The General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Rasheed Balogun, has revealed that God, the love and unity that presently exist within the team, in addition to the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration, are the sources of the strength of the club.
He said these are the reasons for the team’s impressive run in the 2020/21 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Speaking on a Yoruba sports programme on an Ibadan based radio station on Friday morning, Balogun said the family-like relationship within the team and the confidence reposed in the management and the entire team as well as the financial commitment by the State government is the secret behind the team’s performance.
“Our team is like a family where everybody from the management to the technical crew and the players do relate as one big family.
“I can say I have never seen this kind of relationship within a club since I have been managing clubs. We do things together, we relate as a family and we are working in the same direction towards realizing the sole aim of returning the club to the topflight”, said Ekulekule as the football administrator is popularly known.
He also praised the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the confidence reposed in the management and the entire team as well as his financial commitment to the cause of the club.
“I will not stop mentioning the fact that we are having a good run because we are enjoying the support of our governor as well as the cooperation of the hardworking Commissioner for Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede”.
While appealing for more support and prayers from the supporters of the club, the former Stationery Stores, ACB, Julius Berger, Sunshine, and Dolphins top official, stated emphatically that Shooting Stars belong not only to Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria but the entire African continent.
Corroborating the words of the General Manager, the Team Manager of the Oluyole Warriors, Dimeji Lawal (MON), hinted that the love and unity within the club is second to none.
While appreciating the fatherly role of the GM, who he said carries everybody along in everything he does, Kabongo, as the ex-international is fondly called, said the fact that the current team has been together for a long time was also responsible for the oneness and understanding existing in the team.
“The GM does not relate with us like a boss but like a father. He deals with everybody, the technical crew, the players, and every staff in a loving and kind manner”, said the TM, who added that Balogun thinks about nothing other than the game.
Speaking further, the former-Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles and Super Eagles winger said. “This is the first time in Nigeria that I will see a team (management, officials and players), being retained for about three, four years and that has largely contributed to the positive results we are getting”.
