Karma Tsering Sherpa is the newly appointed President of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). After the sixteen years he invested in the association, building his way up, he claims to have a wide understanding of how ANFA works as well as the cracks that need to be fixed.
He also serves as President of Himalayan Sherpa Club. In this edition of Business 360, he shares his thoughts on leadership and the course he has set for ANFA during his tenure.
What is your definition of leadership?
The ability to execute a clear vision with proper planning is, in my opinion, the definition of leadership.
How have your personal experiences helped you become a better leader?
Seeing poverty and social problems in my formative years caused me to strive to bring changes and aim for leadership positions. The struggles that I went through inside the football association have helped me gain better understanding of what I can do as a leader. I led a rebellion against the corruption that was going on in ANFA under the previous leadership. These experiences have shaped me to become a better leader and provide ANFA with honest leadership. I am committed to the betterment of Nepali football. I believe in the qualities of consistent performance, determination and honesty.
“An organisation fails only when it does not have a proper system. If an organisation has a proper system, irrespective of the leader, it does not fail.”
What is your leadership mantra?
A clear vision, a proper and well thought out plan, and the determination to execute the plan.
Do you think leadership is an in-born trait?
No, I don’t. Considering the fact that no one in my family was a leader per say, and I have, somehow, ended up becoming one, I believe leadership is a trait you gain with experience.
What are the three traits that a leader should posses?
A clear vision, a clear roadmap and the courage to do what needs to be done.
How would you assess yourself as a leader?
I don’t think of myself as a leader. I believe I am an employee of the football association. I work tirelessly trying to improve the situation of football from the grass root level. I have been able to make financial rules and regulations, employee rules and regulation, a short and a long term vision which includes one objective, five driving forces and 25 action plans.
Along with that, we are also building the first female technical center in Rautahat which we plan to complete by December.
Additionally, FIFA, with confidence in this leadership, has financed us with 22.5 crores.
What are your plans for ANFA in your tenure?
Firstly, I would like to be the one to develop the foundation of football from grass root level that is from the ages of 5 to 12. In conjunction I aim to organize youth tournaments and youth training for under 16 and under 18 at district level. My plan is to build up more training centers—14 in the seven provinces to provide and train more than 400 males and females athletes respectively. Also, together with the leagues in district and province levels as well as the national level, the national team will be formed.
What are your major challenges in your current role?
There are many major challenges, some being the fact that we lack skilled manpower. Also there is only one stadium in Nepal, but at least two are needed to properly conduct leagues matches. Moreover, the government does not provide sufficient funds which has become a major challenge.
Can a leader be blamed if an organisation fails?
In the simplest of sense, an organisation fails only when it does not have a proper system. If an organisation has a proper system, irrespective of the leader, it does not fail.
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