advancements and appreciated use of data ?
Perhaps I should put a disclaimer here , I ’ m not in any way against the use of data but this cannot be done in a void and is one of the other components needed in a winning team . As part of a winning process , start the use of data by laying a foundation , build upon it and also track performances across all spheres of activity both on and off the pitch .
I ’ ll take us back to the Rugby Conference where one Paul Odera – head coach of the Under-20s rugby national team gave a thought-provoking presentation on ‘ Towards the U-20 World ( Championships ) – Process then Individuals ’. In one part of the presentation , he underscored the use of data to track junior rugby players from the hours of sleep they get , food and nutrition habits , training and conditioning regimes among others .
He indicated this helps his management team understand not just the physical preparedness of the player but also his / her mental and psychological state way before they touch the ball on the pitch . It is instructive that this happens from a very basic level to ensure the team members are able to develop this self-discipline early in their careers .
How many sports teams and individuals are willing to go minutiae for a winning formula ?
Sheer Hunch Or Sheer Luck ?
In the 2018 World Cup Final , a number of football pundits captured on TV went ham on the refereeing decisions made which led to the first and second goals for France . It may or may have contributed to changing the course of the game .
In Asia , major countries including China , India and China have made very deliberate efforts to invest in sports . From infrastructure to engaging major sports associations as well as youth programmes to grow different sports disciplines . This goes beyond their traditional sports such as sumo and cricket to mainstream ones in athletics , basketball and football .
attribute the French win to a fortuitous header by a Croatian striker ? An innocent spin of the hand by an experienced Croatian defender ? We never know what luck the French may have had on the day , but they sure did take full advantage of it .
As a sports association , FIFA and the host nation Russia have scored major points with a largely successful tournament . How does FIFA manage to hold us captive for a whole month every four years ? Scoring major sponsorship deals ( or partnerships as it were ) as well as securing top dollar with TV and media rights in the process .
Why can ’ t Football Kenya Federation learn a thing or two from the parent association ?
Having changed its structure and elected officials a few years ago , there is nothing much to write home about .
We have had many start-stop attempts at qualifying for continental challenges at a national team level . The consolation is a win of the regional cup CECAFA . Other than that , Harambee Stars has no official sponsor – from shirt , apparel to major endorsements even when a number of players ply their trade in Europe .
We have seen how they have exerted their influence with the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) and FIFA .
In the just concluded World Cup , both Japan and South Korea challenged the top teams and while they may have lost by a goal or on a technicality , the future does look bright .
Major European football clubs have added Asia as a must-stop locale before the start of each season . Whether it is commercializing the various sports properties or bringing the individuals closer to their fans , this is bound to serve as an allure for local leagues and teams .
Add the media investment and audience reach – the Asian audiences have been growing in double digits in the last 5 years . Mix it up with the budding local league scenes and home-grown players and talent pools , it is bound to be a potent combination to a winning strategy .
But I usually argue , the opposing team has at least 90 minutes to score any number of goals they may muster . Why do we look for excuses , reason one or the other as to why teams lose games ? What with the Video Assisted-Refereeing making its debut in a major tournament . This will indeed impact the game of football in a big way going forward .
But then again , to what extent can we
Supposition
In Asia , major countries including China , India and China have made very deliberate efforts to invest in sports . From infrastructure to engaging major sports associations as well as youth programmes to grow different sports disciplines . This goes beyond their traditional sports such as sumo and cricket to mainstream ones in athletics , basketball and football .
Richard Wanjohi is a sports enthusiast who works as a market researcher by day and gravitates to sport by night . You can commune with him at : RWanjohi @ gmail . com , or @ RWanjohi .