LFA KNOCKOUT SCHEDULE NOT SUITABLE

The Liberia Football Association (LFA) Knock-Out has begun and it is in fact at a crucial stage with the so called big gun as far as the dominance of premier clubs in the country's football blitz is concerned leading the queue.

  With the domestic or national league nearing its climax in the top flight as well as the various divisions, many are itching to see which of the two clubs would be successful in going to the medium table by moving on to the knock-out final.

 Certainly, the knock-out competition in any part of the world is famous for its intriguing and fascinating nature as the loser is out without a second time to try which would eventually serve as an antidote.

 The English FA Cup known as the oldest Knock-Out competition (first played in 1871) has been a model for other knock-out competitions round the world. The passion, verve, excitement and tension are often high and with the so called bigger guns sorting things out with their so called smaller counterparts, there has always being a history of surprise.

 But, while the knock-out in our native land Liberia intensifies, the timing or schedule of such a competition is highly questionable. The decision to hold the knock-out at the dying ambers of the season no doubt makes it a bizarre decision.

 It is generally believed that at such stage of the season, clubs might have already summed up their season with respect to winning or not winning laurels.

Moreover, there is virtually less motivation as the problem of fatigue and morale is a cardinal issue. So, to start a competition afresh is something awkward and is indeed not suitable for the growth and development of the game.

 If proof was needed, the avalanche of forfeit in matches during such competition is a glaring example. Had the competition come immediately at the end of the first phase or after a couple of games in the first or second phase, clubs would have had the aura on a positive note as well as the gumption, enthusiasm and belief that they could win something.

 They would have had the faith that they still had plenty to play for since they were still going to be challenging on both fronts (national league and knock-out).

Putting the competition at the end of the season has clearly taken the spice off the competition and there is a need to make amends in subsequent editions if we are to model from others.

In the world over, such a nerve wrecking classic is placed and began at some stage of the season when all clubs are in contention for silverware.

In our setting, why use will it be when a relegation bound second division club knowing that it has just two matches in the national league (will still be relegated when it wins both matches) go to honor a match with a premier club that is still in the hunt for a piece of silver ware..

 The cardinal issue is that the former club (second Division) will loss motivation, but if such fixture was to come up immediately at the end of the first phase, there would have being an extra spirit as the club will be keen to use such tie to prepare for the ensuing matches in the second phase.

 Let it be known that a club is not relegated at the end of the first phase, but at the end of the league. So, when a team performs dismally in the first phase and is at the bottom, it is the belief of the players and everyone that they can still make a come back in becoming a winsome side. In this light, such club can meet what so ever challenge.

 The English FA Cup mentioned earlier is not held at the end of the season. so too is the issue of the Kings Cup in Spain, the Cameroonian Cup, the ABSA Cup in South Africa and other parts of the world.

 Let the FA take this food for thought in staging such a dedicate competition at a much more suitable date, and the final could be almost at the end of the season. As we all crave to improve football in a country that has a reputation for football fanaticism, it is advisable that the relevant authorities take heed.