The Bayelsa State Government has re-affirmed its
partnership with Foreign Scouts, a deal that will provide a global avenue for
young footballers in the state to showcase their skills.
The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence
Ewhurdjakpo through the Commissioner for Sports Development, honourable Daniel
Igali made the affirmation on Friday when renowned International scouts and
coaches from around the world paid him a courtesy visit in his office in
Yenagoa.
Honourable Igali who officially welcomed the scouts to
Bayelsa, stated that the move was borne out of the desire of Governor Douye
Diri to create opportunities for players in the state to develop their skills
and gain exposure for global exploit
According to Igali, Bayelsa State is eager to take its
rightful place on the global football stage as it inspires young generations to
be discovered.
“I welcome all of you to Bayelsa on behalf of His
Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri and Acting
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. You were here in
August and we saw the length of work you did and we were very impressed, we
also adequately were briefed by Ono Akpe and today it has been confirmed that
five of our very young athletes are on the verge of going to Europe to ply
their trade.
“The goal of every young player is to get to the
Zenith of their careers and oftentimes it is such opportunities through the
Governor’s Prosperity Cup tournament and your very keen eyes some whom
otherwise wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity are now able to have
opportunity to travel abroad and we pray that they would be able to be good
Ambassadors and that they are good enough to pursue their professional careers.
“So on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri
and my direct supervisor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, I want to assure you
that you have partners in the Bayelsa State Government who are very desirous we
have a partnership as we want to use Sports as a vehicle to lift people out of
poverty.” Igali said.
The Sports Director OTP Finland and General
Coordinator of the Scouting Programme, Hilary Azodo in an opening remarks
commended the Bayelsa State Government for the wide arms of friendship and
partnership in putting Bayelsa State football on the map through innovative
ideas, passion, and dedication.
“Before I start I would like to thank the Bayelsa of
people for having us here once again as Wanada said, ‘when the road is good you
make a journey the second time’ and we can see that the partnership is yielding
fruits”
“I want to thank the Bayelsa State Government for this
grassroots sports, the Commissioner, the Director General Ono Akpe, and the
Deputy Governor. Bayelsa has been so quiet and peaceful no rancor, no problem,
we are very pleased.” Hilary noted.
Earlier, the Director General of the Bayelsa
Governor’s Football Tournament Ono Akpe intimated the State Government through
the honourable commissioner the reason for the scouting Programme.
“This scouting team is here to identify outstanding
talents specifically for the January transfer window with the believe through
the support of the Sports Ministry and the Deputy Governor and the Governor
identified players will go to Europe again for trials and opportunity to play
professional football abroad.”
“They are here with the interest to identify the
opportunities of partnership with Bayelsa United, Bayelsa Queens and of course
the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament and we want to thank the Governor
and the Deputy Governor for the support and we believe that with more support
we will take our boys to greener pastures.” Ono Akpe said.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Mrs Grace Alagoa alongside high
ranked staff of the ministry
Meanwhile, the 3-day Scouting Programme came to a
close on Friday with renowned scouts and coaches from around the world,
including: Ibrahim Can, the Sporting Director of Adanyspor of Turkey, Fred
French, Vice President FC Quomi of Malta, Naujot Singh Brar, X-One Agency of
Norway and Turan Aykut, Adabademin FC of Turkey.
Others include Uyammis Hakan, Agent CEO Sports Mgt
Agency and Sporting Director, Sakaryarspor – Turkey, Etemike Kelvin Oghale,
Chief Scout OTP of Finland and CEO Tristone Sport Management and Nieketien
Peter. – Ex-international, now a UEFA B coach and Sports consultant.
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