Head coach of Young Amos Football Academy of Ijora, Oluwatobi Lasis has revealed that he used money received from Keke Napep business and other private businesses to run the academy for the team’s survival.
Lasis who doubles as the founder of the academy disclosed this after his academy played 1-1 with B United academy on Thursday in the ongoing Baale Oki Challenge Cup taking place at Oki Primary School, Iyana-Ipaja, Alimosho Lagos.
Lasis while in a chat with Sports247 explained that he had singlehandedly sponsored the academy and club for the past 12 years with Keke Napep business without anybody’s assistance.
“I have two Keke NAPEP that are working for me. When the drivers deliver money to me, I used it to run the academy. It is not easy for somebody like me to use personal money to run the academy and club in the last 12 years. I pray that someday sponsor would come to our rescue,” he said.
Lasisi who has a diploma certificate in coaching courses said he runs various categories such as U-10,13,15,17 and female teams saying that more than 60 players are in his teams.
Asked how he copes with the players without an assistant coach, Lasisi said he scheduled the training period and handles all the various categories on different days.
“Many coaches nowadays are not ready to work and what they are after is money so I decided to run it by myself and take it upon myself. At times I used my captain in the senior team to handle junior teams and I am happy that everything is working well for the club,” he said.
Commenting on the club’s achievements, Lasis said he had produced some players who are currently playing for Smart City FC and won some laurels in the past.
Among his players in Smart city are Jelili Makanjuola, Jubril Lawal, and Habeeb Oyinkansola.
Lasisi said he never for a day regretted being a coach saying that he would continue to be in the game and handle it for his son in the future.
“I am a football coach and I have a passion for coaching. I have been in the coaching job for the past 12 years and I never for a day regretted being a coach. I want to thank my wife for her understanding and support given to me and the club. She has done well and she deserves commendation,” he said.
Young Amos Academy are currently training at Elegbata sports center, Apogbon.
