Former President of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens Football Clubs of Ondo State Akin Akinbobola, says poor funding and mismanagement by the state government led to the recent relegation of both teams to lower division.
The relegation ended the 22 unbroken seasons of Sunshine Stars FC in the premier league by Sunshine Stars since its last relegation in 2003.
Akinbobola said this on Wednesday in Akure at a news conference to review the season of Sunshine Stars Football Club (FC) and the decline of sporting activities in the state.
According to the former president, Sunshine Stars FC is currently not being managed professionally, and the state government must begin to prioritise the sports sector and welfare of athletes.
“To the best of my knowledge, that place is not well-managed. Mediocrity has crept into the very breadth of that place.
“How can you put a carpenter to go and become head of hospital management board? How can you put a medical doctor to go and be chairman Judiciary Commission? It cannot work.
”You have to put a round peg in a round hole and supervise well for it to work. Football can generate plenty of money and create employment for our youths, if taken seriously.
“Let me also reiterate: the governor should not be using football or sports appointments as pay back for the boys and Sycophants.
“Sycophancy has paved the way for the promotion of mediocrity in the administration of sports.
“When loyalty is valued above competence, critical voices are silenced, and capable hands are sidelined, resulting in poor leadership, mismanagement, and a steady decline in performance,” he said.
Akinbobola, also former chairman, Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), urged the state government to urgently, establish a committee of credible and experienced football administrators.
He explained that the committee would ensure Sunshine Stars FC return to the topflight next season.
“Those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that Sunshine Stars escaped relegation should be probed on how the funds made available to them were mismanaged.
“With the right leadership, the club will bounce back to the elite league, but the governor should not entrust the peoples heritage in the hands of foreigners.
“The governor should also, as a matter of urgency, establish a sports commission, as it is the only way to revive the ailing sector,” he said.
Also, Emmanuel Oduyi, former Chairman of Sunshine Stars FC Supporters Club, called on Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently complete the stadium project.
“We have gone on relegation before in 2003 and we came back to the premier league, this time around, we don’t want politicians in the administration of our football.
“We want seasoned administrators from our state, not outsiders,” he said.
Similarly, Daniel Udoh, a former player of Sunshine Stars FC, said all must be done to bring Sunshine Stars back, while a sound administrator was needed to champion the cause. (NAN)
