Kareem Hassan, fondly known as Coach AZ, led Melody FC to a triumphant victory in the LAB Memorial Football Carnival Season 2 and expressed his elation during an interview with Sports247.
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He attributed their success to hard work, prayer, and unwavering focus on the game. he says “Getting from the quarter-final to the final is hard work and prayer, so that is what we fought for.”
Coach AZ began by thanking the Almighty for making their victory possible.
Hassan emphasized the importance of gratitude and dedication to football as a profession. He encouraged his players to prioritize their football careers if they chose not to pursue formal education or vocational skills.
He commended his co-coaches and the team manager for their collective effort. “I always tell the boys that football is not merely a sport; it’s your profession. For those who opt not to pursue formal education or vocational skills, dedicating yourself to football and aligning your performance with the talents bestowed upon you by the Almighty is paramount.”
When questioned about their performance in the tournament, Coach AZ expressed profound satisfaction, highlighted that his players adhered to instructions, which was crucial to their success.
Hassan acknowledged that their composure and unity were instrumental in their victories. “Maintaining focus throughout the tournament was crucial; otherwise, the outcome could have been drastically different.” He explained.
Regarding their performance meeting expectations, Kareem responded with confidence, “Yes! We came, we fought, and we conquered.”
Looking ahead, Coach AZ outlined their plans for the team’s future. The team’s sponsor, based outside Nigeria, has ambitious plans to propel the players to excellence. Their goal is not just to play in the Nigerian league but to seek opportunities for professional football careers abroad, whether in Europe, Asia, China, or Saudi Arabia. Coach AZ envisions limitless opportunities for his players and hopes they can reach for the sky.
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Expanding on grassroots football development, he urged top officials to pay more attention to the grassroots level. Kareem emphasized that talent abounds throughout Nigeria, including in his training area in Iwaya. He called upon the government to invest in grassroots football, nurture talent, and improve the overall state of Nigerian football. He stressed the need for sincerity and genuine commitment to this endeavor. “I earnestly advocate for our senior government officials to actively engage at the grassroots level,” he calls out.
Coach AZ’s dedication to the development of young talents and his call for increased grassroots football support reflect the potential for Nigerian football’s growth and success.
