THIS refers to an attempt made by Pakistan football coach Tariq Lutfi to justify foreign trips, especially for the senior team. He says lack of international exposure results in an inability to compete at the higher level.

This is a correct diagnosis of the ills of the game in our country. However, it is only a part of the problem. If one looks at the expenditure on the juniors and the international exposure, then Mr Lutfi’s diagnosis does not stand up to the close examination.

To provide international exposure you need a lot of resources, if those resources were used to provide qualified coaches in all districts of Pakistan, it will get better results.

In Nigeria and Ivory Coast, schools do the best work, though there are no quality playing grounds, the motivation of the youth and the coaching quality is superb. They produce players of high international standards who go and play in rich countries that, in return, provide higher motivation. Rewards go to players not to officials.

I am not saying that international exposure is not important.

But you do not have to go to Brazil to gain that and do not need to take unnecessary baggage Pakistani-style, i.e., carpet beggars, with you. A number of African countries are well worth to gain experience. It becomes if the philanthropy of the millionaires of Pakistan is roused for the good of the youth of the country.

The most important point is the coaching at the grassroots level. Every secondary school should have a qualified coach or at least a qualified coach shared by a number of schools. Skills come with knowledgeable coaches and practice. Try it before you fly off to foreign shores looking for gems.

If you do not put resources, scarce as they are, in the potential at the district level, high accolades are a bit elusive. District level competitions, inter-district competitions leading up to the provincial level competitions will give you a lot of high quality players for the national team.

Spend scarce resources wisely: it is the only way to see the game bloom.

SHAFIQ KHAN United Kingdom