The Malaysian Insider :: Opinion
The Malaysian Insider :: Opinion |
| The time is ripe for sports scholarships too Posted: 10 Jun 2011 04:44 PM PDT JUNE 11 — A few days ago, while having a round of coffee with some friends at a mamak restaurant, one of them came up with a simple yet profound suggestion. Why doesn't the government provide sports scholarships for students who are outstanding athletes? This will give young sportsmen and sportswomen an opportunity to turn professional having honed their skills with the training and specific sports education they would receive. Eventually, they'd even be able to fend for themselves while representing the country in their chosen sport. We went on to discuss the different types of sports that a government scholarship could support and even the potential candidates deserving of such assistance. For example, the country's best basketball player, aged 18 or below, could be sent to the United States to further his studies as well as undergo the best coaching that money can buy. In the event that he makes it to the NCAA (college basketball) and is subsequently picked by an NBA team, the whole nation will simply be filled with pride. And it wouldn't matter that less than half of the population (on a conservative level) really follow basketball in the first place. In the long term, the country will have a line-up of athletes with the potential to challenge for Gold in the Asian Games and even at the Olympics. How about hockey? If we were to send the best men's and women's players, also under-18, with a student and athletic scholarship to Germany or Australia, they could end up playing in these two countries' professional hockey leagues. Yes, I am aware that the country has sent a senior national player to Germany before, but isn't such an opportunity more suited for the stars of tomorrow? Going on the same thread, my friends and I started churning out more potential types of sports and the ideal destination for a young Malaysian to go for each of these sports. For netball, naturally Australia is the place to be. For badminton, send them to China. I can hear the alarm bells ringing — why China, when we already have a comprehensive programme for badminton over here? However, is that reason enough to eliminate the need to send our starlets overseas to gain the valuable education and lessons in the particular sport? In badminton these days, Malaysia is sometimes able to stand up to the might of China. But why is it that every time a Malaysian player overcomes some player from China, the whole world of badminton calls it an "upset"? Sometimes even "major upset". So, I figure that with the chance to live the same lifestyle as these top athletes from China and having the best-of-the-best in training, our young men and women will become a force to be reckoned with too. Our conversation naturally ended with the sport of football. I feel that the scenario here is unique because a boy in his teens is already considered too old to try and find a place in a professional club in Europe. For a legend like Lionel Messi – "Born in Argentina, Made in Barcelona" – it is truly a dream come true. But do we have such a player who is so young and talented, who moved with his family in tow for the sake of a better footballing education, like Messi did? Well, we can be proud that we do, in Titus James Palani. This young lad went the distance all alone. He moved to France and made a commitment that saw him succeed somewhat in France's professional game. But now, maybe we can look at Cardiff City to give some hope for Malaysian youths because the Welsh club has a proper set-up, with its own academy that gives boys aged seven to 18 the chance to develop their skills. Here's where I really feel that the Malaysian owners and top management of Cardiff could find a place in the hearts of the Malaysian people. Let's face it, Cardiff are not aiming to be English Premier League (EPL) champions let alone even playing in the Premiership in the next few seasons — though they did come close last year and last month. So, with that in mind, could Cardiff at least take a leap of faith in the aforementioned young Malaysian, Titus Palani, and let him have a trial at the club? I don't even believe that he has a right to be made an automatic selection. The new manager should be allowed to use his absolute discretion on the selection. But just given the chance will do any young lad a whole lot of good. Finally, it goes without saying that the athletic or sports scholarship that my friends and I discussed must only be given to the MOST DESERVING of students, who have already proven their capability in a particular sport. "And yes, if you're wondering how many A's are required for a sport scholarship, don't bother please." * The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Catolica and Velez poised for glory Posted: 10 Jun 2011 04:39 PM PDT JUNE 11 — If you're already suffering from withdrawal symptoms due to a lack of football following the end of the European season, fear not — help is at hand. There's still plenty more high quality football going on around the globe — you just might have to look a little harder to find it and be prepared to watch online rather than on TV (and with commentary in a language you don't understand). The place to head for the best action over the next couple of months is undoubtedly South America, where top billing goes to the latest edition of the continent's international tournament, Copa America, which takes place in Argentina next month. The hosts possess a dazzling array of attacking talent (Messi, Tevez, Di Maria, Higuain, Milito and Aguero in the same squad? Phew!) and have been installed as favourites to lift the trophy on home soil, but they're expected to face a stern challenge from perennially strong Brazil. Before then, the destination for a few pieces of club football silverware still have to be decided, with the two-legged final of the Copa Libertadores (the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions' League) set to begin next week between Uruguayan side Penarol and Santos from Brazil, whose squad includes the latest much-hyped "wonderkid" and reputed Chelsea target Neymar. And this weekend, the destination of Chile's national championship will be decided when Universidad Catolica host their bitter local rivals Universidad de Chile in the second leg of their play-off final (and if you think "bitter" is an exaggeration, watch the game and witness the atmosphere – it will make Celtic v Rangers look tame). Now, the Chilean Primera Division may well not be the most obvious choice to float your boat (and the game kicks off at 5am on Monday morning Malaysian time, so you'll have to be a pretty dedicated fan to consider seeking it out), but do bear with me — the football is actually pretty good. Catolica hold a seemingly unassailable 2-0 lead and, if they do go on to seal the title as expected, they would be worthy champions after dominating the league during the regular season and comfortably finishing top of the table before the play-offs. The Santiago-based club also enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Copa Libertadores, reaching the quarter-finals before being ousted by Penarol, who scored five minutes from the end of the second leg to prevent the tie from going to extra time and potentially penalties. Unfortunately for Catolica, their best player won't be at the club for too much longer. Argentine striker Lucas Pratto has spent the season on loan in Santiago from Boca Juniors, and his highly impressive performances in the Copa Libertadores attracted the attention of Serie A club Genoa, who have reportedly agreed to a multi-million deal to take the 23-year-old to Italy once the current Chilean season is finished. Pratto could have a very bright future in Europe, possessing all the tools to become a top striker: fast, powerful, good in the air and with an eye for goal, he's also equipped with a strong team ethic and seemingly endless reserves of energy. He could be a name to look out for in Serie A next season. Another South American team that could take a big step towards their national title is Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, who are entering the final two games of the season with a one point lead from second-placed Lanus. Velez have looked a very strong team all season, and it was a surprise when they were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores in the semi-finals by Penarol. A number of their players have already been linked with moves to big European clubs, including reported interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United in wily winger Ricardo Alvarez. Two more Velez players who would surely prosper in Europe are classy left back Emiliano Papa and midfielder Maximiliano Moralez, who fills the traditional number 10 role just behind the strikers. At the start of his career, in 2007, Moralez was a key member of Argentina's under 20 World Cup winning side and, although his progress has been slow since then, there can be no doubting his potential. The fixture list has been kind to Velez, handing them a trip to dreadful Huracan on Sunday evening, followed by a home fixture against mid-table Racing Club in next weekend's final game of the campaign. A pair of victories would secure their second title in three years, and it would be a surprise if they falter now. So never mind the fact that Barcelona, Manchester United, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and the rest are enjoying a few weeks off; there's plenty more football to enjoy over the next couple of months, and you might also get the chance to see a star in the making. * The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
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