Are the clubs making up the numbers?

Dear Editor, A total of seventeen locally-based players was selected in a provisional squad of thirty, to pursue training ahead of a friendly international against Martinique on March 28 at the MSC ground, Linden. Firstly, I must enquire who were the individuals that comprised the selection panel? Secondly, what were the criteria for the selection of the locally-based players? Thirdly, did members of the selection panel attend competition matches within the various associations?

Fourthly, and most importantly, how many associations were playing senior competitions domestically, leading up to the selection of the locals?

It’s quite mind boggling to ascertain how Santos, Milerock, Eagles, Dem Amstel and GFC which have an unknown status could all have players selected at the expense of Western Tigers and Police, especially considering the latter two were dominant in the last three invitational competitions.

Finally, with Topp XX as a debutant in the ongoing Stag Elite League, along with Victoria Kings, how come not a single player from the Linden based unit was selected, in addition to players from other clubs in the Elite League? When the competition got underway over two years ago, I enquired publicly if the locally based players selected for senior national duty would only be selected from the eight Elite League clubs. Of course, the question went unanswered.

At present almost two years later, selection has been expanded to the associations’ domestic tournaments and invitationals. Was a Beep Test conducted towards ascertaining the required fitness level? Are the clubs simply making up numbers? Yours faithfully, Lester Sealey