If the Art of War, written by Sun Tzu several thousand years ago is still relevant to politics in the 21st century, then, a politician watching the tactics and strategies being employed by various managers and coaches to win the World Cup cannot fail to glean a few lessons that can be applied to politics. I am not a football maniac; I only resurface during major tournaments so I bet I am more observant than somebody who is a professional football fan.
In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I am fascinated by the players’ tactics and how different teams adapt to various challenges. The World Cup is proving to be a contest of wits as it is of strengths. Supposed pedigrees are falling by the wayside, while minnows are advancing. The competition is tight, only a slight mistake is enough to send a team packing. I cannot help but pick a few lessons learned that can be applied in politics:
1. Never underestimate your opponent. Anybody in the competition has a lethal weapon that has brought him/her that far. This is what befell the Italians in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Defending champions, with a galaxy of stars but could not contain the Slovak underdogs who are nowhere in the world football map.
2. There are no favorites in any competition. Anybody in a contest is in it to win. A favorite is under more pressure to win than an underdog. Uruguay and Paraguay are playing with relaxed minds because nobody expects them to win yet they are winning. The English were touted as pre-match favorites, but they are now watching the contest from the (dis)comfort of their English living rooms.
3. It is about team work not star power. The star-studded French team could not advance beyond the group stages yet the relatively unknown teenage Ghanaian team is chalking in accolades after accolades.
4. Never be cowed by pedigrees. The David-Goliath mismatch is again unfolding in South Africa.
5. Adapt your strategy to suit the situation.
6. Have the crowd to shout your name. It is like wind to your sails. This is the reason I am betting on Ghana to beat Uruguay.
7. If you cannot beat them on a direct contest then defend your strongholds and as you plan an attack. Your opponents will wear out trying to break your defense
8. Have a good finishing. It is no point playing good football yet you cannot score. It is the scores that count not entertainment. Have a sure fire-power in front to convert your footwork into goals.
9. In football as in politics, it is the end that justifies the means. Score whenever and wherever as long as the referee has not noticed. From Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ to Frank Lampard’s disallowed score, once the referee has ruled, it stands. Don’t shy away from a controversial win.
10. Have a sober technical bench. If you are the coach (in this case, the candidate), the anxiety of the moment will compromise your ability to think straight when the contest is on. Have you noticed that before a substitution is done, a player is briefed by the technical bench? Have you noticed again that most substitutes go ahead to score in the next few minutes? So, study the game as it progresses and note your opponent’s weaknesses and utilize it. Never underestimate the importance of your campaign staff.
11. Maintain your cool. Even if you are trailing in the competition, never lose your temper. It is the best way to lose a contest. Ask the French team. If your opponent notices you have blown your fuse, they will rattle you more so you hit back and get send off.
12. Never mess in the penalty box. If you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones. Never let your opponent play you on your weakest areas. Protect your weaknesses from the sight of your opponent. Protect and divert attention from your Achilles Heels.
13. Maintain effective communication with your team. You have seen how decisions by captains are respected by other players. They decide who take the penalties and the corners. In short, provide leadership in your campaign via effective communication.
14. Review the situation occasionally and adjust. Noticed how players come back with renewed vigor after the half time break? A good debriefing from the coach can win a contest.
15. Time is of essence. Be the first one to score and do so early. It is good for the team’s psychology. Don’t struggle to score in the dying moments of the game. By then everybody wants a win.
16. Take every game seriously. Win all if you can. Your track record will count psychologically in subsequent matches.
17. You are entirely responsible for your team’s performance. If your team is embarrassed in the World Cup and you are the coach, your job is over. You either jump or you are pushed. Learn to take responsibility. Every move counts.
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