By Segun Giwa
Former Chairman, Ondo Football Association (FA), Dele Ogungbemi, has said football competition among secondary schools in Okeigbo Community is to identify talents that will represent the community in future competitions.
Ogungbemi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Okeigbo at the finals of the ‘Oba Lawrence Babajide Bamgbala 1’ 90th Birthday Celebration Football Competition.
The competition was staged to commemorate the 90th birthday celebration of the Oluoke of Okeigbo Kingdom, Oba Lawrence Bamgbala.
Oloroke Grammar School and Okeigbo Grammar School battled in the finals of the competition.
Okeigbo emerged the winners after the game ended 2-2 and they won on 6-5 on penalties.
Ogungbemi, who was a leading member of the committee that staged the competition, said it would also assist in preparing for the forthcoming Ondo State Football League.
He said the league would be organised by Ondo State FA at a yet to be announced date.
Ogungbemi said that parading old players would not achieve anything, adding it was the main reason the committee opted for secondary schools.
“We seek to use the grassroots competition to fish out young boys in secondary schools.
“In all, it is an U-17 competition. Those selected will continue in their training and later some could make the state team,” he said.
The Oluoke commended the committee for organising a great football match for his birthday celebration.
He also appreciated the state FA Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi, for gracing the competition with his presence.
Ajayi said he was happy that the community had keyed into the dream of the football association.
