The current head coach of Ijebu United FC, Bright Ozebagbe is back into the spotlight, as he on Saturday won gold with Sterling Bank in the football event of this year’s Bankers Games.
Sports247.ng reports that the feat comes less than a month after he resigned from his role at the helm of affairs with Ikorodu City in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Although the soft-spoken tactician admitted it is a different ball game working with bankers, instead of professional footballers, Ozegbagbe added that he wants to make the best of it.
The gaffer fondly called ‘Coach Bright,’ went on to confess that Saturday’s final against FCMB was more difficult than he expected it to be.
Speaking to sports247.ng after the game, which his side won via penalties after the score was tied 1-1 at regulation time, Coach Bright heaved a sigh of relief.
He declared with glee, “The boys did what they needed to do, but it wasn’t an easy game.
“FCMB didn’t do well in the group stage, but we knew it was going to be difficult, as they found themselves in the final.
“So, underrating them was a very big concern for us. But, thank God, the boys did what they needed to do.”
The amiable gaffer went on to state differences between working with professional footballers and bank staff, whom he admitted are ‘amateurs’ in the round leather game.
“First thing foremost, we need to put our mindset in their shoes; because they are bank staff, not footballers.
“They are bankers who just want to come and have fun; but we still have to push them to be positive in their approach.
“That was what we did with this team. Thank God, they got to the final, and they did what they needed to win the match,” Ozebagbe pointed out.
He, however, stopped short of stating categorically whether he was in search of another NPFL club’s job or if he is happy working with Ijebu United and Sterling Bank.
“It’s work on progress,” Ozebagbe stated coyly, “As a coach, you always want to bring out your best in any team.
“Winning any trophy is a good feeling, as always.
“We are still doing what we have to do to make football better.”
