Coach Wants League Fixtures Regularised

The Acting Coach of Kwara United FC, Ali Zubair, has said
that irregular fixtures were hindering the smooth running of the Nigeria
Premier League (NPL).

Zubair, who made the observation in an interview with
newsmen said although the NPL had greatly improved, the Nigeria Football
Association should standardise and regularise the fixtures.

He said that due to the irregular fixtures, teams did not
know when and where their next match would hold and “this affects their
performance”.

“Clubs are not aware of when and where their next match
would hold. The irregular fixtures do not allow us to prepare adequately for
long distance matches.

“Last minute rush to travel long distance for matches really
affects our players because by the time they get to their destination, they are
already tired and fagged out.

“So, the NFA needs to make the fixtures available before the
season begins for teams to prepare adequately to honour their away matches.

“Fixtures need to be worked upon because it is a major
challenge facing both the NFA and NPL,” Zubair said.

The coach, however, commended the NFA and the NPL for the
“tremendous improvement in the organisation of the outgoing 2011/2012 season”.

Zubair said the NPL had greatly improved and that there were
noticeable improvements in the organisation of league matches.

“The NPL this season has improved from what it used to be;
there are tremendous improvements.

“At every match venue, I notice that lapses observed in
previous matches are corrected, while rooms for further improvements are being
continually embraced,” he said.

Zubair added that regular training should be organised for
referees to keep them on top of their work.

He expressed concern over the behaviour of football fans,
saying that a team that prepared well would perform well whether away or at
home.

Zubair also blamed players for exhibiting acts of
indiscipline during matches.