degraded than the neighboring countries!! Yes! People might belive that a performance has nothing to do with the skills of players!! But a colourful ceremony would bring self satisfaction and a positive thinking!! It really benefits the players psychologically!!

But unfortunately or fortunately there was no ceremony!! Only the routine handshake by the chief guest and that's it!!! Nothing different!!

The clock in the stands got stuck in the second half and did not click at all, which shows the lack of commitment and the extent of unprepared ness for the match.

After all, when the match got over there was no ceremony at all. As soon as the final whistle was called the announcer said the winner is Victory and the shield was given. None of the teams came infront of the rostrum. So that's how poor the season started!!

So am just thinking about how would be the preparation for the season and how it would go on!!!!