The Origin

In college, I pursued a degree in computer science engineering, but my heart was never in it. I trudged through four years of coursework, never really connecting with the material. Codes were never of interest to me, and when finals rolled around, I crammed like many of my peers, just long enough to scrape by(12 hours was good for me). Everything felt hollow. I graduated with a degree that offered no direction, leaving me in a sea of uncertainty.

After college, I attempted to pivot into writing, believing I’d finally found my niche when I landed an internship focused on Premier League football. However, rather than fulfilling passion, I was met with frustration. My days became filled with creating SEO-driven content that echoed what had already been said countless times. Shallow analysis and repetitive headlines dominated my writing experience. I said goodbye to 10 reasons why Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or.

My FPL journey began as a light-hearted competition among friends, where the thrill lay solely in banter and bragging rights. Each transfer and captaincy was a strategic move aimed at outsmarting those closest to me. However, the last season ignited a newfound passion within me. As I immersed myself in the intricate metrics and analyses,xG, xA, and player statistics, I transitioned from a casual player to a dedicated enthusiast. Determined to articulate my findings, I decided to launch a newsletter, not merely to share wisdom but to untangle the complexities I had encountered.

This project aims to foster clarity for fellow FPL players navigating similar frustrations, illuminating the “why” behind player selections rather than just the “who”?

I planned all of this. The website, the analytical model, but certainly not the long nights spent debugging concepts I barely grasped. My path forward was shrouded in uncertainty, but also a naive belief that perhaps I could make this vision a reality. One day, seeking a way out of my technical limitations, I typed my first question into ChatGPT. It marked the inception of Kiba’s FPL Treats, born not from inherent genius but from relentless inquiry and a trial-and-error mindset. Each step became a learning opportunity, as I embraced the discomfort of navigating unfamiliar territory. Player projections, website layout, and data analysis all demanded my attention, and with every stumbling block, I became more determined.

Naming the venture after my dog, Kiba, was a decision rooted in sentiment. She represents one of the few constants in my life, a symbol of joy and companionship. I wanted to create something that celebrated her presence, not in the form of some sad tribute, but in the here and now while she remains by my side.

Kiba’s FPL Treats is far from a finished product. There’s no grand blueprint guiding me, no “eureka” moment propelling the project forward. Instead, it’s a labour of love, an earnest endeavour led by someone without credentials or a clear map, merely trying to carve out meaning in a space that resonates with me.

And who knows? Perhaps, as I continue to learn and grow, this initiative will find its audience. Yet, even if it doesn’t, I remain undeterred. This journey has been transformative, and I'm still figuring it all out. The best part? I’m not done yet.