Elevating Ekiti Football: A Call for Professionalism in Sports Administration
In a concerted effort to enhance the performance of its state-owned football teams, the Ekiti State government is advocating for a paradigm shift toward professionalism in football administration. This initiative is not merely a response to ongoing challenges but is rooted in a strategic vision for elevating the standards of sports within the region. Dr. Mrs. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sports to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, articulated this vision at a sensitization program held at the governor’s office in Ado Ekiti. The event, titled “Skill Upscaling: Effective Team Communication and Management,” emphasized the need for technical crews of Ekiti United FC, Ekiti Queens FC, and their feeder teams to adhere to a robust code of conduct.
As part of this initiative, a one-day training workshop was conducted for the technical crew, players’ union, and supporters’ club members. The objective was to enhance the skills and knowledge of the football technical crew in areas such as skill upscaling, team communication, and effective management. Expert facilitators led interactive sessions covering critical topics, including identifying areas for player development, effective communication strategies, tactical planning, and player motivation. Participants were encouraged to foster a positive team culture while adhering to ethical standards, with a strong emphasis on player welfare.
Feedback from the workshop indicated a significant impact, with 95% of participants reporting an improved understanding of the topics, 92% finding the content relevant to their roles, and 90% expressing increased confidence in applying their new skills. Recommendations for ongoing professional development included regular workshops, mentorship, and fostering collaboration across clubs.
During the program, Osetoba, alongside Governor’s Special Assistants on Sports, Hon. Kola Owoseni and Hon. Tunde Adesanya, stressed the importance of maintaining positive relationships between backroom staff and players. The initiative featured presentations from esteemed professionals in the field, including Mr. Toyese Omotoye, a recognized football referee, who urged technical crews to adopt strategic match preparations, steering clear of a mere must-win mentality. Concurrently, seasoned football coach Mr. Bello Mustapha called for government initiatives to enhance player welfare through incentives, thereby promoting both individual and collective team success.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Ekiti State Sports Commission, Hon. Sunday Ola, as well as representatives from the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). This gathering not only focused on skill enhancement but also aimed to instill a culture of accountability and excellence within Ekiti’s football framework.
As the state embarks on this journey toward elevating its football standards, one must wonder: can this newfound commitment to professionalism spark a season of unprecedented success for Ekiti’s sports teams, filled with aspirations and triumphs on and off the pitch?
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