•-The proverbial adage ‘to silence critics once and for all’ seems to be going the other way round this time for KDFA in regard to the NPL berth allotted to Life Sports. But this issue can be laid to rest if the clarification given by the Association is anything to go by.
With no particular support for New Market XI, I was wondering why other prominent teams in Kohima were not raising any question. However, as per the clarification, New Market XI did not apply/approach for the slot. Hence it seemed that applications were invited by KDFA from interested teams and Life Sports was selected from amongst the teams. If that was the case, this issue ends there and unfortunately, New Market XI might have missed the bus. If not, more trouble may be brewing and it should be no surprise if other teams join the fracas.
But whatever it is, some of the ‘merit-basis’ reasons given by KDFA may still be hard to swallow for many teams. NPL is a league for professional players, some of whom may have been coached by License ‘A’ holders. Although it is no wonder that training imparted to under-14 kids today may bear fruit some day, for now, the present standard of performance may have to be taken into account. Furthermore, teams that have survived for two-three decades need not necessarily sustain themselves with Dimori Cove and what not. We all have different means of sustenance.
All the best!!
Kethosituo Mepfhüo, Kohima Village
