It is a new dawn in the affairs of football in Delta State, South – South of Nigeria with the emergence of Hon. Godwin Adode as the new chairman of the FA few weeks ago.
Hon. Atode, a former footballer with mesmerizing skills in the colours of Delta Stars FC of Ughelli is set to change the dynamics of football administration in Delta State with emphasis on grassroot football that will focus on age- grade teams across the state.
He disclosed this in an exclusive interview with www.totorinews.com that the main target of his administration is to discovet talented teenage football in the state with the introduction of U13, U 15, U17 and U19 leagues football in all the three senatoriak districts of the state.
Hon. Adode, who is fondly called ‘Tete’ by his admirers, noted that Delta FA will also use the platform of the youth leagues to invite football scouts both within and outside, with the hope that the windows of European football will be opened for these young footballers to develop their game abroad.
“My main target as the new chairman of Delta State FA is grassroot football. Football at the grassroot is very key and to this effect, we have plans to organise youth leagues in the state,” Hon. Adode said.
“This is Delta State. We are blessed with abundance of talented footballers, but they need a stage they can use to showcase their gifts and launch themselves not only to our people, but to Nigeria and the entire world.
“Football is very powerful. We want to use the power of football to change the ugly situations of our youth in Delta State and we hope that this is what the the youth leagues will achieve.
“We want to catch them young. We will organise leagues for U13, U15, U17 and U19 respectively. The bedrock of football develop is at the grassroot.
“We also want to recognise our coaches at the grassroot, create opportunites for them to be actively engaged in football competitions via the youth leagues.
He informed further that Delta FA cannot do it alone without the support of Delta State government and corporate organisations in the state, noting that the administration of Hon. Sherriff Francis Oborevwori has demostrated strong passion for the growth of football in the state.
“Of course, Delta FA cannot run this package alone. We are grateful to God for giving us a kind- hearted governor in Delta State in the person of His Excellency, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who has shown tremendous support for the game in the state.
“So, the youth leagues will be in conjunction with the state government, also support from the corporate firms in the state.
Knowing fully well the contributions of former footballers to the development of football in the state and country, Hon. Adodo said that, it is very painful to see many of them on the suffering side of life and in abject poverty.
“It grieves my heart to see former Nigerian footballers who gave Nigerians joy with their football prowess living in poverty after retiring from the game. That is the pain in my heart.
“It is very painful to see some of them working as gatemen, driving ‘keke’ just to survive. Some do not have any means of livelihood at all, so they beg to feed and train their children. It is very sad.
“Some might have made financial mistakes or were recklessness with their income during their active days, we cannot argue that. Nevertheless, that should not stop us from helping them, if we have the means, no matter how little. Delta State can still assist them.
“I think the government of Delta State can help in reducing the suffering of these former footballers. Go to Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Kwale, Asaba to mention but a few places, many of them are there suffering and in depression.
“It is my prayer that Delta State government through the FA will come to the rescue of these former footballers, put smiles on their faces by placing them on a monthly allowance. This wll help a great deal.
“So, these are some of the plans i have for grassroot football and for the stakeholders like the coaches and former footballers to have a sense of belonging.
“Grassroot football is very essential and i hope that corporate organisations will partner with Delta FA to make these noble football projects worthy in redefining football in the state,” the former chairman of Delta Stars FC of Ughelli concluded.
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