May 28, (THEWILL)- The highly anticipated scouting programme of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament will kick off on June 30, bringing together international scouts and coaches led by Mr. Peter Nieketien, who is the Chief Scout of the programme and coordinator, Kelvin Etemike, a representative of OPS/OTS of Finland and CEO of Tristone International Agency.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better with the presence of nine other international scouts who are keen to unearth the best grassroots football talents in Bayelsa.
This was disclosed by the Director General of the Tournament, Mr. Ono K. Akpe, on Tuesday, at the public presentation of the scouting and coaching programme in Yenagoa.
The DG expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support of sports development in Bayelsa State and commended him for his unprecedented efforts in promoting sports in the country, particularly in the state.
According to Akpe, the support of the government has enabled the programme to lay a strong foundation for international scouts who will be arriving in June and July to witness the exciting talent of grassroots football in the state.
One of the highlights of the 2024 tournament is that it will feature a triple cadre competition: the male competition which is currently ongoing, the female edition which will kick off in a few weeks, and the para-soccer edition to cater players with disabilities.
The DG hinted that this inclusive approach emphasises the programme’s commitment to providing opportunities for all aspiring football players no matter their gender.
The Prosperity Cup will also introduce a new element to the tournament – the local government champions.
After a rigorous selection process within each local government, selected players will be identified and brought to Yenagoa for a week or two for training, which will ultimately lead to the formation of two to four teams that will participate in the international scouting programme alongside the eight LGA champions.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the programme at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the Prosperity Cup DG, Mr. Ono K. Akpe, expressed confidence that the international scouts would be amazed by the level of skills and talent on display.
Speaking about the proposed programme in an exclusive interview, Mr. Etemike said: “Having competent coaches who understand the fundamentals of building young players is key to the development of grassroots football. With the right guidance, every team can have a successful developmental process.
“However, the reality is far from this ideal situation. The lack of proper coaching and mentorship has led to numerous issues within the football community.”
On his part, Mr. Nieketie also highlighted the adverse effects of inadequate development at the grassroots level. “With a lack of proper guidance and support, many young players fall prey to negative influences such as drugs and illegal activities like internet fraud.
“As a coach, you are more than an instructor, you are a father, mentor, and role model to these kids. It is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction and shape their character,” he stated.
He further elaborated on the impact coaches have on young players, saying: “The players look up to their coaches and often imitate their actions. If the coach is not setting a good example, it directly affects the development of grassroots football in Nigeria. This, in turn, has resulted in a decline in the number of Nigerian players reaching the national team.”
He, however, stated that he is determined to change the narrative. With his vast experience and knowledge in the field, he is leading a scouting programme that aims to identify and groom talented young players in Bayelsa and Nigeria in general.
“We are hoping to bring back the former glory of Nigerian football by giving these young players the right guidance and support they need to reach their full potential,” he stated.
Nieketie believes that it is time for the football community to give back to society what it has given them. “The grassroots level gave us the platform to become who we are today, and it’s time to pay it forward,” he asserted.
He also encouraged other former football players to join this cause and help build a brighter future for Nigerian football.
Scouts expected at this year’s edition include: Hakan Uyanmis (Turkey), agent and CEO, H-Sports Management Agency, who has just been confirmed as the new Sporting Director of Sakaryaspor – karagumruk of Turkey; Hilary Azudo, Sporting Director, OTP of Finland; Alfred Fenech Valletta FC – Team leader; and Simas Kumža, Sports Director, FK Babrungas Plungė, Lithuania.
Others are Glenn Stahl, UEFA Pro licence Coach, FK Zagiris Kauno; Fatih Ares, Turkey Assistant Head Coach, Boluspor FC, Turkey; Kestutis Petkus, Head Coach, FK Babrungas Plunges, Lithuania; Augustin Jibrin, OTP Head Coach, Finland, and Mindauguas Malinauskas, Goalkeeper Coach, Lithuania, amongst others.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of branded jerseys to the scouts and the signing of the contract agreement between the Prosperity Cup COC and Tristone Agency.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
