Sport

BAYELSA STARLETS DEDICATE VICTORY OVER HARD FIGHTING UTILITY FC LAGOS TO GOV. DIRI

Posted by: Quickresponse | October 5, 2023

...AS OVER 20 FOREIGN SCOUTS BEAM SEARCHLIGHT ON PLAYERS

Bayelsa Starlets have dedicated their one-nil victory over Utility FC, Lagos in the opening match of SPOCS Scouting Tourney at Remo Township stadium, Ikenne, Ogun state to Governor Douye Diri.

The tension soaked match which was watched by a capacity crowd saw the Starlets seizing control from the blast of the whistle.

The Starlets, operating from the both wings forced the Utility boys to play the better part of the match in their half but launching sporadic counter attacks.

The Ikenne fans were forced to shift their allegiance to the Starlets following their display of good soccer artistry.

The Utility boys could not stop the goal hungry Prosperity boys as Benjamin Precious scored the first and only goal of the match for the Creek Boys.

Utility FC had their goal keeper to thank as the match could have ended with harvest of goals in favour of the Prosperity Boys as he made a couple of superlative saves to keep the scoreline close.

In another match, Dream FA Bayelsa came from behind to record a three all draw against Sportyn FC of Lagos.

Sportyn FC were leading by 2 goals before Dream boys' piled pressure to level up the score line.

The match later became a ding ding affair but Sportyn FC again took the lead before Dream FC equalized with the last kick of the match.

Opukeme Inifieladei, Abuchi Uwandu were the scorers for Dream Team with Pere Ebiwari scoring the 3rd goal just before the blast of the whistle.

In a post match interview, the Director General of Bayelsa Starlets, Mr. Ono Akpe thanked Governor Douye Diri, his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewheujakpo and the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Daniel Igali as well the coaches for their unflinching support for the team.

He said the support the teams were getting was unprecedented in the sporting history of Bayelsa.

He explained that both teams were products of the last Governor's Cup which ended in July 2023.

A total of 100 players were selected from the tournament. They were screened and have been in camp since July preparing for this tournament and others.The number was further screened to 34 players representing the two teams.

Eventually, 14 players were selected from both teams from Bayelsa State out of 30 teams from across the country that participated in organisers after 3 days of playing in the programme by the tournament organisers and are expected to go for a final round of screening led by SPOCS CEO/Founder, Sascha Empacher from Germany.

Dreams FA won the Douye Diri Invitational Tournament which held in Yenegoa in September while Bayelsa Starlets were the runners up . The Prosperity Boys are coached by Lawrence Alabrah and Ada Gwegwe while Dreams FA is mentored by Kenneth Opukeme and Olayinka Nasiru

Both teams were sponsored for this tournament in an attempt to create an avenue for the youths of Bayelsa to showcase their skills. Bayelsa Starlets are also billed for other International Tournaments before the end of the year within and outside Nigeria.

Akpe who assured the Bayelsa government of successful outings in the various tournaments lined up for them that no fewer than eight players from both teams have caught the attention of the international scouts and agents

"The boys would do Bayelsa proud. I have no doubt about in my mind and that has manifested today on the field of play. The boys are all dedicated, committed, excited and grateful for these opportunities the Governor has provided right from the Prosperity Cup till date" Mr Akpe added.

SPOCS is one of the topmost sports management agencies in the world. The agency has, in its record, the likes of Liverpool star player Mohammed Salah, AbdulRaman Baba of Chelsea, and Mohammed Elneny of Arsenal.