BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH more than 20 years experience of football administration under his belt, Franklyn Maitland has promised a principled approach in the management of the sport if elected President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association (SKNFA).
In an interview with SKNVibes, Maitland described football as his first love and stated that all of his life he has been involved in the sport.
“I refer to football as my first love, so I have played primary school football, secondary school football, Second Division football and First Division football. I played for my college in England when I was studying there. I played for my university when I was in the US. I played in St. Kitts and I also played in St Lucia. Wherever there is football Franklyn will be there.”
He also commented on the current state of football in the Federation.
“Football is at a troubled stage! The attendance at matches is poor and the level of satisfaction of club with the administration of football is at an all time low. It appears that the appreciation of the rules for football is neither understood nor taken care of by the present management committee. And very sadly, some of the significant ills of football administration, which were present four years ago when the management of the football changed, still persist with this present administration.”
He gave two examples of the problems which he claimed still persist. “Lack of respect for management of member clubs and the disrespect and disregard for the governing document of the football association,” he said.
Maitland also gave his reason for contesting the presidency in the upcoming St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association’s General Elections.
“Let me indicate first and foremost that I never thought of running for the presidency. When I served as General Secretary between 1996 and 1999, I served willingly. I served very well and the record speaks for itself. Although four years ago I was an integral part in effecting a change from the then administration, we were in a commanding position and I could have run. I did not run because I was satisfied with what was put forward because I felt they could have carried football forward. So I didn't feel it was necessary for me to be a part of it.
“Today, I am one of the contestants and, even at the start of this year, I had no intentions of running. But it turned out that the person we identified to lead our team eventually withdrew and the team asked me to run.”
Maitland explained what he intends to take to the table as president.
“I will bring a principled approach that has been seriously lacking in the last 10 to 15 years. Secondly, impartiality! I believe fundamentally that every member club must have an equal status in the football association and no member club should be given preferential treatment over any other member club. That has been practiced from this administration and the former administration. To me, that is the greatest sin of this administration.
“I do have a. track record at the Village Superstars which I led. I have a track record of managing in a principled manner.”
He also referenced a few occasions where his approach came to light.
“An example is when I took my top player before the Disciplinary Committee and basically argued against him in front of the Committee and got my Management Committee to accept my position.
“There is also a case in 2006 when they wanted to introduce MLF. I investigated the MLF and found out that the company who wanted to bring it here had a very distasteful history in similar league in other countries. And when I brought it up at the Congress the idea of MLF died.”
He continued: “I think what is important going forward is the team which is made up of persons with strong academic and profession training. And have served not just on the football field but in football administration as well. With that mix, I believe that football administration under our team will exceed that of the two former administrations.”
Maitland declared that he is confident of victory and has been meeting with some very receptive clubs.
The General Elections for the SKNFA’s Ordinary Congress are scheduled for Sunday, June 30, 2013.
