Ekiti State Football Association Chairman, Bayo Olalenge has reiterated his commitment to grassroot football development in the state.
The young and astute football noted that his administration will concentrate mainly on grassroots football, which is a major area to develop the sport in the country.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Athletics Sports Club, a lot of talents do waste away, because of lack of proper grooming from the grassroots level and this in turn may hinder the progress of the game in the state and the country as a whole.
” In football, the secret is the youth, if we are in a country and we don’t develop youth football, then we will not get to the top.
” We have to invest in the youth to develop talents in Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole, all Football Association in the country must make grassroots football their priority, so football can develop in the country. He told foremost Football Whatsapp Group, FUBF.
He continued. ” I have great passion for football and youth development. If am angry, all I have to do is to go a football pitch and watch kids play; He told FUBF.
” What excites me most is seeing kids play football and develop themselves as a person, over the years in Ekiti state, we have invested so much into grassroots football and some of our players have joined some professional teams in the country and beyond.
” Its not surprising that we were one of the first State F.A to secure a corporate sponsorship for our Youth League, which was sponsored by leading bet company Bet9ja.
Olalenge also revealed how much he loves, respect and cherish the NFF first vice president, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who he sees as his role-model and mentor.
” Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi is someone I respect so much because of his style of management. He is a selfless and generous being, who’s charismatic way of life has led to many other successes including myself.
