LOYALTY ISN'T SILENCE : THE MANJAPPADA PERSPECTIVE

Manjappada stands as a fan collective defined not just by numbers but by unwavering passion and identity. From filling the stands to turning every matchday into an electrifying spectacle, our support has been relentless through both triumphs and disappointments. Our chants, tifos, mosaics and vocal presence have elevated KBFC's stature across the Indian football fraternity. 

Manjappada's decision to boycott the stadium wasn't emotional or impulsive, it was taken as a desperate measure to make our voices heard after repeated dismissals from the administration. The core problem not addressed was the unclear and inconsistent sporting decisions which are still not being taken care of. These decisions have pushed the club to the brink of absolute destruction which was clearly visible during the initial phase of this season. Retaining the core Indian players, building the squad depth, recruiting quality foreign players - doing all this according to the coach and to make the squad competitive, which can compete against champion teams and to ultimately cling the title should be the minimum guarantee a management can provide. Unfortunately, KBFC management failed miserably every time the fans trusted them to do their basic job to build a club aiming materialistic success as well. Instead, the fans were left with unanswered questions and humiliations. To the fans who demanded long-term planning, structured recruitment, a footballing philosophy and a stable leadership, they replied with short-term fixes, panic decisions and ego-driven statements and opinions. 

An equally concerning narrative which has been pushed subtly before and now overtly is about loyalty of fans. Manjappada as well as the wider supporter base have stood by the club through disappointments, victories, near misses and everything. To now imply that the dissent we're showing is equal to disloyalty from our side is unfair. Loyalty is not blind acceptance; it's staying with the club along with raising concerns and questions when it matters the most. By framing criticism as betrayal, management risks alienating the very people who form the backbone of the club's identity. 

Another notable measure that has come evident now is the splitting among fans. The current climate has created divisions and this has been well nurtured by the management through different sets of PR stunts. This split will have long-term repercussions, which will go beyond this season, if left unaddressed, but no effort has been taken so far from the administrative side. 

A football club like KBFC, being a native of football-crazy state like Kerala have every potential to be the frontier of Indian football, if treated properly. Instead, season after season, the club is being damaged and the vibrancy is being lost. Apart from being a business entity, this football club also serves as a cultural symbol, community asset and as a source of identity to many. Decisions made for the club with a clear cut lack of insight are driving this institution to a hollow. This alongside the emotional disconnect fans have been facing will ultimately lead to the collapse of this institution, which we're trying to avoid through our ways. 

Manjappada's stand is, in essence, an attempt to protect what the club represents by demanding accountability to restore the direction. We're trying to ensure to uphold the values once defined this club and the fandom and they're not lost in the noise of the management. Silence at this point is no longer an option and we're hoping the management and the whole community will receive the messages we're putting forward in its intended spirits.