By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Kaduna State FA Chairman, Hon. Faisal Mohammed Abdullahi has reiterated his commitment towards developing football from the grassroots.
He made the assertion during the press conference of ‘The Kada State Football Championship’ held at the Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna, on Thursday.
“Let me start by welcoming you to this very unique event. As far as I and my board are concerned, the Kada State Football Championship has come to stay in Kaduna State.
The first edition was a wonderful event with several partners, played in a league format when I wasn’t even elected as the FA Chairman. This time around, it will be something different as most of the matches would be played in various communities with 32 clubs in a league format with a Super 8 playoff to determine the eventual winner”. He said.
He further explained that hence the purpose of the championship is to promote grassroots football, it will be strictly for U-20 players.
“We plan to do a lot for grassroots development, hence we’ve decided it will be strictly for U-20 players. Few days ago, we held a coaching clinic for mostly our grassroots coaches with Super Eagles star player, Moses Simon in attendance as one of our special guests of honour. Hopefully, by the end of July, every modality would have been put in place for us to kick off,” he declared.
Super Eagles forward, Moses Simon was also present at the press conference and expressed excitement in identifying with the Kaduna State Football Association and continue to give back to the society as always.
“When the FA Chairman approached me to be part of this wonderful project, I was so excited and told him I want to be part of it. My coming here today is to be part of grassroots development in the state. I have always been doing it and won’t stop anytime soon because it gives me great joy putting smiles on the faces of our youth. Some days ago, I brought some foreign scouts to Kaduna and my fellow Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi was present. He loved the opportunity of visiting Kaduna for the first time. It was a great event and we believe a few players would have the opportunity to take their careers to the next level. I will support the championship from start to finish,” he assured
Moses Simon also urged soccer loving Nigerians to be patient with the new Super Eagles coach, Finidi George as he believes the Super Eagles will still qualify for the next World Cup despite a not too impressive start.
“Coach Finidi George has my full support alongside other Super Eagles players. Though the desired results are not forth coming at the moment, I want urge all soccer loving Nigerians to rally round the team and be more patient as positive results will soon start rolling in when the next set of matches get underway next March”.
Some dignitaries present at the press conference include; Hon. Faisal Mohammed Abdullahi, (Kaduna State FA Chairman), Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim (Kaduna State FA Vice Chairman), Moses Simon (FC Nantes and Super Eagles forward), Ismaila Usman (Kaduna State Ministry for Sports Development and Ahmadu Bello Stadium manager), Alhaji Janka Mohammed (Chairman Chikwu Football Council), Shehu Abdullahi (SWAN Chairman, Kaduna State Chapter), Nasiru Adamu Chiji (President YOCA), Alhaji Abdulsalam Ahmed Jere (former Kaduna State FA Secretary) and host of others.
