Sulaimon Ahmed Kolawole, the Head Coach of Right Vision Football Academy, expressed his disappointment after his team’s narrow 4-5 loss to Melody FC in a penalty shootout during the semi-finals of the LAB Memorial Football Carnival Season 2.
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In an interview with Sports 247, Sulaimon shared his thoughts on the tournament and his plans for the future.
Before the LAB Memorial tournament, Sulaimon had high hopes and expectations for his team. He aimed to lead Right Vision Football Academy to the final and clinch the championship. However, despite their best efforts, they fell short in the semi-final, losing in a penalty shootout. “It is a game of luck,” he lamented.
When asked if his team had performed admirably to reach the semi-finals, Sulaimon acknowledged their efforts but noted the unpredictability of penalty shootouts. He stated, “We did very well, but in penalty kicks, there are lots of surprises to be expected. That is football.”
Looking ahead, Sulaimon’s plans for his young players revolve around their growth and development. Most of the squad members are just 15 or 16 years old, making them the youngest participants in the tournament.
He intends to nurture their talent and prepare them for future opportunities, including U-17 tournaments. “By next year, most of them would be up for transfers because they have a lot of strength in them,” he explained.
Despite facing financial constraints that forced them to withdraw from a competition in Sierra Leone, Right Vision Football Academy is gearing up for upcoming tournaments in Abuja and Bayelsa State. Sulaimon remains optimistic about the team’s future prospects.
When asked if he believed their opponents deserved the victory, Sulaimon emphasized that his team had dominated possession and felt they had missed a crucial chance near the end of the game. He expressed his belief that luck played a significant role in the outcome and wished Melody FC the best in the final.
Sulaimon’s dedication to the development of young talent and his positive outlook on Right Vision Football Academy’s future highlight the resilience and determination within grassroots football.
