As trumpets of celebration continue rolling through the camp of Beyond Limited FA of Ikenne, following their emergence as Nigeria National League (NNL) champions, coach of the Ogun State-based private outfit, Olumide Ajibolade is happy that they are living up to the meaning of their name.
Speaking against the backdrop of their victory over Nasarawa United of Lafia in the NNL Super-8 final on Thursday, Ajibolade pointed out that the biggest code his players have learnt under him is to always see how they can overcome all limitations they may face in life.
His side not only topped the southern group of thd NNL Super-8 and got promoted to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) ahead of Ikorodu City of Lagos, they went on to defeat Nasarawa 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at regulation time.
Thursday’s victory at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu set the stage for a higher level adventure ahead of Beyond Limit FA, whose sister club, Remo Stars, are also competing in the NPFL, but Ajibolade says they have a strong structure, technical training platform and youth development scheme that other clubs should emulate.
“Every team that has ambition should try and put the right pieces in place,” said Ajibolade, who was recently named in the technical crew of the under-17 national team, Golden Eaglets.
“They should make sure they invest in coach education. It is paramount! I am well educated as a coach, and I have travelled the world … seeking knowledge, seeking understanding, and being able to compete at the highest level.
“Coaches should get knowledge. People at the helm of affairs should create the right environment for coaches to get knowledge. Let’s face more competitions, and we’ll all grow together.
“Once all of us are getting better individually, we will rub off our experiences on one another, and we will generally all get better together.”
He then spoke about the symbolic importance of the name Beyond Limit, a tag which Ajibolade says summarises the focus of everyone in the team owned by businesman, international club president, betting magnate and former local government chairman, Honourable Kunle Soname.
“Our name speaks for itself. We are beyond limit every day and for all aspects of life. People face various aspects of limitations … limitations of money, opportunities, and everything that happens in life.
“The question then is: Can you rise above your limitations? Can you not look at your circumstances and give up? Can you try and create something for yourself?
“That’s what we do at Beyond Limited Football Academy. That’s what we instil in the boys. Whatever type of challenge, whatever opposition, whatever you face in life, always try to rise beyond your limit,” Coach Olumide concluded philosophically.
