Bermuda's sporting collapse As our two national sports struggle Shaun Goater kicks off The Big Debate
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National embarrassment: That's how Bermuda's 20/20 defeat against Guyana on Sunday was described by some commentators. Pictured is Jacobi (Randall) Robinson bowled by Mahendra Nagamootoo for one.
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Stuttering: Bermuda's Domico Coddington is brought down during the World Cup qualifying match against Cayman Islands. Bermuda was expected to beat the lower-ranked country, but drew 1-1 soon after two home defeats in friendlies against Puerto Rico.
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We have all heard about the Big Conversation in Bermuda - but now it's time for the nation to get involved in the Big Debate.
It's imperative we start to tackle the real issues surrounding the disturbing state in our national sports.
Things have come to a head following the national football team's dismal draw with Cayman Islands in the World Cup qualifiers, not to mention Bermuda's crushing and humiliating defeat against Guyana at the Stanford 20/20. Both results were indicative of the slippery slope our national sports are heading.
As a football man I can only share my views on the sport I love.
Football has been in steady decline since 1992 when the national team enjoyed its most successful ever World Cup qualifying campaign. Sadly, we're no longer at that same level and at the moment I fear for our future.
Back then we had corporate Bermuda 100 percent behind us, the supporters 100 per cent behind us and players who were devoted, committed and with the right attitude to learn.
But we've stagnated and gone backwards. One things for sure, if things remain as they are we will continue to trail behind those nations we used to convincingly beat.
The Big Debate is long overdue and must take place now.
The Bermuda Football Association (BFA), national team coaches (past and present), leading local coaches, players, and supporters must all play their part.
I feel we have become an arrogant sporting nation. Do we really believe we can hold a dozen national team training sessions and expect to roll over countries who have invested in top coaches and training camps? How arrogant!
For me our attitude is a major stumbling block. I don't see a great deal of commitment from the players and I don't think the necessary sacrifices are being made.
In sport, more often than not, you get what you deserve. And right now we're reaping the rewards we deserve.
Over the last few weeks we've all rejoiced in the success of Bermuda's Antonio Pierce winning the Super Bowl with the New York Giants. What hasn't been documented are the sacrifices he must have made, and the heartaches he must have gone through to reach the top.
We need to reach out to the teenagers and those players in their earlier 20s who have no reason not to be fully committed to their sport. If they want to become the next Pierce then they must adopt the same work ethic.
Yes, the Big Debate must take place so we can reverse our fortunes and get back to where we once were. Things cannot continue as they are.
Both football and cricket have received unprecedented amounts of Government funding. Financially we've never had it so good, yet the results and performances we are witnessing are anything but healthy.
I don't want to see the Government's money go to waste and you couldn't blame them for pulling the plug, because at the moment what are they getting for their money? A few new dugouts and corner flags?
Football needs to show it deserves the huge amount of cash the Government pumped into the sport.
So what do I perceive to be the main problems? That's the debate.
Is it our lack of facilities, lack of leadership, lack of investment in our coaches, lack of commitment, poor attitudes, lack of accountability or even the lack of support from the public?
These are questions we need to answer. Dialogue must be held between the BFA and leading football figures such as David Bascome, Andrew Bascome, Dennis Brown, Shawn Smith, Jack Castle, Kenny Thompson and Richard and Robert Calderon as well as the Bermuda Hogges.
As Bermudians we love football and are knowledgeable about the game. We must all act now.
• Do you agree with Shaun Goater? Why is Bermuda struggling on the international sporting stage? What needs to be done? Join the Big Debate.
Email your views and opinions to swright@royalgazette.bm or write to The Royal Gazette's sports desk.
We promise to print as many as we can.
Shaun Goater interview by Stephen Wright
