"Without institutional support and the players' willingness to attend training, there's no way to build a competitive team. The passion can't just be the coach's," said a visibly shaken Ney Loko.
The coach also informed that, from now on, there will be no more training sessions, thus ending a cycle that, despite the challenges, sought to rescue the pride and footballing identity of Brava.
This episode raises serious questions about the state of Bravense soccer. How far has our sport come, when the athletes themselves feel no pride in representing their island? Representing Brava should be an honor - perhaps the highest point in any local player's career. But, unfortunately, it seems that this feeling has been lost.
The failure to hold the Regional Championship was perhaps the biggest collective mistake made by managers, athletes and others responsible. The absence of competition not only demotivates the players, but also alienates fans, impoverishes the island's sporting spirit and breaks the cycle of developing new talent.
Today, we ask ourselves: when will we see a soccer championship in Brava again? When will we hear the screams from the stands again, cheer for a goal, dream of titles?
What's happening at Brava is more than a technical or organizational problem. It's a crisis of identity, commitment and love for the shirt. Let this abandonment of Ney Loko be a wake-up call, before soccer on the island goes out for good.
Brava deserves more. Bravense sport deserves to be reborn.