Coach Omotayo Orogbemi, a seasoned football coach, currently oversees the U15-20 category at MS Success Football Club located in Mushin.
Prior to his coaching career, Coach Omotayo had an impressive background as a professional football player, having represented renowned clubs such as Gabros International FC, Ifeanyi Ubah, Abuja United, and Eko United.
Unfortunately, a knee injury prematurely ended his playing days, prompting him to channel his passion for football into coaching at the grassroots level.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Coach Omotayo maintains his involvement in the sport by participating in training sessions with the All-Stars FC, a team comprised of professionals who convene every Saturday at the Eko Boys High School field.
Coach Omotayo revealed to Sports 247 that many of the players have a shared history of playing football together in their formative years. Some of them even pursued professional careers in Nigeria and abroad but retired due to age-related factors.
Expressing his perspective on grassroots football, Coach Omotayo remarked, “We have been making significant progress in Mushin. There is a prevailing stereotype that Mushin is a rough area populated by troublemakers, where nothing positive can emerge. However, those of us who have played football beyond Mushin have gained valuable experiences outside, and we endeavor to nurture and foster the talents within Mushin so that they can excel in what they do best. By engaging them in sports, we aim to deter them from engaging in negative habits and drug abuse. We have achieved notable success, as a few players have gone on to represent Nigeria in football.”
Looking ahead, Coach Omotayo has aspirations to enhance his coaching career by pursuing further education at the National Institute of Sports (NIS). His ultimate goal is to work with Premiership teams and potentially coach internationally.
When it comes to his young players, Coach Omotayo’s objective is to instill in them the understanding that football is a profession. He emphasized, “We do not charge or demand money from them to ensure that excuses of financial constraints do not hinder their availability for training. As the players witness professional success stories of a few individuals who have emerged from MS Success FC, they develop a belief that they too can reach greater heights and surpass expectations.”
For those interested in grassroots coaching, Coach Omotayo offered valuable advice, acknowledging the challenges inherent in the field. He stated, “Grassroots coaching is not an easy endeavor due to the limited financial rewards associated with it. It is crucial to have alternative means of sustenance, as there is minimal external support available. If a graduate coach lacks alternative sources of income, they may be compelled to demand money from players, resulting in the loss of valuable talents. Within the community we operate in, coaching grassroots football poses considerable difficulties. However, with clearly defined aims, objectives, and reliance on divine intervention, one can surmount these challenges.”
Coach Omotayo stressed the importance of assuming a dual role as both a father figure and mentor as a grassroots football coach. Recognizing that football extends beyond mere on-field coaching, he highlighted the diverse backgrounds and training of the players, emphasizing the need for effective management. A coach must possess patience and maintain a calm demeanor to bring out the best in their team. Having played the game himself, Coach Omotayo understands the emotions and experiences of the players. He emphasized the significance of nurturing talent that may be coupled with a lack of character, ensuring it is not squandered. As an ex-player turned coach, he combines the roles of a father figure and mentor to extract the full potential of his players.
Outside of football, Coach Omotayo is also skilled in physiology and fashion design, showcasing his diverse range of expertise.
