Agoye who signed a renewable one year contract on Monday was unveiled at the Conference Room of the Ondo State Football Agency’s (ODSFA) Caring Heart Games Village office, Oda Road Akure.
The coach and the Commssioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ondo State, Hon. Dele Ologun’s speech and responses touched on team’s target and unity of purpose during the ceremony. Their words were transcribed by Sunshine Stars FC’ Media.
Hon. Ologun’s, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Governor; my visionary leader, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and the Management Committee headed by our amiable Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for a job well done in repositioning the Agency and Sunshine Stars. Also I thank all stakeholders who always lend their support and wealth of experience to move Sunshine Stars forward.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sunshine Stars’ history with the unveiling of Edith Agoye as our new Head Coach. Myself, the GM, Prince Tunde Ogunja and the leadership of the team settled for Agoye among the shortlisted coaches with the conviction that he can succeed here, if all stakeholders give him an unflinching support. That we are trusting everyone of us to deliver on.
“Agoye is one of us as an indigene of Ondo State. So, as it is a call to duty for him, it is also a homecoming for our man. The coaching job of Sunshine Stars comes with huge responsibilities and as a management we have our set-goals for the coming season which is a top three finish, however I want to reiterate that it is with unity of purpose that our expectations can be met. So let us unite around Agoye and his coaching crew for the actualization of our common dreams for Sunshine Stars.”
Agoye’s “Today is the happiest day of my footballing career; an opportunity for me to come back home and associate with my root. My father cried on hearing of my appointment here, it’s a proud moment for our family that am back to work at home. I know there are a lot of expectations but I want to assure you that by the grace of God and the support of the people of resources present here today and the government of this state whatever the task ahead of is will be surmounted.
‘Am quite happy that Sunshine is one of the powerhouses in Nigeria football today, in the past 10 years played on the continent. The standard has been set already, though the team is in transition. What we met on ground is sufficient to build on. We the new crew will bring our wealth of experience as a player and as coaches to bear. Finally I want to seek the support of everyone on this enormous task, it’s not just about me and the technical crew, it is only with your support that we can achieve the target of returning Sunshine Stars back to the continent. Thank you all!”
The 46 years old until now was Shootings Stars’ Head Coach, a post he occupied for five years, guiding the Ibadan outfit back to the NPFL last year, before overcoming a turbulent 2021/22 seaaon to retain the Oluyole Warriors’ topflight status.
Eshin, as Agoye is fondly called by fans had a stellar playing career with Shooting Stars and a host of other clubs in Germany, Austria, Israel before quitting playing for coaching in 2009.
He will be assisted by ex junior international, Akin Olowookere, Akure City’s young handler, Banjo Adepoju and Stephen Folorunsho, the Goalkeeper Trainer.
Present at the ceremony are Chairman of Ondo House Committee on Sports, Otunba Akogun Gbenga Omole, General Manager of ODSFA, Prince Tunde Ogunja, Ondo FA Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi, GM Sports Council, Mr Henry Babatunde, former Chairman of the Agency, Otunba Akin Akinbobola.
Others are former Coach and Technical Director of Sunshine, Ambassador Henry Abiodun, FA scribe Chief Adetoyinbo, Sunshine’s General Coordinator, Tokunbo Akinyelure, Chairman Sunshine Stars’ Supporters Club, Felix Olowa, Club captain, Sunday Abe, members of the Sports Writers and many more.
