The chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed has come out with a detailed explanation of the body’s new collaboration with the National Institute for Sports (NIS).
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Liameed threw more light on the technical agreement between both body’s during a ceremony that saw 52 grassroots football coaches receive LSFA licences.
He enthused that the pact would help to further develop football from the nooks and crannies of Lagos State, while also enhancing the discovery of hidden talents in various communities.
The esteemed football philanthropist and administrator, who is also the president of Lagos-based 36 Lion FC, added that grassroots coaches will not be left behind in their desire to become professional tacticians and trainers.
This is sequel to a recent directive by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that people without formal training and licences will no longer be allowed to function as coaches.
Liameed stressed that the new dispensation in Lagos State supports the NFF’s stand, and affirmed that the LSFA is ensuring that coaches would not only be trained in the state, but they will also receive licences that qualify them to practise as professional gaffers.
“Majority of our coaches are operating without proper licences. Some have the certification, but we ask, ‘Are they licensed?’
“It is only the FA that can license coaches. That is why we have this collaboration between Lagos State Football Association and the NIS. It is a marriage made only for proper football to develop.
“This tenure of the association said it from the beginning that we will not practise football as usual, it has to be football administration as normal,” Liameed expatiated.
He hinted further that the recent certification and licensing of coaches by the LSFA will further open up the profession in terms of standards, quality and efficiency across the state.
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