In a post-press conference interview following the LSFA preseason tournament draw that placed his team, Buruj FC in Group D alongside: – Ikorodu City FC – Spartan FC – Magic Stars FC, Dr. Salaudeen Waheed, CEO of Buruj Sports Academy, shared insights into his perspective on player development and the academy’s approach to football education.
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Expressing his excitement, Dr. Waheed stated, “I am thrilled about this opportunity. It’s all about showcasing my players and providing them with a platform to realize their talent on the field.”
Dr Waheed’s coaching philosophy revolves around nurturing young players from an early age. He chooses to involve his academy in league competitions to expose players to the intricacies of the game beyond what they witness on television screens. Through practical experience, they gain familiarity with football’s rules and principles.
Commenting on the conference, he acknowledged the educational aspects, stating, “Today’s conference highlighted several key areas where my players need education. This includes understanding new rules and the laws of the game, as well as learning to play without resorting to violence.
It’s about letting football flow naturally, rather than engaging in any form of misconduct that could negatively portray them to potential scouts or agents, both now and in the future.”
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of physical fitness, maintaining a proper diet, and achieving both physical and mental readiness before players take the field.
Regarding measures to prevent violence on the pitch, Dr Waheed outlined his approach: “I engage in continuous discussions with my players. Regardless of match outcomes, I have never engaged in any physical disputes with referees. I ensure that my referees and staff are disciplined concerning football violence, with immediate dismissal for any who violate this rule.”
He emphasized that football entails making mistakes and learning from them. He discouraged the habit of blaming referees and coaches for mistakes, asserting that football is a sport of wins and losses.
Highlighting the diverse backgrounds and characters of players, Dr. Waheed noted that they come together to unlearn, relearn, and acquire new skills. The academy’s core focus lies in education, aiming to mould players by instilling values that apply both on and off the field. To achieve this, they operate a secondary school program where players concurrently pursue academics and football education.
As for his expectations for the upcoming tournament, Dr Waheed stated that his primary focus is not solely on winning. He emphasized, “My expectations are centered around assessing individual performances and determining if we have quality players capable of meeting international standards.
Charity begins at home, and we need to understand their potential before introducing them to international clubs. It’s about affording them the opportunity to play; it’s not just about winning at any cost. Our goal is to discover talents and deepen their understanding of the game, demonstrating that it extends far beyond what they see on TV screens.”
