Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed, Chairman of 36 Lion FC, Vice Chairman of Lagos FA, and Chairman of the LSFA technical team, shared his thoughts with Sports247 following the LSFA preseason tournament press conference, expressing his satisfaction with the draw process.
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Liameed commended the organization of the draw, stating, “It went very well. The primary objective is to prepare the clubs for the upcoming season, and I believe that after the preseason tournament, they will have a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. This insight will allow them to make necessary adjustments before the season officially begins.”
With 16 teams set to compete over the span of five days, Liameed acknowledged the toughness of the competition and its potential benefits for the participating clubs. He explained, “The preseason tournament will be a challenging test for the teams. It will help identify areas where they may be lagging and motivate them to improve.”
Regarding the participation of clubs in the tournament, Liameed expressed gratitude for the trust and commitment shown by the clubs. He noted that despite the spontaneous nature of the decision to hold the tournament, 16 clubs promptly registered to participate, which he considered a significant achievement.
While the initial target was to include 23 clubs in the preseason tournament, only 16 managed to complete the registration process. Liameed clarified that the low turnout was not primarily due to registration fees but rather other engagements and commitments that some clubs had. He emphasized that the participation of these 16 clubs was a positive outcome, given the circumstances.
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When asked about sponsorships, Liameed highlighted the challenges posed by the current economic climate but remained optimistic. He stated, “The economy is a factor, and our tenure is just beginning. We need to build trust and credibility, and as we do, sponsors will come on board. We are not discouraged; in fact, BUGA WINS took a significant leap of faith because the CEO and COO have a genuine passion for football and a belief in Lagos FA.”
Regarding the prevention of violence during the tournament, Liameed outlined a multifaceted approach. He mentioned plans to organize seminars to educate players and teams about the non-violent nature of football. Liameed emphasized the importance of fair play and noted that teams should focus on their game rather than engaging in acts of violence. Additionally, adequate security measures would be implemented to swiftly address any unruly behaviour within the stadium.
Overall, Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed’s remarks underscored the commitment to a successful preseason tournament and fostering a culture of non-violence and fair play in football.
