The Ebonyi Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Charlse Akpuenika, has pledged to promote veterans soccer in the overall interest of football in the state.
Akpuenika who is also a veteran footballer disclosed this on Wednesday in Abakaliki while redeeming his pledge of N100, 000 to winners of the recently concluded veterans football competition.
The commissioner said that veteran sportsmen and women should not be forgotten but relevant authorities should remember them for their contributions during their active days.
“It gives me great pleasure to see these veterans competing for full 90 minutes and beyond as this shows that their mental and physical conditions are still strong.
“Football veterans in Ebonyi should be commended greatly for still engaging in the sports despite their tight schedules and involvement in several fields of endeavour.
He congratulated winners of the competition and urged the organisers to ensure improved organisation in the 2021 edition.
“I would organise a reception for the participating teams in January 2021 to appreciate their efforts in making the competition a success.
“We would sustain the organisation of soccer competitions among other sporting events especially those held at the end of every year.
Hillary Obiesie, Ebonyi Football Association Secretary said that four teams participated in the competition which was played on a round-robin format.
“The teams include: Bankers FC, Lions FC, Salt FC and All Stars FC with the two best teams; Bankers and All Stars FC playing in the final.
“Bankers FC defeated All Stars FC 5-3 on penalties to win the competition after full times scores stood at 1-1.
He commended the commissioner for redeeming his pledge and urged others who made pledges towards the competition to redeem theirs.
“We see the competition as a victory over the first wave of COVID 19 as it signaled the resumption of football activities after the pandemic,” he said.
Michael Nwite, Coordinator of Bankers FC commended his players for winning the competition and assured that efforts would be made towards retaining the trophy in 2021.
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