The tragedy of chasing 12 points

One common theme in VB Addu FC coach’s narrative since the beginning of second round of Dhivehi league was to get at least 12 points by the end of it. Perhaps the magic number they could bank on in time of crises. But in a dramatic two weeks of poor performances that picture has turned gloomy.

Now on 9 points it is an uphill task given their final three fixtures in this round are against New Radiant, BG Sports and Valencia. Unless something out of ordinary happens they will be where they are, at the bottom of the table in the eight-team league. That would have been unthinkable for team of VB Addu FC stature when they lifted their three league trophies in as many years.

They came into existence out of the unfortunate wreckage of a club called IFC with high hopes and big expectations. Had a resolute mission and vision, clear-cut roadmap to go about their project. There was big money signing. Extensive scouting for the best talents. If money could buy trophies it was apparent from the number of top players in their payroll. An exciting platform was building up for any player of desirable talent from Addu Atoll to wear all-white jersey. It was written in their ambition. To take Maldives football to the next level. Seven years down the line the sad commentary is they are wallowing at the wrong end of the table.


For the second season running they had come to war without the necessary weapons. They were hurtling down towards that crisis point from day one. In the event, if they did what could have with the squad they have, it was their whole approach to the league that was the low point. What is this 12-point anyway? Why not go match by match basis, give your best shot and try to get the maximum points?

There is a belief that when you set a target of this nature, underwhelming in many senses, players slip into a comfort zone shackled by 'let’s do just enough' mind-set. They start motoring around in the second gear. They become more receptive to the tag of underdogs that they are. Mind you, which by the way, set in motion a vicious cycle of under-performances. You lose the desire to throw your body to harm’s way to block a ball going straight into goal, to go for that match-winning tackle, to run that extra yard of space even fighting for a lost cause. Now isn't that the margin of success and failure?

The point is, it is a dangerous precedent that could mast your real potential. How do you know you don’t have the potential if you are not bold, overambitious? How do you know you can't punch above your weight? Stranger things have happened in football. With right mix of self-belief, hard work and unwavering confidence there is nothing stopping you.

But for the moment the bigger worry is to chart an escape route. For whatever reasons, to lie low for couple of seasons after three years of consecutive excitement, was to come stronger it is the fear of relegation the big concern. The belated realization of rebranding was to entice more Addu supporters, first stop this shock slide down the table.