The 2010 edition of the Rivers State Governors Football Cup competition which has suffered three postponements is set to Commence on the 20th of this month through 17th February.

Enyadike Amadike, the project manager, Deportivo Vandyke Internatioknal Limited, consultants of the tournament disclosed this while fielding questions from sports journalists, shortly after he held a meeting with local government (LGA) representatives and other stake holders in the state at the boardroom of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, Port Harcourt.

According to him, the tournament would not suffer more and the date given is certain for the commencement.

“I must say that the competition will kick-start on that date Thursday this week. The competition, has shifted three times was not a deliberate act but as a result of administrative laxity during the period.

But, we are very certain of this current date you will agree with me that sometimes your programme could be affected by unforeseen circumstance,” Amadike said.

The project manager continued that the 2011 edition would hold at the last quarter of this year because the competition is an annual event, saying that they cannot afford to miss any year.

“This current competition is for 2010 edition, towards the third quarter of this we are sure to  hold for 2011.”

Amadike further revealed that the most valuable player (MVP) in the tournament would be awarded scholarship to study abroad and the opportunity to go for football trials outside the shores of Nigeria. He added that Vandyke International Limited have  plans to establish football academy in Port Harcourt to promite grassroots football development.

Benjanin Akobo, Secretary, Rivers State Football Association (RSFA) apologised to LGA representatives over the delays, the tournament experienced.

According to him, such has not happened before and pleaded that the LGA should try their best to regroup their players.

Tonye Orabere