GFF election campaign kicks off
- seat belts advised
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
June 11, 2002
The next general election of the Guyana Football Federation is over eight months away but already the issue has been causing some hype in football circles.
From rum shops to mini-buses, Crabwood Creek to Monkey Mountain the talk surrounds who will make it to the top when sub-associations cast votes for the next executive in what is expected to be a ding-dong tussle. The names of Kashif Muhammad and Terrence Archer, persons long associated with football, are being circulated as possible challengers for incumbent Colin Klass.
When the last AGM was held on April 30, 1999 Klass edged out Joe Harmon in a tight 9-8 finish. In a memorable exhibition of either bravery or cowardice, Lester Sealy then abstained from voting for his own slate (Harmon’s) to hand the seat to Klass.
Fueling more work for local tongues, politician Odinga Lumumba has recently emerged as a dark horse in the race for the GFF top position. Lumumba is an astute boxing promoter who took Anthony Andrews and the late Andrew Murray to the highest echelons of the fistic sport. He is viewed by many as the ideal person to turn the fortunes of our footballers around.
Lumumba, voted Latin American promoter of the year, has now turned his attention to local politics and beauty pageants. He occupies the distinguished position of presidential adviser to His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo a position the importance of which footballers will be quick to recognise. He also holds the franchise for the Miss Guyana/Universe Pageant.
One football knowledgeable, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that Lumumba could be the ideal figure for the job. "Despite what people may say Lumumba gets the job done," he claimed.
The dapper Muhammad, president of the Upper Demerara Football Federation is undoubtedly a `Big Wig’ in local football and has "serious" backings.
In just over 11 years he has taken the Kashif and Shanghai football competition from humble beginnings to one of the most eagerly awaited events on the local sporting calendar.
He is highly respected by the business community, which jostle to sponsor his end of year tournament and apart from Klass, is the top name in the sport.
However, to date Muhammad has not confirmed interest in making an attempt for the top spot but the outspoken Lumumba may have started the ball rolling when he accepted the offer to be patron of the Georgetown Football League. In an interview with Stabroek Sport he indicated that he has given the idea some thought. "It’s too early to say whether I would challenge for the presidency of the GFF. I don’t know if I may want to do that at this point but it has dawned on me a few times," Lumumba said.
Archer, a former national captain, chucked soon after being elected general secretary in the last election. He claimed that his own integrity was at risk working with the present executive and called it a day.
Whether it’s Lumumba, Muhammad or Archer the fact is that Klass would be in for his toughest election campaign ever. Since his last re-election, the diminutive Klass has found his office increasingly challenged in what could be likened to a barnyard brawl. He has had an injunction filed against himself and executive and at present is facing a perjury charge. Amongst those filing an injunction against the GFF executive was Gerald Laurie, a one-time Klass confidant whose abrupt U-turn made him a prime candidate for the job left by Michael Schumacher’s driving instructor.
Even if that does not put weight on Klass’ broad shoulders then his opposition would not have to dig deep to unearth the stadium fiasco, an ammunition depot for mudslingers. In addition, inability to secure land for the technical centre (formerly called stadium) could be another stumbling block for Klass.
But the GFF president is up to the task. He wouldn’t have made it this far without grit and cleverness being his constant companions. He has been in many a conflagration and came out without even a blister.
In the past eight years many have tried to unseat Klass without success and he has learnt from every coup attempt. And if one were to judge from the re-election of Sepp Blatter, whose pre-election campaign saw the media chastising him for corruption and other matters, then Klass may just come out the winner again. In addition, Klass has the mighty Jack Warner on his side. Warner is a dear friend like Laurie once was but the similarities stop there. When Warner speaks the world listens and he can turn a few tricks for the incumbent. But the GFF president has stated that he is still unsure about his intentions to run for office when the next elections come around.
But even as some of the front runners dabble in secrecy in an obvious attempt to camouflage their modus operandi the writing on the wall is so clear that even the Mighty Smoker couldn’t miss it. For sure the election would be nail biting and interesting. Fasten your seat belts, for the ride will be bumpy.