Preparation Ahead of New Season Begins
It was a rousing reception for coach Gbenga Ogunbote as he was officially unveilled as the Technical Adviser/Head coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club. (3SC) of Ibadan on Monday
Hundreds of the clubs teeming fans and members of the club’s organised Supporters Club, were on ground to witness the impressive unveiling and presentation of the tactician by the Management of the Oluyole Warriors.
Shooting Stars’ Executive Chairman, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro, who was accompanied by the Acting General Manager cum Team Manager, Dimeji Lawal and the Director, Administration and Supply,, Alhaji Rahman Olapade, were joined by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede and other dignitaries to unveil the former Gateway FC handler.
Speaking at the event held inside the mainbowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Honourable Olaniyan said the decision to hire the widely travelled gaffer, was based on the resolve of the management to ensure the lost glory of the Ibadan soccer lords was restored via a good performnace in the coming season.
The 3SC boss added that the passion and the desire of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, was to see the team return to the continental scene, reiterating the resolve of the management to make the dream come true, hence, the decision to settle for the services of a sound tactician like Ogunbote who led Remo Stars to pick a historic continental competition ticket, just a season after being promoted to the elite league.
In his own remarks at the ocassion, the Commssioner for Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, while officially unveiling the new 3SC Technical Adviser to the visibly elated gathering, expressed joy at the overwhelming acceptance of coach Ogunbote by the Shooting followers and charged the tactician to bring his wealth of experience to bear in ensuring of a good outing for the Oluyole Warriors.
Speaking after his official unveilling and presentation, the “Oracle” as the experienced gaffer is called, who had apart from tutoring notable clubs like Giwa FC of Jos, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Rangers International of Enugu and lately Remo Stars, previously handled the Ibadan soccer lords twice, promised never to disappoint the fans the entire Shooting Stars’ family even as he solicited for total support from the team.
The returnee 3SC sweat merchant was later presented with a brand new Sienna car, which was handed over to him by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede.
The unveiling and presentation ceremony was witnessed by other dignitaries including Special Assistants to the governor, Honourable Kazeem Bolarinwa and Honourable Tobi Oyewumi, Chairman, Oyo State Sports Council, Honourable Gbenga Adewusi Arole, the General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council, Mr Gboyega Makinde, the Secretary, Oyo State Football Association, Mr Kehinde Ojelowo, who stood in for the Chairman, Oba James Odeniran, former Chairman of 3SC, Baba Olayiwola Lakondoro, Chairman, Oyo State General Supporters Club, Mr Femi Oyeniyi, Chairman, 3SC Supporters Club, Mr Femi Ajala andd ex Shooting Stars goalkeeper, Zion Ogunfehinmi, Barrister Jubrin Muhammed, the Chairman, Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter, Mr Niyi Alebiosu among others.
Monday’s unveiling of coach Ogunbote, signals the beginning of the team’s preparations for the incoming season as the players are expected to resume training this week.