BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Notwithstanding the challenges and economic realities on ground, apsirants for the chairmanship position of Osun Football Association have vowed to transform the condition of the association if elected.
The FA election will be held on Tuesday and 37 delegates across the 30 local government areas of the state and seven other stakeholders would be voting.
Speaking separately, the three contestants, Ishola Rasaq Mustapha, Sola Fanawopo and Olafiranye Olayiwola, at a debate organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter in Osogbo, promised to to turn around the fortunes of round leather game in the state of voted to lead the association.
They all promised to return the lost glory of Osun Football if elected in the June 13, 2023 FA election holding in Osogbo.
While presenting their mission to the teeming Osun Football stakeholders and lovers, the aspirants admitted that Osun football development was facing many challenges such as infrastructural decay, negligence by the government, lack of clear cut football policy, poor capacity building among others which require quick action.
However, they all promised to look inward and engage in the business of Football through partnership with private individuals and corporate organizations to run activities of the association and depend less on government.
The incumbent chairman who is seeking reelection, Mustapha, said: “About 12 years ago, I was in charge of sports. I was the one who wrote proposals for six stadia that were approved for building in the state. I know the nitty gritty of sports and I want to say that it needs government’s involvement. Government has done nothing in order to improve sports in Osun and that’s why football game is declining because they are not interested in it. I am seeking reelection because I know that there is still a lot to be done in terms of improving the round leather game.”
For Olayiwola, “Osun has produced many international players and the era is diminishing. Lack of quality equipment and facilities are part of our bane. Government is doing something but they are not doing enough. If we can encourage the government to continue it, it would be fine. Private sponsorship won’t come if we don’t have what it takes for them to come and invest. If they don’t see branding and government seriousness, they won’t come. I am seeking to be elected because I have passion for football and I want to see it grow in this state.”
Also speaking, Fanawopo stated that, “Principal Cups will be revived when I become the Chairman. With my experience in private sector and my links, I will achieve a lot. Inter-competition for tertiary institutions across the over twenty institutions will be organised. We will bring experts to help us change our branding. Our branding is still at low ebb. It’s not about trial and error. Receive, retain and release. Respect, recognition and rewards will also form part of our watchword. I am offering myself today because I am a sports enthusiast, I will go to the National Assembly, meet our representatives and appeal to them to put sports development in their legislative agenda.”
They all promised to find solutions to the challenges immediately anyone of them is elected.
Seeking support of delegates, the aspirants, who came prepared to the debate were able to convince the audience including sports writers, coaches, referees, sports administrators, athletes and other stakeholders, the contestants vowed to carry every one along during their administration.
Earlier in his opening speech, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, Timothy Agbor urged all aspirants to see themselves as one whose mission was to develop Osun football and by extension Osun Sports sector. Agbor assured whoever wins of full support from Osun SWAN.
